A concrete timeline has been established for the construction of low-altitude communication networks, with publicly traded companies in the telecommunications sector actively positioning themselves in this emerging field. According to a notice published on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on February 10, an implementation opinion jointly issued by five departments outlines plans to strengthen the information and communication industry's capacity to support the development of low-altitude infrastructure.
The document emphasizes the continuous enhancement of the industry's technological foundations, industrial supply capabilities, network support, and security safeguards. By 2027, the coverage rate of ground-based mobile communication networks for national low-altitude public air routes is targeted to reach no less than 90%. Additionally, diversified integrated sensing solutions are expected to become more mature, low-altitude navigation services are set to improve, and at least 10 standards for information-based infrastructure will be developed. A number of typical low-altitude application scenarios will be established in areas such as urban governance, logistics, transportation, and cultural tourism.
Leading listed telecommunications companies are already making moves to enhance communication network coverage for low-altitude scenarios. A representative from China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd. stated that the company is strengthening the development of new information infrastructure and building an integrated low-altitude intelligent network system that combines communication, navigation, sensing, and management, accelerating the evolution of network infrastructure towards integrated space-air-ground capabilities.
Previously, a deputy general manager of China Mobile noted at the 2025 World Internet Conference that with the rapid rise of the low-altitude economy, the company is extending information services from the ground to the sky, establishing a world-leading low-altitude intelligent capability system. This system provides reliable wide-area communication, intelligent and precise navigation, multi-source integrated sensing, and efficient security management for the development of the low-altitude economy.
The executive mentioned that these low-altitude capabilities are already widely used in 160 cities across the country, covering routes exceeding 1,000 kilometers in length. Applications include low-altitude rescue operations, low-altitude inspections for social governance, and low-altitude security to safeguard public safety.
A representative from China Telecommunications Corporation explained that the company is focusing on breakthroughs in key technologies—communication, navigation, surveillance, and computing—to solidify its advantages in low-altitude network infrastructure. It is also striving to capture the market for low-altitude connection entry points, such as devices and SIM cards, while taking a lead in formulating industry standards and participating deeply in policy drafting. Significant progress has been made in building the foundational infrastructure for the low-altitude economy, strengthening its digital base.
In terms of low-altitude network development, China Telecom's core goal is to create an intelligent network that integrates space, air, and ground capabilities. The company has completed multi-dimensional verification of low-altitude communication networks across 13 cities in 8 provinces, initially forming a specific network architecture and parameter strategy tailored for low-altitude environments. To date, 205 5G-Advanced sensing stations have been deployed nationwide, providing solid hardware support for low-altitude communication and surveillance functions.
The implementation opinion also advocates for promoting intensive, collaborative, and standardized construction, making full use of existing resources like communication tower sites to advance shared and efficient low-altitude infrastructure development. China Tower Corporation leverages its extensive nationwide site resources and digital tower achievements to provide robust infrastructure support for the low-altitude economy. Its digital towers not only host 3G, 4G, and 5G communication antennas but are also integrated with multi-intelligent sensing equipment, including binocular cameras, radar, and BeiDou augmentation systems. Accompanying facilities for unmanned aerial vehicles are deployed at tower base stations, deeply merging the advantages of communication infrastructure with the needs of low-altitude economic development.
According to the chairman of a future low-altitude economy innovation center, practical exploration over the past two years has clarified the development pathway for the low-altitude economy. Policy support at the national level is expected to intensify, and top-level design systems are being rapidly improved.
The chairman believes that the recent pace of related policy implementation has noticeably accelerated, with a series of measures continuously refining the institutional support system for the low-altitude economy. It is anticipated that more supporting policies will follow, laying a solid institutional foundation and smoothing the industrial path for the comprehensive and in-depth development of the low-altitude economy, making 2026 a promising year for the sector in China.