China: Cyberspace Administration issued Management Regulations for Terminal Device Direct Satellite Service 2025 including local operations requirement

On 23 April 2025, the Cyberspace Administration of China, in coordination with 6 other national authorities, adopted the Management Regulations for Terminal Device Direct Satellite Service. The regulation requires all providers of direct-to-satellite communication services in China to maintain a local presence and rely on domestic infrastructure, such as gateways and earth stations. Only satellite systems approved under Chinese law may be used. Providers must also process user data generated in China within the country and secure prior authorisation for any satellite-based cross-border data transfers. Both domestic and foreign firms must establish operational and compliance infrastructure in China to lawfully offer such services. The regulation will enter into force on 1 June 2025.