The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has issued a notice to organize commercial trials for satellite Internet of Things (IoT) services, with a trial period of two years. Satellite IoT services refer to low-speed data services that utilize satellite communication technology to provide wide-area IoT connectivity for various devices, including data collection terminals, wearables, handheld terminals, and vehicles such as cars, ships, and aircraft.
Enterprises applying to participate in the commercial trials must establish satellite IoT systems, along with business support systems (BSS), operational support systems (OSS), and management support systems (MSS), to legally operate satellite IoT services nationwide. The trials primarily target enterprises and institutions in industries such as industrial, transportation, energy, agriculture, and emergency response that utilize satellite IoT for data collection and transmission.
The initiative aims to enrich the satellite communication market, stimulate market vitality, enhance industry service capabilities, and establish a safety supervision framework. It also seeks to develop replicable models to support emerging industries like commercial aerospace and low-altitude economy.
**Eligibility and Approval Process** Applicants must meet several criteria, including being legally registered companies with adequate funding, professional personnel, and necessary facilities. They must also secure frequency and station licenses from radio regulatory authorities and submit comprehensive trial plans ensuring network security, service quality, and compliance with regulations.
Applications should be submitted to local communications administrations for preliminary review before being forwarded to MIIT for final approval, which includes expert evaluations.
**Operational Requirements** Approved enterprises must: 1. Construct and operate satellite IoT systems while adhering to network security and service quality standards. 2. Reserve satellite communication resources as required and ensure emergency communication support. 3. Protect user rights, including transparency and choice, through contractual agreements. 4. Comply with terminal device regulations and use licensed telecom equipment. 5. Report operational data, integrate with industrial internet identification systems, and support IPv6. 6. Strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, and anti-fraud measures. 7. Follow radio frequency management rules to avoid interference.
**User Management** Enterprises utilizing satellite IoT must: 1. Implement IoT device management systems under the "one device, one code, one number" policy. 2. Refrain from disseminating prohibited information or unauthorized telecom activities. 3. Avoid illegal resale or subleasing of satellite IoT services.
**Exit Mechanism** MIIT may revoke trial qualifications for non-compliance or severe violations. Exiting enterprises must safeguard user interests and manage transitions or terminations appropriately.
**Oversight and Evaluation** MIIT oversees trial implementation, supervision, and assessment, while local communications administrations handle regional applications, inspections, and compliance checks. Enterprises must submit annual trial reports, and MIIT will evaluate outcomes to refine policies and formalize satellite IoT services.
The trials commence upon the notice's issuance on November 19, 2025.