China Initiates Two-Year Trial for Satellite-Based IoT Services
China has officially commenced a two-year trial period for commercial satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) services, as announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Saturday. This initiative is part of the nation’s broader strategy to establish a comprehensive space-air-ground network. The announcement was made during the China 5G+ Industrial Internet Conference, which is taking place in Wuhan City, located in the Hubei Province of central China, from Friday to Sunday.
Understanding Satellite IoT Technology
Satellite IoT represents a low-speed data communication service that leverages satellite technology to connect various IoT devices, including industrial sensors, vehicles, and maritime vessels. This technology is particularly beneficial for providing coverage in areas that lack access to conventional terrestrial networks. Although the data transfer speeds are not as fast as those offered by mobile internet, it serves as a crucial solution for ensuring connectivity in remote or harsh environments, such as oceans, mountainous regions, and industrial corridors.
Aims of the Commercial Trial
The two-year trial aims to enhance the variety of services available in the satellite communication market and facilitate the safe and sustainable growth of emerging sectors, including commercial aerospace and the low-altitude economy. Liu Haijiao, the deputy director of the Wireless Informatization Research Department at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, emphasized that Satellite IoT can deliver extensive information services across various applications, including vehicles, ships, drones, oil and gas pipelines, and industrial machinery, thereby enabling large-scale implementations.
Demonstration of Satellite Connectivity
At a demonstration booth, Yao Wenxuan, the director of the Solutions Center at Hubei Telecom, showcased a terminal designed to connect with the Tiantong satellite. He explained, “This terminal establishes a data link with the Tiantong satellite and supports a data transmission rate of 9.6KB per second. It enables connectivity in areas inaccessible to conventional IoT technologies, such as across oceans or in remote mountainous regions.”
Industrial Growth Potential
This initiative is anticipated to create significant demand for satellite launches, fostering growth throughout the industrial supply chain, from satellite production to rocket launch services. Liu Zhengfeng, deputy general manager of Hunan Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., stated, “Currently, we are capable of producing between 100 to 150 satellites weighing less than 500 kilograms annually. Their applications are diverse, encompassing remote sensing, communication, and deep space exploration.”
Horse Racing Event in Xinjiang
In a separate event, over 200 riders participated in a horse racing competition held in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Saturday. As the gates opened, the riders surged forward like arrows, their horses racing at full speed, stirring up clouds of dust. Liu Jiankai, a participant from Shandong, shared, “I’m competing in the 1600-meter and 2000-meter races. I prepared for six months and arrived 20 days early to familiarize myself with the venue. I’ve met many skilled riders and hope to achieve great results in this competition.” The event concluded on Sunday and featured various competitions, including speed trials, walking races, and hybrid horse races, showcasing the region’s unique winter horse racing traditions.
