Takeaways from MWC Shanghai 2025: Satellites, NTN, and the Evolving Role of Telcos

The GSMA’s Satellite and NTN Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the growing role of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and satellite technologies in advancing global connectivity. Amid the intensifying race to deploy satellite constellations, China is emerging as a major contender with its ambitious Qianfan (Spacesail), Guowang (China Satellite Network), and Honghu-3 (Hongqing Technology) constellations—signaling a strong national commitment to becoming a global space power. While Starlink currently leads in the number of operational satellites, China's constellations could potentially challenge Starlink if deployment progresses as planned.

Growing trends in China’s space ecosystem include:

1. Direct-to-Cell (D2C) Technology: This is driving a surge in partnerships between telco operators and satellite providers, aimed at integrating satellite services directly into mobile networks. We can expect phased rollouts of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations—initially offering limited connectivity windows (e.g., 1–3 hours per day)—with the goal of scaling up to full 24/7 coverage over time.
2. Satellite-Based Internet of Things (IoT): This presents significant potential, with a global, Total Addressable Market (TAM) estimated at 2.5 billion to 3 billion devices across a wide range of industries. Demand for satellite connectivity is especially strong in remote and underserved areas. Key sectors poised for growth include utilities, automotive, agriculture, manufacturing, oil & gas, mining, healthcare, maritime, and others.

On the floor at MWC Shanghai 2025, it is evident that China is not merely participating in the global space-tech race—it’s striving to set the pace and be at the forefront of the race. What was once a space ecosystem dominated by state-led programs is now undergoing rapid diversification, with commercial space initiatives gaining momentum. The addressable market for satellite technology is also expanding beyond traditional government use, increasingly targeting consumer and enterprise segments.

What Sets China Apart from the Rest:

1. Strong Backing from Local Governments: China’s state-led space programs enable rapid alignment of policy, capital, and manufacturing, giving its space ecosystem a significant advantage. This integrated approach supports the ability of domestic companies to pilot new technologies, scale production efficiently, and explore hybrid business models—capabilities often limited in more fragmented markets. In addition, the government actively stimulates demand through state-owned enterprises and national development initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative. Regional pilot zones also play a key role, providing commercial players with real-world environments to test and scale solutions.
2. China’s Long-Term 6G Ambitions: China sees 6G as a foundational pillar of the next industrial revolution, aiming to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Terrestrial Networks (TNs) and NTNs, and satellite technologies into a unified communications framework. Mobile networks are treated as critical infrastructure, and 6G has been designated as a national strategic priority. The country is targeting initial 6G application rollouts by 2025, potentially via large-scale pilots in industrial parks and smart cities. The D2C segment is a key part of this vision, pointing toward a future when satellite connectivity is seamlessly embedded in everyday consumer devices.  

The show makes it clear: China’s space-tech ecosystem is no longer operating on the margins of global innovation—it is actively helping to shape its direction. For industry stakeholders, overlooking China means missing out on the emerging standards, market forces, and technological frameworks that are likely to influence the next generation of NTN infrastructure. While state-led programs continue to dominate, a new wave of private companies—including LandSpace, Space Pioneer, Galactic Energy, and i-Space—is gaining momentum and expanding China’s influence across the commercial space sector.

While China’s space ecosystem remains relatively closed—due to its vertically integrated structure, domestic policy constraints, and external geopolitical factors—there are still pathways for industry stakeholders to explore potential business opportunities and collaborative efforts, particularly across regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America. For those seeking to engage with, or alongside, China's space ambitions, some potential entry points include:

• Collaboration with Local Partners on Non-Sensitive Upstream Technology: While China is advancing toward self-sufficiency, certain high-end satellite components remain areas of active development. These include radiation-hardened electronics, high-efficiency solar cells, and cryogenic technologies. International companies specializing in advanced materials, composites, or manufacturing techniques—such as Three-Dimensional (3D) printing for rocket parts—may find opportunities by partnering with Chinese firms. Entry is more feasible for those willing to localize, co-develop, or enter joint ventures in alignment with local industry goals.
• Downstream Applications and Commercialization: China excels at building space assets, but has placed less emphasis on monetizing these assets through Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms and data analytics. As the private sector matures, there is growing demand for downstream applications such as Earth Observation (EO) analytics and geo-intelligence. Use cases in agriculture, disaster response, and urban planning present strong potential for collaboration, particularly in offering value-added services built on Chinese satellite infrastructure.
• Cooperation Under the China Space Silk Road Initiative: This initiative is an extension of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focusing on space-related infrastructure and services. The initiative facilitates partnerships with BRI member countries in areas such as satellite applications, launch services, technology transfer, and space Research and Development ®&D. Companies working in or through these regions may find strategic opportunities by aligning with China’s long-term vision for global space engagement.

While China is technologically advanced and largely self-reliant, it continues to value partnerships in non-sensitive areas that support commercial growth and align with its long-term strategic goals.