During the flood season, extreme disasters and other emergencies may result in the loss of terrestrial network signals. How can people seek help in such situations? On August 13, a reporter learned that the Municipal Communications Administration, in collaboration with the Municipal Emergency Management Bureau, has introduced a new emergency communication method. Citizens can use their personal cell phones to connect directly to the Beidou Satellite Navigation System and send text messages containing location information as a means of communication to the outside world in extreme situations.

  From now through September 30, China Time-Space, in collaboration with Chongqing Telecom, Chongqing Mobile, and Chongqing Unicom, is providing Beidou satellite text message emergency communication services to mobile users in Chongqing. There is no charge for this service if it is not used; charges apply on a per-message basis, and receiving messages is free. Mobile devices using this service must support BeiDou satellite text messaging. After enabling the BeiDou function in the device settings, users can send BeiDou satellite text messages.

  It is worth noting that features and operations may vary depending on the mobile phone model. Residents can contact their mobile service provider to inquire whether their phone supports the BeiDou satellite text messaging feature and to learn the specific procedures. Additionally, users must activate the direct satellite connection service on their phones to send and receive satellite text messages; since this service cannot be activated online when there is no network connection, it is recommended that users complete the activation process in advance.

  Guide to Activating Beidou Satellite Text Messaging

  Step 1: Check whether your phone supports Beidou satellite text messaging by referring to the list of compatible models.

  Step 2: Activate the Beidou satellite text messaging service.

  China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom have all launched Beidou text messaging services.

  Step 3: Enable the BeiDou satellite text messaging feature.

  Open the phone's [Settings] → tap [Satellite Network] → tap [Beidou Satellite SMS] → tap [Go Now] → send a Beidou satellite SMS.

  Beidou Satellite SMS Sending/Receiving Process

  Step 1: Send a Beidou satellite text message

  When there is no ground-based network connection, each BeiDou satellite text message can contain up to 18 Chinese characters plus latitude and longitude coordinates (if the "Include Location" option is selected). To send a BeiDou satellite text message, you must be outdoors in an open, unobstructed area.

  On your phone, [open the Messages app] → go to [Beidou Satellite Messages] → [New Message] → [enter the recipient's phone number] → [edit the message and check the "Include Location" box] → [tap "Send" to go to the satellite acquisition guide page].

  Step 2: Satellite Acquisition and Transmission Complete

  Adjust your phone to [face south to search for BeiDou satellites] → [move the solid dot on the screen into the circle] → [the system will automatically connect within 5–15 seconds], and the message will be sent successfully.

  Step 3: Receive Beidou Satellite Messages

  When there is no ground-based network signal

  To receive the message, you’ll need a cell phone that supports BeiDou satellite messaging: [Open the Messages app] → Go to [BeiDou Satellite Messages] → Tap [Receive Message]. This will open the satellite acquisition screen; align the phone with the satellite so the ball enters the circle, then wait for a moment to complete the message reception.

  When ground-based network communication signals are normal

  Standard cell phones can receive Beidou satellite text messages: Users can use the text messaging app on a standard cell phone to receive messages sent by Beidou satellites to their phone number. When a recipient receives a BeiDou satellite text message, they can tap the location link to view the map pin; they can also directly edit a reply and send it with a single tap. The reply is limited to a maximum of 6 Chinese characters.