The Radio Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ("MIIT") has recently enacted and issued the Administrative Provisions on the Use of Radio Frequencies from Satellite Communications Networks and the Establishment and Use of Earth Stations (Draft for Comment) (the "Draft for Comment") for public consultation by February 25, 2019.
The Draft for Comment expressly states that, using radio frequencies to build satellite communication networks requires applications filed to the national radio regulator for approvals to the use of relevant radio frequencies; establishing and using earth stations, except for receive-only earth stations, require applications to a radio regulator for approvals to the establishment of radios (radio stations). The Draft for Comment notes that, applying for an approval to the use of radio frequencies from the satellite communication network requires the submission, to the national radio regulator, of certain documents including the "document concerning available satellite radio frequencies". Furthermore, the Draft for Comment provides that, the national radio regulator shall complete the examination of an application within 20 working days upon receipt, and decide on whether to grant an approval or not, pursuant to relevant requirements.