This draft proposal requires adhering to the principle of demand-driven and prioritizing key areas, focusing on regions with the necessary conditions and needs for low-altitude flight activities. It advocates promoting the coordinated development of information-based infrastructure construction and low-altitude applications in a manner suited to local conditions.
According to Zhitong Finance, China Galaxy Securities issued a research report stating that on February 10, 2026, the General Offices of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and four other departments released an implementation opinion on strengthening the capacity construction of the information and communication industry to support the development of low-altitude infrastructure. The opinion explicitly aims for no less than 90% ground mobile communication coverage for national low-altitude air routes by 2027, and it outlines the deployment of 5G-Advanced integrated communication and sensing base stations, satellite communications, and other diversified technology integration as needed. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing network coverage and navigation positioning accuracy below 300 meters, aiming to create typical application scenarios such as urban governance, logistics, and cultural tourism.
The main viewpoints of China Galaxy Securities are as follows:
Mobile network construction + enhanced satellite coverage strength, continued investment in low-altitude economic infrastructure
The draft opinion requires adherence to demand-driven and key focus areas, prioritizing regions with conditions and demand for low-altitude flight activities, and promoting coordinated development between information-based infrastructure and low-altitude applications based on local conditions. It emphasizes resource efficiency and multi-party collaboration, comprehensively utilizing existing public mobile communication facilities, ground-based mobile communications, satellite communications, and other diverse technical means to support the development of low-altitude applications. Pilot projects should lead the way with steady progress, focusing on strengthening experimental validation of key technologies, network deployment, and application adaptation to explore replicable solutions and experience practices. Security and controllability are paramount, ensuring network, data, and flight safety throughout the planning, construction, and operation of information-based infrastructure. By 2027, the nationwide ground mobile communication coverage rate for public air routes will be no less than 90%, with further maturation and improvement of multi-fusion perception solutions, continuous enhancement of low-altitude navigation service levels, and the formulation of no fewer than 10 information-based infrastructure standards, forming a series of typical low-altitude application scenarios in areas such as urban governance, logistics transportation, and cultural tourism.
Clarification of low-altitude communication needs may increase demand for 5G-Advanced integrated communication and sensing base stations
The key tasks outlined in this draft opinion include advancing communication network coverage for low-altitude scenarios as needed. For areas along low-altitude air routes below 300 meters (Class G and W airspace) and hotspots for low-altitude applications, full use of existing 5G and other mobile communication network infrastructure will be made, complying with national radio management regulations. Measures such as beam optimization, antenna adjustment, and constructing new base stations will be implemented as needed to enhance low-altitude mobile communication network coverage. Basic telecom companies are encouraged to strengthen demand alignment with relevant national departments, combining the scale and scenario requirements of low-altitude applications to explore dedicated networks for low-altitude communication and improve network coverage and service assurance capabilities, while enhancing interconnection with terrestrial networks. Comprehensive application of satellite communication and ground-based mobile communication methods will provide network coverage for low-altitude airspace above 300 meters and remote areas. Based on the requirements of the draft opinion, the bank believes that demand for small cells, micro-stations, and 5G-Advanced integrated communication and sensing base stations will continue to rise.
5G-Advanced integrated communication and sensing + satellite communication solutions to enhance low-altitude navigation and positioning accuracy
Traditional terrestrial 5G base stations primarily serve ground users, presenting signal blind spots and interference issues for low-altitude coverage below 300 meters. Therefore, the draft opinion explicitly requires the construction or optimization of new networks as needed: through beam optimization, antenna adjustments, and the construction of new base stations, providing continuous coverage specifically for low-altitude air routes. Based on previous practical cases across various regions, drone delivery routes must address signal blind spots and frequent handovers through the construction of new base stations, deployment of relay equipment, and use of air-ground beamforming antennas. Examples from Suqian, Zhoushan, and Xianyang demonstrate the use of 5G-Advanced integrated communication and sensing technology to enhance low-altitude communication signals. Meanwhile, satellite communication will collaborate with terrestrial base stations to reduce latency and improve navigation accuracy and UAV positioning precision.
Investment recommendations: Focus on operators such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, as well as satellite internet-related enterprises like Huace Navigation, ZHD, FiberHome Telecommunication, Tongyu Communication, and low-altitude infrastructure-related enterprises like Huagong Technology and Xinkē Mobile.
Risk warnings: Risks associated with satellite internet construction falling short of expectations, risks of base station construction not meeting targets, etc.
