China Mobile reportedly launched two experimental satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) to test 5G and 6G technologies. These satellites, deployed at an altitude of 500 km, aim to explore the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks to support both systems.
One LEO satellite, developed in collaboration with the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, facilitates in-orbit software reconstruction and flexible deployment of core network functions. Another satellite, jointly developed with Chinese satellite company Ubinexus, features a land-space 5G operating system.
These satellites will trial methods of incorporating satellite communications into terrestrial 5G and 6G cellular networks to extend coverage to remote areas. While 6G is not expected to be standardized for at least six years, the upcoming 3GPP Release 18 standard is set to integrate non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) into 5G infrastructure.
Juniper Research forecasts the initial launch of 6G services in densely populated areas by 2029
China already boasts 3.28 million 5G base stations with plans for further expansion. And it is also eyeing the commercialization of 6G by 2030, with standardization expected around 2025.