China is making a significant move to advance direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services. This strategic push involves issuing comprehensive guidelines and granting licenses to telecommunications companies, placing it firmly in a globally competitive market.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released its “Guiding Opinions on Optimizing Business Access to Promote the Development of the Satellite Communications Industry” in late August. These guidelines explicitly support direct-to-satellite phone services, foster collaboration between telecom giants and satellite companies, and encourage commercial trials for Internet of Things (IoT) services. A key element is a “no SIM swap, no number change” model, with a goal of exceeding 10 million satellite communications users by 2030.
Following the release of these guidelines, MIIT granted a license to China Unicom on September 9 to operate satellite mobile services, enabling it to provide direct-to-phone satellite connectivity. China Unicom is one of three major telecom giants in China. China Telecom already offers D2D services via the Tiantong geostationary satellite system in Hong Kong and Laos. China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile operator, has reportedly applied for its own authorization.
This initiative aligns with China’s broader ambitions in satellite internet, launched in the early 2020s as part of its “new infrastructure” and space sector strategy. The nation is developing the Guowang low Earth orbit megaconstellation (often compared to Starlink) and the Qianfan (“Thousand Sails”) constellation, backed by Shanghai. The guidelines encourage telecom operators to expand high-speed data services based on voice and short messaging services using low-orbit satellite internet, promoting integrated space and ground information infrastructure.
MIIT plans to consolidate industry resources to collaboratively create an open, shared, and space-ground integrated satellite communications standards system. The intention is to actively engage in international and regional standards organizations, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
These actions build upon comprehensive regulations for D2D services issued in April by seven government departments. The “Regulations on the Management of Terminal Equipment Directly Connected to Satellite Services” established the legal and technical foundation for satellite connectivity that aligns with national goals. This followed the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approving the world’s first direct-to-smartphone regulatory framework in March 2024.
This all unfolds in a context of intense global competition. As SpaceNews recently reported, Europe has initiated a study to enhance D2D services using satellite spectrum, following SpaceX's multibillion-dollar deal for space-approved frequencies to expand its 5G services.