Shanghai's Songjiang district hosted its inaugural convention focused on the satellite internet industry on Aug 21, signaling a strategic move towards fostering a more open and integrated environment while enhancing its competitive edge within the sector.

During the conference, a comprehensive plan outlining the industry's development trajectory from 2024 to 2026 was unveiled. The blueprint outlined ambitious targets, including ramping up the district's annual production capacity for commercial satellites to 300 units by 2026. Moreover, the number of operational satellites is projected to surpass 600 units, with the industry's scale set to exceed 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion).

Anticipating substantial growth, Songjiang plans to expand its network of related companies to 100, with a focus on nurturing at least three leading enterprises within the industry. Additionally, the district aims to accelerate the creation of over 10 typical application scenarios by 2026, bolstering various industry sectors through innovative satellite technology.

Chen Chao, director of the Songjiang district economic committee, highlighted the district's strategic focus on five key areas of growth, encompassing the construction and operation of satellite constellations, research and development of commercial satellites, ground equipment manufacturing, commercial rockets, and satellite application innovation.

Songjiang's foray into the satellite internet industry dates back to 2018 with the launch of the G60 Satellite Internet initiative. The district has since established an industrial hub centered around Jiuting town, attracting four leading enterprises and over 30 companies spanning the satellite internet supply chain, as noted by Jia Shunjun, head of Jiuting.

The convention also marked the inauguration of the Songjiang District Satellite Internet Innovation Center. Deputy Governor Chen Rong affirmed the government's commitment to supporting satellite internet enterprises by allocating resources in industry, talent, and finance, thereby tailoring bespoke service packages to propel the sector's growth and innovation.

Source: Shanghai Observer