Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in interest surrounding satellite internet in China is driven by two main events: the rapid deployment of satellites by China Star Network and the anticipated issuance of satellite internet licenses to major telecom operators [1][19]. Group 1: Satellite Internet Development - China Star Network has accelerated its deployment of satellites, launching 38 satellites in 21 days, indicating a significant increase in the pace of its GW constellation deployment [1]. - The anticipated issuance of satellite internet licenses could include major players such as the three major telecom operators, China Star Network, and Shanghai Yuxin [1][26]. - The current landscape for satellite internet is challenging, with a low probability of success due to high costs and technical difficulties associated with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations [3][10]. Group 2: Historical Context and Technological Challenges - The development of satellite communication in China began in earnest after the Wenchuan earthquake, leading to increased investment in satellite communication technologies [4]. - China's first high-throughput satellite, Zhongxing 16, was launched in 2017, with subsequent satellites achieving higher capacities, such as Zhongxing 26, which has a capacity exceeding 100 Gbps [5]. - The operational logic and technology of LEO constellations differ significantly from medium and high orbit satellites, requiring a large number of satellites for global coverage [8][9]. Group 3: Economic and Strategic Considerations - The cost of maintaining a LEO constellation is substantial, and commercial viability is crucial for sustaining operations, especially given the need for continuous satellite replenishment [10][18]. - The establishment of China Star Network is partly driven by the need for a domestic satellite constellation, similar to the Beidou system, to enhance national capabilities in satellite communication [17]. - The demand for satellite communication is increasing due to the digital transformation of society and the need for coverage in remote areas, as well as for emergency and defense applications [14][15][16]. Group 4: Regulatory and Market Dynamics - The upcoming satellite internet licenses are linked to the first-class basic telecommunications business, indicating a move towards commercial operations in satellite internet [25]. - The three major telecom operators are unlikely to develop large-scale LEO constellations but may focus on specific services using medium and high orbit satellites [26]. - The success of domestic satellite constellations will depend on technological advancements, funding, and support from the national level and the industry chain [26].

Investment Rating - The report highlights the investment value of the commercial satellite communication industry, particularly focusing on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations [3][9]. Core Insights - The satellite internet industry is expected to see significant growth, with the LEO satellite market projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2030, driven by advancements in satellite manufacturing and ground equipment [8][54]. - The report emphasizes the importance of the satellite communication industry in achieving global connectivity and its military potential, which is expected to enhance industry prosperity [8][23]. Summary by Sections Satellite Internet: Application Growth - The satellite industry chain is divided into three segments: space segment (satellite manufacturing and rocket launch), ground segment (ground facilities), and user segment (user terminals and related services). Currently, the LEO satellite internet is in the space segment networking phase, while the high orbit satellite internet has entered the user segment growth phase [7][20]. - The user segment holds a higher value distribution compared to the space segment, indicating a greater potential for investment opportunities as LEO satellites continue to be deployed [20][29]. Market Potential and Growth - The LEO satellite market is estimated to reach approximately 400 billion USD in early 2023, accounting for 14% of the total satellite market. By 2030, the market size in China is expected to approach 1 trillion yuan [8][54]. - The report cites that the satellite manufacturing and ground equipment sectors are likely to experience the first wave of growth within the industry chain [8][54]. Investment Value of the National Commercial Satellite Communication Index - As of March 9, 2025, the satellite communication index shows that the communication industry accounts for 50.14%, followed by national defense and military at 28.67%, and electronics at 16.43% [9]. - The top ten constituent stocks of the index have a combined market capitalization of approximately 1,259.118 billion yuan, with a weighted average return on equity (ROE) of about 9.03% and a projected net profit growth rate of 42.34% over the next two years [9][10]. Policy Support and Industry Development - The report discusses the Chinese government's initiatives to promote the satellite internet industry, including the gradual implementation of business access systems and the encouragement of private sector participation [23][25]. - The "New Infrastructure Action Plan" emphasizes the construction of integrated satellite internet systems, which is expected to benefit related industries [25][29]. Military Applications and Strategic Importance - The military potential of LEO satellite constellations is highlighted, with the U.S. military actively exploring the use of Starlink for various applications, demonstrating the strategic importance of satellite communications in modern warfare [36][46]. - The report notes that the LEO satellite constellations can enhance navigation system accuracy and resilience against interference, making them valuable for military operations [36][42].