China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has officially approved the launch of commercial trial operations for satellite Internet of Things (IoT) services, with the trial period set to run for two years.
Under the approval, Beijing Guodian Gaoke Technology Co., Ltd. has been authorised to carry out commercial trials of its satellite IoT business. During the trial phase, the company will be allowed to legally operate satellite-based IoT services using its “Tianqi Constellation” network.
The system is expected to provide wide-area, low-power, and highly reliable IoT connectivity, supporting real-time data collection and remote monitoring across sectors including marine fisheries, energy, water conservancy, transport, and logistics.
Chinese authorities said the move reflects the country’s accelerating push to commercialise its satellite communications industry. Officials view satellite IoT services as an important complement to China’s broader broadband satellite internet ambitions, particularly in areas where traditional terrestrial networks remain limited.
The ministry also said that expanding commercial trials could help create economies of scale, establish a more standardised industry framework, and encourage greater private-sector participation in China’s growing commercial space sector.
According to the statement, more companies are expected to receive approval for satellite IoT commercial trials in the future as Beijing continues to expand its commercial aerospace ecosystem.
