Summary of Key Points
This article discusses whether Huawei will enter the field of commercial aerospace constellation construction. Huawei has been making significant investments in the satellite internet sector for several years, from integrating 5G technology with satellite communications to developing terminal satellite communications. Its involvement is increasing, as evidenced by its 6G vision and the concept of integrating satellite and ground systems. However, there is no clear plan for Huawei to build its own constellation. It is more likely that Huawei will contribute its technical and network capabilities to joint projects rather than operating them independently. Additionally, the technical challenges and cost risks associated with very low Earth orbit (VLEO) constellations need to be considered.
1. Huawei Has Been Active in the Satellite Internet Field for Years
Huawei's involvement with satellites is not a recent development:
- 2020: Collaborated with China Unicom to develop an "air-ground-space integration" solution, connecting low-earth orbit satellites with 5G networks and testing applications such as satellite IoT and vehicle networking.
- 2021: Huawei Cloud joined the "TianSuan Constellation" project, transferring cloud-native and AI technologies to satellites, which reduced data transmission by 90% during tests (demonstrating the feasibility of the technology).
- Terminal Devices: The Mate50 supported Beidou satellite communications, and the Mate60 Pro could directly connect to TianTong satellites for calls.
- Regenerated Satellite Tests: In 2023, Huawei conducted tests with "regenerated satellites" that could process communication data on their own (similar to ground-based stations), achieving speeds of 660Mbps downstream and 135Mbps upstream.
2. Huawei Views Satellites as a Core Part of Future Communication Networks
Huawei does not see satellites as additional features but as essential components of future communication networks:
- Two Models of Integration: Vice Chairman Wang Tao stated that there will be two approaches to integrating satellite and ground communications: either cooperation between ground operators and satellite providers (e.g., automatically switching to satellite connections when mobile signals are weak) or ground-led initiatives to build infrastructure together with satellite companies.
- 6G Vision: Huawei's 6G plan includes VLEO constellations, focusing on how multiple satellites can work together to dynamically adjust signal routes, integrating them into mobile communication networks.
- Unified Standards: Huawei advocates using 3GPP standards to ensure seamless integration between satellite and ground networks, allowing operators to expand their services through satellites.
3. Huawei Is More Likely to Collaborate Rather than Operate Alone
Huawei is unlikely to build constellations on its own. The practical approach is to partner with others:
- Operator Qualifications: By 2025, all three major telecom operators in China will have the necessary qualifications to offer satellite mobile services. Operating satellites directly would compete with their existing businesses.
- Policy Support: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology encourages cooperation between operators and satellite companies, offering opportunities for private enterprises in new satellite services. Huawei is likely to use its technology (communication infrastructure, ground networks, and terminals) to contribute to joint projects, with operations managed by qualified operators.
- Learning from SpaceX but Not Copying: While SpaceX builds, sells, and provides services for its own constellations, China follows a different approach. Huawei's strengths lie in terminals and networks, making "technology transfer + joint network construction" a more feasible strategy.
4. VLEO Constellations Present Challenges for Huawei
If Huawei decides to participate in constellation construction, VLEO orbits pose significant challenges:
- Technical Challenges: The low altitude (350 km) results in high atmospheric resistance, requiring frequent orbit adjustments and the use of materials resistant to atomic oxygen, which affects satellite lifespan.
- Cost Pressures: Large-scale constellations require frequent satellite launches, increasing production and launch costs. Huawei would need to weigh the benefits against these expenses.
- Organizational Skills: Aerospace and communication are different industries, and Huawei needs additional capabilities in satellite manufacturing, launch, and orbit management, which are not currently part of its core competencies.
5. Conclusion: Huawei's Involvement is Growing, but the Limits Are Unclear
Although Huawei has no official constellation construction plan, its presence in the satellite internet sector has deepened over the past few years. It has developed equipment, terminals, and contributed to standard setting, considering satellites a key component of future communication. If China's low-earth orbit satellite internet continues to develop, Huawei may either continue as a technology provider or become more involved in joint network construction. The possibility of Huawei operating its own constellation is low.
The boundaries between the commercial aerospace and communication industries are blurring, and Huawei's actions reflect this trend.