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Using BeiDou global short message communication services (BDS SMS)

I want to use BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) in an embedded system (with Arduino or Raspberry Pi). In my preliminary research, I came to know that BeiDou has a global short message communication service. For my project, this feature can prove to be very useful. A 2019 report by the China Satellite navigation Office says,

As for short message communication services in China and surrounding areas, the service capacity will be increased to 10 million times per hour and the receiver transmit power will be reduced to 1-3W, with capability as 1,000 Chinese characters per message (14,000 bytes). As for global short message communication services, the service capability is 40 Chinese characters per message (560 bytes).

This confirmed the SMS capability of the BeiDou system. Though this document mentions a The User Guide Manual for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System Global Short Message Communication Service (Version 1.0), I could not find this manual anywhere (Maybe it is supposed to be issued in December 2020). And even after a long search session, I was unable to retrieve any useful information on using this specific feature. I worked with GPS modules before and am familiar with modules like A9G Development Board or, SIM7600 that can use BeiDou alongside GPS. But I have seen no mention of Global Short Message Communication Service (GSMC) on those modules datasheet.

Now, is there any module that I can use with Arduino or Raspberry Pi to utilize the GSMC feature of BeiDou? Or any reference that I can follow?

Solution

  • The vast majority of BeiDou modules have no Short Message capability. There are a few short message-capable modules available on Taobao. For example, this, this and this. Most of these modules use a serial interface like RS232, and a text-based protocol, so I think it wouldn't be difficult for them to work on Raspberry Pis. The cost is about a few hundred dollars. I can't find any on non-Chinese platforms.

    The quote in your answer is a long-term forecast. Currently, most models have a capacity of 78 bytes per minute, with a subscription cost of about $15 per month.

    Also, you need to be a Chinese citizen/have a Chinese ID to be able to sign up for the short message service. Not only that, a lot of the providers only do business with companies, not individuals. You might need to ask your Chinese friend for help.