Two departments: Charge satellite operators for radio frequency spectrum usage fees based on the actual bandwidth occupied by space services.

Notice by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance on Optimizing and Improving the Standards for Radio Frequency Occupation Fees

Development and Reform Price [2026] No. 413

To the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Development and Reform Commissions and Finance Departments (Bureaus) of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps:

In order to implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, promote the rational allocation of radio frequency resources and the expansion of new scenarios and new business formats, we have conducted research and now notify the following matters regarding the standards for radio frequency occupation fees.

1. Optimize the charging standard system for space services. For Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite constellation systems and networked Geostationary Orbit (GSO) satellite systems, the fees previously charged separately to satellite operators and terrestrial station units will be adjusted to be charged based on the actual bandwidth occupied for space services. For NGSO satellite constellation systems with fewer than 200 satellites, fees will be charged based on the number of space stations; for NGSO satellite constellation systems with 200 satellites or more, a uniform system fee will be applied.

2. Reduce fees for high-frequency bands. For NGSO satellite constellation systems, networked GSO satellite systems, microwave stations, and broadband wireless access systems, fees will be detailed according to frequency levels, with some high-frequency band frequencies implementing lower fee standards.

3. Establish charging standards for new radio applications. Charging standards will be clarified for radio applications such as the 5G-R dedicated railway wireless communication system, industrial private networks, unmanned aerial vehicle systems (limited to those with licenses), and broadband digital trunking communication systems.

Specific charging standards are included in the attachment and will be implemented from the date of issuance. Previous unpaid radio frequency occupation fees should be collected according to the original standards when making supplementary payments.

Attachment: Standards for Radio Frequency Occupation Fees

National Development and Reform Commission

Ministry of Finance

March 24, 2026

(Source: National Development and Reform Commission website)