The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced on Monday that it has granted China Unicom a license to operate satellite mobile services, enabling the carrier to deliver direct-to-cell satellite coverage for emergencies, maritime traffic and remote regions.

As the country's satellite-mobile supply chain accelerates commercialization, the ministry said it expects a competitive yet collaborative market that will make satellite connectivity more accessible to everyday consumers.

Closer coordination between carriers and upstream-downstream partners, the ministry added, will spur industrial upgrades and reinforce supply-chain resilience and security.

The ministry said it will further streamline market entry for satellite communications, tighten security oversight and guide the sector toward high-quality growth.