According to People’s Daily on June 20, 2011, the China Beidou (Big Dipper) Satellite Navigation System will complete its comprehensive testing in October 2011, and will have the capacity to provide "preliminary" services to most parts of China. Next year, the navigation system may provide services to the Asia Pacific region.
China has sent eight Beidou navigation satellites into orbit, said Ran Chengqi, director of the China Satellite Navigation System management office. China will launch 3 – 4 network satellites this year to provide preliminary positioning, navigation, and time services in and around China. Next year it will launch 5 – 6 network satellites to provide services to the Asia and Pacific region.
Source: People’s Daily, June 20, 2011
http://hn.people.com.cn/GB/208663/14946299.html