Full Breakdown
China Grants Geespace Two-Year Commercial Satellite IoT Trial
8/21/2026, 12:11:19 PM
Regulatory Approval for a Private Satellite IoT Service
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced that Zhejiang Geespace Technology, the commercial-space subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, has received a two-year permit to operate a commercial satellite Internet of Things (IoT) service. The approval, posted on the ministry’s website, makes Geespace the first private Chinese firm to secure such a trial, following a May permit granted to Beijing Guodian High-Tech Technology, which is backed by state-owned China Mobile.
Background and Market Context
Satellite IoT differs from broadband constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink by delivering low-power, low-speed connections for large numbers of sensors and devices in remote locations—oceans, deserts and isolated infrastructure. Beijing has been encouraging private participation in its burgeoning commercial-space sector, and the MIIT highlighted satellite IoT as a complement to existing broadband satellite services.
Capabilities and Deployment Scale
Founded in 2018, Geespace has launched 64 GeeSAT satellites across six missions between 2022 and 2025, completing the first phase of its “GeeSAT 1” constellation. The low-Earth-orbit network operates at roughly 600 km altitude, providing global coverage except for the polar regions. According to Geely Holding, the system can process about 340 million communication requests daily and support up to 20 million users worldwide. Over 20,000 satellite communication terminals have already been installed in mass-produced vehicles, and the technology is being trialed in maritime law-enforcement vessels and fishing boats in Zhejiang province.
Official Response and Anticipated Impact
MIIT officials stated that the trial will help pave the way for broader private-sector involvement in China’s commercial space development. The ministry expects satellite IoT to stimulate private investment, advance non-terrestrial network (NTN) technology, and contribute to the rollout of future 6G satellite communications.
Outlook for Commercial Expansion
During the trial, Geespace will operate its services using the GeeSAT 1 constellation, targeting sectors such as intelligent transportation, marine fisheries, energy and water resources. The company has already formed partnerships with telecom operators in more than 20 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, and secured orders in the Middle East and South America. The MIIT’s endorsement signals a continued opening of China’s satellite communications market to private innovators.
