The "Key Technologies and Applications for Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Mobile Communications" project, collaboratively completed by China Information Communication Technologies Group Co (CICT) in Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC), and other units, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Science and Technology Special Award by the China Institute of Communications, marking a significant international breakthrough for China in this field.

CICT Headquarters Building in OVC. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The project addressed numerous challenges to deeply integrate satellite communications with terrestrial mobile communications and enable direct satellite connectivity for mobile phones. The project team also led the establishment of international standards for satellite-terrestrial integration, initiating 38 projects within both international and domestic standards organizations, significantly enhancing China's influence in international satellite communication standards.

The project's key technologies, including satellite communication software, satellite base stations, and satellite communication terminals, have been widely applied in China's satellite internet infrastructure. The project has advanced to the networking and commercial application phase, providing robust technical support for the rapid development of China's satellite internet industry.

The project team is currently planning for 6G satellite-terrestrial integration and is tackling next-generation key technologies, such as enhanced wireless transmission, communication, navigation, and sensing integration. They have also developed an end-to-end experimental platform to prepare for future international standard-setting.

CICT will continue to deepen technical innovation and ecosystem collaboration, supporting China's sustained leadership in satellite-terrestrial communication and satellite internet domains.