Zhejiang Timek (Spacecom) Technology Co., Ltd. has received approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) to conduct commercial trials for its satellite Internet of Things (IoT) business. This pivotal decision, effective for two years, positions Timek (Spacecom) as the second private enterprise, following Beijing Guodian High-Tech, to secure such a license nationwide, and the first in Zhejiang Province.
Expanding Satellite IoT Capabilities
During the trial period, Timek (Spacecom) will leverage its “Geely Future Mobility Constellation (Phase I)” to offer IoT connectivity services. This constellation, entirely designed, developed, built, and operated by Timek (Spacecom), is planned to consist of 72 satellites, including 8 backups. As of September 2025, 64 satellites are expected to be in orbit, forming a network operating in low Earth orbit at approximately 600 kilometers. This configuration aims to provide real-time communication coverage across the globe, excluding the North and South Poles.
Satellite IoT is a method of low-speed data transmission utilizing satellite communication systems. It is primarily used for transmitting small data volumes, such as location information and sensor data, and does not support standard internet access. Its key advantage lies in providing communication coverage in areas lacking terrestrial network signals.
Technological Prowess and Market Reach
Timek (Spacecom) has established a comprehensive, closed-loop system encompassing constellation design, satellite mass production, operational control, chip modules, terminal equipment, and industry applications. The 64 satellites in orbit are capable of processing approximately 340 million communication requests daily. The company’s low-orbit satellite equipment has already been deployed on Zhejiang maritime patrol vessels, with the first batch of 60 fishing boats in Taizhou set to receive installations. In the intelligent connected vehicle sector, over 20,000 units of vehicle-mounted satellite communication terminals have been delivered.
Further underscoring its innovation, Timek (Spacecom) launched the world’s first full-stack open-source ecosystem for a low-orbit communication constellation at the Shanghai World Mobile Communications Conference in June. This initiative attracted over 200 potential ecosystem partners and secured orders exceeding 100 million yuan.
The company has forged partnerships with operators in over 20 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, securing international orders from the Middle East and South America. In September 2025, Timek (Spacecom) received a significant investment of 2 billion yuan from the Zhejiang New Energy Vehicle Industry Fund.
Government Support and Future Outlook
MIIT views satellite IoT as a crucial supplement to China’s broadband satellite internet infrastructure. This approval is seen as a major step in further opening the satellite IoT sector to private enterprises, fostering vitality in the private economy and supporting the growth of commercial aerospace.
