China's trial operation of satellite IoT service ushers in new phase for

China has officially launched a two-year commercial trial of its satellite Internet of Things (IoT) service, marking an important step toward building a new AI-driven intelligent industrial infrastructure. Unlike satellite internet for high-speed human connectivity, satellite IoT provides low-speed, wide-area connections that allow various IoT devices and vehicles to transmit data even in remote regions. The trial aims to expand satellite communication service supply, boost industry vitality, strengthen security supervision, and establish scalable models to support emerging sectors such as commercial aerospace and the low-altitude economy.

Meanwhile, Chinese telecom operators are accelerating efforts to develop integrated space-air-ground networks. China Mobile is using AI to advance a shift from “individual intelligence” to “collective intelligence,” and has launched satellite IoT solutions for logistics, electricity, and water management to address coverage and communication challenges. China Telecom and China Unicom are also expanding satellite services, including direct-to-handset connectivity and low-Earth-orbit satellite deployment, with applications in emergency response, maritime operations, and remote-area communication. China’s satellite communications market continues to grow, surpassing 80 billion yuan in 2023 and projected to exceed 200 billion yuan by 2029.

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