China’s economic planners have unveiled a significant overhaul of the nation’s radio frequency fee structure, signaling a strategic pivot toward supporting massive satellite constellations. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Finance announced that fees for satellite operators will shift from a per-unit charge to a model based on actual bandwidth usage. This regulatory adjustment is specifically designed to accommodate the unique operational realities of Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) systems and networked Geostationary Orbit (GSO) operations.
The most telling aspect of the new policy is the distinction made for large-scale deployments. For constellations exceeding 200 satellites, the government will implement a unified system-wide fee rather than charging per individual spacecraft. This threshold is a clear nod to China’s burgeoning LEO projects, such as the state-led 'Guowang' and the commercial 'G60 Starlink' initiatives, which aim to place thousands of satellites in orbit to compete with international rivals like SpaceX.
To further incentivize technological advancement, the authorities are lowering the costs associated with high-frequency bands. By refining fee tiers based on frequency height, Beijing is encouraging operators to move into more sophisticated, higher-capacity spectrum ranges that are essential for high-speed satellite internet. This move aligns with global trends where the race for 'spectral efficiency' has become as critical as the race to launch rockets.
Beyond the stars, the updated fee schedule also addresses the terrestrial digital economy. Specific standards have been set for emerging applications including the 5G-R railway communication system, industrial private networks, and licensed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. By formalizing these costs, China is providing the legal and financial predictability necessary for domestic firms to invest in the next generation of industrial connectivity and autonomous transport.