China has launched a new satellite short messaging service leveraging the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), designed to provide reliable communication during emergencies when ground-based mobile networks are unavailable. The groundbreaking service was announced on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
The service was introduced by China Space-Time Information Co., Ltd., the national operator of the BeiDou services, in collaboration with major domestic telecom carriers. It is poised to serve as a critical supplement to terrestrial mobile networks, expected to enhance safety and communication reliability for users across scenarios such as hiking in remote mountains, working at sea, and disaster relief and emergency coordination.
The service utilizes the short-message communication capability built into the BeiDou system, enabling users with compatible smartphones to send and receive text messages directly via BeiDou satellites in areas without cellular coverage. This represents a significant technological advancement, bringing capabilities previously limited to expensive satellite phones to everyday smartphones.
China’s three primary telecom operators, China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, have all integrated the service. Subscribers can activate the service without changing their SIM cards or phone numbers, making adoption seamless for existing users.
Currently, nearly 60 smartphone models from leading Chinese brands already support the functionality, with more expected to add compatibility soon. The company emphasized that it marks a significant step toward bringing satellite communication technology to the public, integrating BeiDou’s capabilities into daily life and offering tangible technological protection.
