China has launched the first phase of its IoT Satellite Network, thereby boosting global connectivity for surface communications. As a result, the network now includes 64 satellites. They provide real-time coverage worldwide, excluding polar regions. Furthermore, experts say the IoT Satellite Network positions China at the forefront of space-based IoT technology.
Following the launch, a rocket lifted off from a sea platform in Shandong Province on Wednesday, placing 11 Geely-06 satellites into orbit. Consequently, this mission further expanded China’s connected IoT satellite system. Meanwhile, Geespace, the private satellite division of Geely Holding Group, completed six launches from 2022 to 2025 to ensure full reliability of its satellite IoT network.
In addition, the satellite IoT system is designed to serve 20 million users worldwide. It can handle up to 340 million messages daily. Moreover, the network accommodates five million high-frequency users and 15 million medium- and low-frequency users. Each transmission carries 1,900-byte packets, supporting text, voice, and image data.
Looking ahead, Geespace plans to expand the first-phase satellite IoT system to 72 satellites, which will boost capacity and reliability. Additionally, Phase Two will deploy 264 satellites to enable direct-to-smartphone connections. Meanwhile, Phase Three will add 5,676 satellites for global broadband coverage. Therefore, the network will provide commercial satellite-IoT connectivity worldwide.
The satellite IoT system also powers space-based connected-vehicle networks, allowing real-time messaging and precise positioning. As a result, Geely Zeekr and Galaxy electric vehicles now include satellite IoT connectivity. Consequently, users can send and receive messages even when terrestrial networks are unavailable.
Moreover, Geespace collaborates with China Unicom, Geely Auto, and Zoomlion to implement the satellite IoT system in vehicles, marine fisheries, heavy machinery, and logistics. For instance, China Unicom, which holds the direct-to-phone satellite license, successfully tested two-way vehicle-platform connections using the satellite IoT network earlier this year.
In addition, the satellite IoT system supports industrial applications through low-frequency, ultra-low-power modes. These modes reduce operational costs, extend device battery life, and allow priority emergency communications. Furthermore, Geespace has agreements with telecom companies in more than 20 countries and carried out its first overseas commercial trial of the satellite IoT network in Oman in 2024.
To further accelerate production, Geespace built an intelligent gigafactory in Taizhou. Consequently, the facility reduced satellite manufacturing time to 28 days and increased output tenfold. At the same time, a joint laboratory with Peking University develops next-generation communications and smart-computing technologies for the satellite IoT system. Additionally, an experimental satellite from this lab launched alongside the newest batch.
Overall, the satellite IoT system reinforces China’s position in global IoT and automotive technology. Officials note that the satellite IoT network integrates AI, cloud computing, and big data, thus enabling real-time connected-vehicle communications worldwide.
