The Regulation aims to implement the Cybersecurity Law, Data Security Law, and Telecommunications Regulations, promoting the healthy development of direct satellite communication services while safeguarding national security, public interest, and individual rights.
As direct-to-satellite terminal communication becomes a global trend in mobile communications, the Regulation defines the scope of application, supporting policies, licensing requirements, security measures, and regulatory mechanisms. It applies to all domestic and foreign entities that offer, use, produce, or sell terminal equipment supporting direct satellite services within China.
Upholding the principle of “balancing development and security, promoting innovation under legal governance,” the Regulation outlines five key pillars:
1. Support for Industrial Development:
It encourages research into satellite terminal technologies, integration of satellite and terrestrial networks, and applications in emergency response, disaster relief, and public safety. It promotes infrastructure development, standard system establishment, talent cultivation, demonstration projects, and international cooperation in rule- and standard-setting.
2. Service Provision Requirements:
Entities offering direct satellite services in China must obtain relevant telecom and radio frequency licenses and may only connect to legally authorized satellite networks. International communications must route through approved gateways. Service pricing must be lawful and consumer rights protected. Providers must comply with cybersecurity, data security, and personal information protection obligations.
3. Equipment and Infrastructure Management:
Construction must meet legal, regulatory, and mandatory national standards. For critical information infrastructure, additional protection rules apply. The Regulation prohibits unauthorized access, interference, or sabotage of infrastructure, and bans illegal production or sale of equipment used to support criminal activity.
4. Security Protections:
Service providers must implement cybersecurity classification protections, secure network architecture, data grading and protection measures, and commercial cryptography security assessments. They must establish anti-fraud systems, assess telecom fraud risks, and handle illegal content immediately. Cross-border data transfer activities must comply with relevant Chinese laws and approvals.
5. Regulatory Oversight and Legal Liability:
Authorities including CAC, MIIT, MPS, and others will enforce oversight and tailor supervision mechanisms based on technical characteristics. Companies must cooperate with inspections. Violations—such as offering unlicensed services or selling non-compliant devices—will be subject to administrative penalties and other legal consequences.
The Regulation represents China’s institutional response to the rapid growth of low-Earth orbit satellite communication. It reflects a balanced approach between technological advancement and national security. For device manufacturers, service providers, and businesses engaged in cross-border communications and data flows, the Regulation brings new compliance challenges—but also clear guidance for legal operations,