China Launches Commercial Trial for Satellite IoT Services to Boost Global Connectivity

China has officially initiated a two-year commercial trial programme for satellite Internet of Things (IoT) services, aiming to enhance low-Earth-orbit (LEO) connectivity and drive the adoption of non-terrestrial IoT technology in various industries. The announcement was made during the 2025 China 5G + Industrial Internet Conference, held in Wuhan from November 21-23. This ambitious initiative marks a strategic push toward creating hybrid 5G and non-terrestrial network (NTN) service models tailored for both domestic and global industrial applications.

Exploring the New Frontier of Satellite-Based IoT

China’s trial programme not only provides a platform for enterprises to deploy and validate LEO satellite IoT services under real-world conditions but also targets sectors where current terrestrial networks, such as 4G and 5G, are absent or insufficient. Key use cases include logistics, agriculture, emergency response, and other industrial segments where low-bit-rate connectivity is crucial. This effort underscores the country’s strategic shift toward advanced telecommunications infrastructure designed to deliver ubiquitous coverage in even the most remote regions.

To participate in the trial, companies must adhere to strict regulatory guidelines set by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). These include compliance with registration, certification of IoT terminals, proper spectrum utilization, security measures, and routine performance reporting. Such stringent measures ensure that the trials provide valuable data while prioritizing user safety and network reliability.

A Core Component of China’s Next-Gen Infrastructure

The trial aligns with China’s broader strategy to position satellite networks as an integral part of its next-generation infrastructure ecosystem. Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including satellite IoT, satellite broadband, and direct-to-device (D2D) communication, have emerged as a critical layer complementing traditional terrestrial networks. By accelerating the deployment of LEO satellite constellations and fostering collaboration among vendors, operators, and industrial stakeholders, the programme aims to enable seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial services.

Furthermore, this trial framework provides a controlled environment for testing operational models, security mechanisms, and overall performance. The insights gained during the programme will inform future large-scale rollouts of satellite IoT services and strengthen China’s position as a leader in the rapidly growing global NTN ecosystem. As industries increasingly demand reliable connectivity in previously unreachable areas, this initiative could create far-reaching opportunities for technological advancement and economic growth.

Strengthening China’s Global Position in NTN Innovation

China’s investment in satellite IoT and NTNs goes beyond addressing domestic connectivity gaps. By rapidly developing its LEO infrastructure and refining service models through controlled trials, the country is positioning itself as a dominant player in the international communications market. With global NTN initiatives gaining traction, China may leverage this head start to shape industry standards, secure lucrative partnerships, and cater to the surging demand for satellite-enabled connectivity solutions.

Ultimately, the success of this programme could redefine global expectations for IoT and NTN integration. As industries worldwide seek reliable, cost-effective connectivity solutions, China’s efforts may set a new benchmark for innovation, scalability, and interoperability across the telecommunications sector. The satellite IoT trial signals not just a technological leap for the nation but a step toward establishing itself as a global leader in next-generation network solutions.