China Deploys BeiDou Satellite Short-Messaging Service

China Space-Time Information launched a BeiDou-based satellite short messaging service on Feb. 10, 2026, enabling compatible smartphones to send and receive texts when cellular networks are unavailable. Major carriers China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom integrated the feature into existing networks without requiring SIM or number changes, and roughly 60 smartphone models already support the capability for emergencies and remote communications.