In late December 2025, Chinese companies filed with the UN's ITU for two huge constellations—CTC-1 and CTC-2—each with 96,714 low-Earth orbit satellites, plus smaller networks from China Mobile and others. These filings secure radio frequencies and slots under ITU rules, requiring at least one satellite launched within seven years to keep priority. SpaceX leads with over 9,400 operational satellites serving millions, but plans to adjust altitudes in 2026 to reduce congestion, as China pushes state-backed projects like Guowang and Qianfan to build independent broadband networks.
