On February 5, 2026, China Unicom secured the nod from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to embark on commercial trials for the widespread utilization of Beidou-3 short messaging services. Once the approval was in place, in those far-flung regions where terrestrial network signals are non-existent, users will be able to dispatch short messages through Beidou satellites. This can be achieved by utilizing terminals that are compatible with Beidou SMS, all without the hassle of switching SIM cards or phone numbers. This innovative approach offers vital communication support for scenarios like emergency response efforts and outdoor operations.
