With satellites in geostationary orbit and direct integration into smartphones, China is betting on Tiantong to revolutionize calls and messages in remote areas, overcoming the challenges faced by Starlink.
Starlink is already a household name when it comes to satellite internet. In January 2024, Elon Musk's company took a major step forward by sending the first text message via satellite directly from a regular cell phone. Using low-orbit satellites, they are revolutionizing connectivity in isolated areas.
China has decided to go a step further. With the Tiantong system, they have not only replicated Starlink's technology, but adapted it for voice calls and SMS directly from a smartphone. With integrated antennas and adjusted protocols, Tiantong turns any cell phone into a global communication tool.
Tiantong: A solution for emergencies and remote areas
Tiantong satellites operate in geostationary orbit, about 36 km above Earth, covering large areas with just one satellite. This is ideal for remote locations, maritime and even military use. They use the L-band, which is resistant to weather interference and is ideal for calls and light data.
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The idea for Tiantong came about after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which devastated the region's communications infrastructure. Since then, China has invested heavily in creating a reliable emergency system. Today, Tiantong has three satellites in operation and a fourth is scheduled for launch.
Comparing Starlink and Tiantong
While Starlink uses thousands of satellites in low orbit (320 to 2.000 km), Tiantong relies on a few geostationary satellites. This means Tiantong covers large regions with fewer satellites, but faces greater technical challenges due to distance.
The Tiantong satellites prioritize reliability with the L band, ideal for adverse conditions. Starlink uses the Ku and Ka bands, aimed at high speeds, but more susceptible to weather. Each system serves different audiences and needs.
The challenges and advances of satellite technology
One of Tiantong’s biggest challenges is its distance: 36 km, a tenth of the way to the Moon. To overcome this, the researchers opted for additional internal antennas and adjusted the data rate, creating a balance between power and quality.
With a rate of 800 bps, Tiantong prioritizes stability over speed. For comparison, modern 5G reaches up to 10 Gbps. Still, for emergencies or basic communication, this rate is more than enough.
The future of direct satellite connectivity
Whether you’re on remote trails, on an ocean adventure or in a disaster situation, satellite connectivity promises to save lives and make everyday life easier. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere and still being able to make a call or send a message.
With the competition between Starlink and Tiantong, the future looks bright. New advancements should make connections even faster and more affordable, integrating terrestrial and satellite networks for a more seamless experience.
Tiantong has arrived to mark your space in the market of satellite connectivity, offering a robust solution for emergencies and remote locations. While Starlink shines with its high speed, Tiantong proves that reliability is key in extreme scenarios. Ultimately, the winner is us, the users, who now have more options to stay connected, even in the most isolated corners of the planet.
Let the Chinese come
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This site is becoming more and more click bait every day, the Chinese are using a totally different technology, they are not even in the same market niche as Starlink.
Not to mention that it is practically impossible to have this type of connection with geostationary satellites, not without a special cell phone for this use.