On November 6, the inaugural conference of the China Aerospace Information and Satellite Internet Innovation Alliance was held in Xiong'an, where China Mobile, in collaboration with China Shikong, officially launched the Beidou messaging service.
The Beidou messaging service is a satellite communication feature offered by China Mobile and China Shikong, leveraging the Beidou and 5G networks. It is based on the Beidou short message capabilities and is delivered through a new generation of integrated satellite-ground communication infrastructure. This service allows seamless message sending in areas without signal coverage, with precise geographical coordinates known.
Users can send a Beidou message just like a regular SMS by entering the recipient, composing the message, and clicking send. A single Beidou message can include up to 20 characters and can optionally include location data, which is accurate within 10 meters. Including location data uses 2 characters, leaving 18 characters for the message content, enough for users to briefly explain their situation. The satellite connection is fast, delivering the message in just 5 seconds, providing a strong safety net for residents in remote areas, outdoor adventurers, researchers, and emergency rescue teams. China Mobile users can activate the service by sending "KTBD" to 10086, or through the China Mobile app or service centers, without needing to change their SIM card or phone number. They can enjoy 30 Beidou satellite messages per month, ensuring seamless communication and constant connectivity. Whether in deep mountains, plateaus, or areas with damaged or non-existent network coverage, users can send and receive messages via Beidou satellite messaging to stay in touch with the outside world. Many domestic brands have already entered strategic partnerships to support Beidou messaging, developing mobile devices equipped with the feature, such as the Huawei Pura70 series, Honor Magic V3, vivo X200 Pro, and Honor Magic 7, significantly promoting the widespread use of Beidou messaging services and bringing them closer to the general public, effectively making it accessible to ordinary people.
The launch of China Mobile's Beidou messaging service not only breaks the boundaries of traditional communication but also showcases the unique advantages and value of its satellite communication technology in practical applications. With the network coverage, user base, and terminal scale advantages of China Mobile, the Beidou messaging service is set to gain strong momentum for development, making communication possible for millions of users in network-free environments, greatly enhancing their quality of life and sense of security.