China has given the green light to Zhejiang Geespace Technology, a Geely-backed commercial space firm, to conduct a pioneering two-year trial of satellite Internet of Things (IoT) services. This move signals Beijing’s commitment to opening its satellite communications market to private companies and advancing its commercial space ambitions.
- China’s first private-sector satellite IoT commercial trial authorized
- Geespace to provide connectivity for smart transport, energy, and marine sectors
- Supports Beijing’s push to expand private participation in commercial space
What happened
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) granted a permit to Zhejiang Geespace Technology, a commercial space subsidiary of electric vehicle maker Geely, for a two-year satellite Internet of Things (IoT) trial. This is the first-ever private-sector authorization for commercial satellite IoT services in China.
The trial will focus on delivering low-power, wide area network connectivity to sectors including smart transportation, marine fisheries, energy, and water infrastructure. Zhejiang Geespace Technology has already deployed a constellation of 64 satellites over six launches between 2022 and 2025 as part of the initial phase of its proprietary orbital network.
Why it matters
Prior to this, only state-backed entities such as China Mobile had secured similar trial permits. Geespace’s entry as the first fully private company marks a significant shift in China’s regulatory environment, encouraging more private-sector innovation and investment in space infrastructure.
What to watch next
Observers will be keen to follow the progress and results of Geespace’s satellite IoT trial as it could pave the way for broader private participation and more commercial satellite networks within China. The firm’s ambitious goal to eventually deploy a satellite constellation exceeding 5,600 units signals strong growth potential in the sector.
Additionally, Geespace’s ongoing global collaborations with telecom operators across Asia, Africa, and Latin America demonstrate how China’s commercial space firms are expanding internationally, which could shape future geopolitical and technological competition in satellite IoT services.