Business grows as public services adopt system

The Beidou Navigation Satellite System is being used extensively by public services in China, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office.

More than 10 sectors - such as transportation, forestry, weather forecasting and finance - are currently using the space-based network. At least 40 million enduser devices have been distributed or sold to these sectors to facilitate operations, according to statistics provided by the office.

The system is being used by more than 4.8 million taxis, buses and trucks nationwide, in addition to at least 40,000 fishing vessels. In the past five years, more than 10,000 fishermen have been rescued or received assistance by using a Beidou device to call for help.