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Seven Chinese departments, including the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Ministry of Public Security, have jointly issued a new regulation governing terminal devices that connect directly to satellite services, aiming to further promote and regulate the healthy development of direct satellite connection services for terminal devices, safeguard national security and the public interest. 

Direct satellite connectivity for terminal devices has become an emerging trend in the global mobile communication field, with products and services rapidly gaining popularity and attracting widespread attention, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said on Wednesday.

The regulation provides guidelines for terminal devices connecting directly to satellite, covering equipment, service and management, supervision, and legal responsibilities, the Administration noted.

The regulation will come into effect on June 1, 2025. 

Terminal equipment [covered in this regulation] refers to civil handheld terminals, portable terminals, fixed terminals, and terminals mounted on vehicles such as aircraft, ships, and vehicles that can connect to satellite communication systems for voice, text, or data transmission, according to the CAC.

Direct satellite service for terminal equipment refers to using such devices to connect directly to communication satellites via wireless signals, without intermediary devices, for voice, text, or data transmission, the related official from the CAC said.

The official further explained that the purpose of the regulation is to promote and standardize the healthy development of terminal devices connecting directly to satellite services.

It highlights "the dual emphasis of both development and security, combining innovation with governance in accordance with law," the official added.

The regulation also specifies support measures for the research and development of direct satellite connection technology for terminal devices, infrastructure construction, integrated innovation, application ecosystem, standard formulation, and talent cultivation.

The regulation supports research on terminal devices direct satellite connection technology, promote the integrated development of satellite communication and ground mobile communication, explore new applications and business models for technological integration, and build a comprehensive industrial ecosystem. 

The regulation encourages the use of direct satellite connection services via terminal devices to expand China's network coverage and promote applications in disaster prevention and relief, workplace safety, field operations, and search and rescue.

The regulation also support the lawful development and utilization of relevant data and encourage equal, mutually beneficial international cooperation.

Additionally, the regulation emphasizes that providing direct satellite connection services for terminal devices within China must obtain proper permits and approvals, and comply with obligations related to network security, data protection, and illegal content management.

Service providers must obtain licenses and approvals under applicable laws and administrative regulations, and only connect to satellite communication systems that operate legally within China, according to the official. 

Regarding international communications, the service must be conducted through international communication entry and exit points approved by the State Council's telecommunications authority, the official added. 

Global Times