Summary of Key Points
Recently, the Beijing Emergency Management Bureau, in collaboration with China Telecom, launched a “0 yuan to activate mobile satellite direct connection” service, which is essentially a convenience benefit designed for emergency scenarios. Utilizing China’s TianTong-1 high-orbit satellite system, users can make satellite calls and send text messages without needing to change their SIM cards or phone numbers, even in areas without 4G/5G coverage—such as disaster zones, mountainous regions, or uninhabited areas. However, the 0 yuan fee only applies to the monthly activation fee; calls and text messages are still charged based on usage. Currently, satellite communication in China consists of two completely separate product lines: “mobile satellite direct voice and text messaging” and “high-speed internet via expensive external terminals.” The technology is still in the transition phase from being exclusively for emergencies to becoming widely available to the general public. Two key factors are needed for it to become a common daily service: reduced pricing and the deployment of low-orbit satellite networks.
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Detailed Explanation
1. Don’t be misled by the “free satellite phone” headline; the rules are simple
The benefits are not as exaggerated as they sound. The main change is the lowered threshold for activating satellite communication: Beijing Telecom users can activate this service by sending a text message for free, without any additional fees. Normally, this service costs 10 yuan per month. During the flood season from July to September this year, this fee was waived, and the cost of sending a satellite text message was temporarily reduced from 5 yuan to 1 yuan. Calling satellite phones within China, including those in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, now costs 9 yuan per minute.
There are two common misconceptions: First, “free” does not mean the calls are actually free; 10 minutes of satellite call time still costs 90 yuan, and 10 text messages cost 10 yuan, with charges based on usage. Second, not all phones can connect to satellites. Only 47 models, from brands like Huawei, Honor, Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, and Samsung, support this feature if they have a built-in TianTong-1 satellite module. The technology that Elon Musk envisioned of allowing any phone to connect to satellites without modification has not yet been implemented globally. Users who frequently go to mountainous or remote areas should activate the service in areas with cellular coverage in advance, as they won’t be able to send a message even if the service is activated.
2. There are two separate satellite communication services in China; don’t confuse them
Many people think that with satellite direct connection, they can use it to browse the internet in the mountains, but this is not the case. There are two independent satellite communication systems in China:
- The service launched this time uses TianTong-1 high-orbit satellites, which have a wide range but limited bandwidth, suitable only for voice and text messages. High-definition video transmission is not possible.
- Another service, launched by China Satcom in August, provides high-speed internet via external terminals. The cheapest portable parabolic antenna costs 27,999 yuan and includes 120GB of data per year. Vehicle-mounted terminals are even more expensive. This service is designed for off-road enthusiasts, RV owners, field researchers, and outdoor streamers and is not compatible with mobile phones.
3. The 9 yuan per minute charge for satellite calls is not excessive
Critics may find this price high, but it makes sense when you consider the context. Traditional 4G/5G relies on numerous ground-based stations, which are much cheaper to operate. Satellite communication, on the other hand, is used in extreme situations where ground infrastructure is damaged or unavailable. The price is aimed at emergency scenarios where every minute counts.
4. Satellite communication needs two more steps to become a common service
For satellite communication to become a regular part of daily life, two challenges need to be overcome:
- The billing system must change from per-minute or per-message to a monthly subscription, similar to how Starlink works overseas. For example, T-Mobile in the US offers satellite direct connection as an additional service for 10 dollars per month or includes it in premium plans for free, mainly for text messages and small data transfers.
- Low-orbit satellite networks are also needed. Current high-orbit systems like TianTong-1 only support voice and text messages. High-speed internet requires a network of low-orbit satellites, which are still under development in China. The popularity of this service will depend on whether low-orbit networks become widely available.
Users can gauge its potential by observing the following:
- Whether the temporary discounts (0 yuan activation and 1 yuan per text message) will continue.
- Whether the monthly fee of 10 yuan will include more free call time or even waive the fee altogether.
- When low-orbit satellite data services will be included in standard phone plans.
- When more affordable phones (around 1,000 yuan) will support satellite communication, making it easily accessible to the general public.
In summary, while the satellite connection service is a useful emergency tool, it is still far from becoming a regular daily service like 5G. Overcoming these challenges will be essential for its widespread adoption.