The Shanghai Stock Exchange has begun the construction of a ground station for satellite communication service to improve the capability and security of its networking information system.

The station covers a total area of 15,000 square meters, and involves nearly 100 million yuan (US$12 million) in total investment. It will be put into operation officially next year.

The ground station, whose breaking-ground started on Saturday, will allow Chinese stock traders to do business either on the floor of the stock exchange or through on-line services.

Chinese stock traders now must transact business on the floor of the exchange.