China will start launching the third generation of BeiDou navigation satellites in July 2017, reports 21st Century Business Herald. By 2020, the company aims to have 35 satellites in orbit, providing global coverage to consumers, while simultaneously boosting their market to C¥240-320 bn, notes 21st Century Business Herald. Global navigation systems are currently led by US’s GPS, with BeiDou, Russia's GLONASS and Europe's Galileo following close behind, adds the paper.
Around 30 percent of mobile phones in China are compatible with BeiDou and more manufacturers have started to produce chips compatible with multiple navigation systems, potentially increasing accuracy and avoiding problems caused by one system malfunctioning, note industry insiders.
- 'Beidou satellite navigation system' white paper
- 'BeiDou+': encouraging integrated use with internet+, big data, cloud computing, telecommunications, wi-fi, ultrawideband internet of things and mobile internet
- ‘2016 China aerospace’ white paper
- 'Guiding opinions on speeding up 'Belt and Road' information corridors construction and utilisation'
- BeiDou will begin its internationalisation in Southeast Asia by supporting collaboration with Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and Cambodia on foundation reinforcement systems and providing indoor/outdoor location services
- 'National informatisation 13th 5-year plan'
- 'Strategic emerging industry 13th 5-year plan'
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Shenzhen and Changsha have published plans for the BeiDou industry, viewed as a strategic industry to upgrade their economies. Beidou aims to be the 'third national business card', following on from high speed rail and nuclear, adds 21st Century Business Herald.