China Approves Geespace for Commercial Satellite IoT Pilot Operations

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has approved Zhejiang Geespace Technology Co., Ltd. to conduct a two-year commercial pilot test for satellite Internet of Things (IoT) services. Relying on the first phase of its Geely Future Mobility Constellation, Geespace will offer low-speed, wide-area data connectivity across transport, maritime fishery, and energy sectors. The approval represents the second such pilot granted to a private aerospace firm, following Beijing Guodian Gaoke Technology in May 2026, as China gradually opens space telecom segments to private capital.

The authorization marks steady regulatory progress in commercializing private satellite networks in China. Rather than relying solely on government procurement or technology demonstrations, commercial space operators are being cleared to enter active revenue-generating enterprise connectivity markets, laying essential infrastructure for industrial IoT, connected vehicles, and remote monitoring.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has granted regulatory approval for Zhejiang Geespace Technology Co., Ltd. to conduct a commercial pilot test of satellite Internet of Things (IoT) services, state media outlets reported on August 20, 2026. Under the terms of the two-year approval, Geespace is authorized to operate trial satellite IoT services relying on the first phase of its Geely Future Mobility Constellation. The private aerospace firm will provide wide-coverage, low-power, and high-reliability data connectivity designed for all-weather remote data collection and interaction. Target applications highlighted by regulators include smart transportation, maritime fisheries, energy infrastructure, and water resources management. According to official regulatory definitions cited by Xinhua, satellite IoT refers to low-speed data communication services delivered via satellite links to fixed data terminals, wearable devices, handheld units, and mobility platforms such as automobiles, ships, and aircraft. The service functions as a practical, low-bandwidth complement to larger broadband satellite internet networks. Geespace is the second private enterprise to receive MIIT authorization for satellite IoT commercial trials. The regulatory body originally launched the pilot testing program in November 2025, subsequently granting its first two-year commercial trial approval to Beijing Guodian Gaoke Technology Co., Ltd. in May 2026. MIIT stated that organizing commercial trial operations is intended to foster scale efficiencies in the satellite IoT sector, stimulate private capital participation, and advance the commercial aerospace ecosystem. Regulators noted that future efforts will balance industry growth with security requirements, with plans to further refine telecommunications market access and maintain full-chain supervision across the sector.