China Mobile Satellite Communication Group Ltd, China Telecom Satellite Communications Co Ltd and Thuraya Telecommunications Co said on Tuesday that a new business focusing on mobile satellite phones has been successfully launched.

China Mobile Satellite Communication Group, the only company who has obtained a license in the Yangtze River Delta Region, will start the commercial sales of Thuraya's mobile satellite handsets and services to enterprise users in the Chinese market.

With 1 million fishing boats, China's maritime industry is the largest target market for mobile satellite phone services.

This development is in line with the exclusive partnership agreement between China Mobile Satellite Communication Group and Thuraya, a United Arab Emirates-based global satellite mobile telecom operator.

As part of the agreement, China Mobile Satellite Communication Group will be the exclusive provider of Thuraya's mobile satellite telecommunication devices and services in China. In return, Thuraya will provide technical and marketing support.

Satellite phones can be used in areas where regular networks are either unavailable or are vulnerable to natural disasters.

The first batch of satellite phones will be introduced to the market in March 2013.