Recently, Space Engineering Development Co., Ltd. of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), in collaboration with the China Unicom Research Institute and other institutions, successfully completed an integrated maritime networking communication test combining low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT). As early as December 2018, CASIC independently developed and successfully launched China’s first LEO broadband communications technology verification satellite, which has since conducted multiple key satellite internet technology validation tests—including dual gateway station handover. This integrated networking test marks the first comprehensive maritime trial integrating satellite internet, 5G, and IoT, representing a milestone achievement with demonstrative application value.
Currently, satellite internet, 5G, and IoT have all been incorporated into China’s national new infrastructure development strategy. LEO satellite internet enables global coverage, ensuring internet access services for any location on Earth; 5G extends connectivity beyond ‘human-to-human’ to encompass ‘human-to-human + human-to-thing + thing-to-thing’, featuring high bandwidth, low latency, and massive connectivity; and IoT connects diverse information-sensing devices to the internet, enabling ‘everything connected’. By synergistically integrating these three technologies—complementing each other’s strengths and mitigating weaknesses—they collectively support the construction of a globally seamless, integrated information infrastructure spanning maritime, terrestrial, aerial, and space domains—holding profound strategic significance and broad societal benefits for both national development and humanity at large.
Last updated: 2026-03-08