BEIJING, Feb. 7 -- China has unveiled a new satellite-based short messaging service using the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), aimed at ensuring reliable communication during emergencies or in areas without cellular coverage.

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The service, announced by China Space-Time Information Co., Ltd. in partnership with the country's three major telecom operators-China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom-allows users to send and receive text messages via satellite directly on compatible smartphones. Activation does not require changes to SIM cards or phone numbers. Currently, nearly 60 smartphone models from leading Chinese brands support the new functionality.

According to th...