Bell Canada has achieved a significant milestone in its satellite-to-mobile coverage initiative by completing the construction of a ground station in Quebec. The telecommunications company had previously announced a partnership with AST SpaceMobile to launch space-based cellular service using low-earth orbit satellites.
Testing has commenced at the ground station facility, which links with AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation to integrate the space-based cellular broadband network with Bell’s terrestrial network. This site will be instrumental in supporting direct-to-device satellite service within Canada.
Integration testing, including text messaging, data connectivity, voice calls, and video calls on standard smartphones, has been successfully conducted at the ground station. Further testing of video streaming, public alerts, and other features is scheduled in the upcoming weeks.
The technology aims to provide connectivity to Bell customers in areas where traditional wireless networks are not easily accessible, such as northern communities and remote coastal regions. Bell’s executive vice-president and chief technology officer, Mark McDonald, emphasized that the satellite ground infrastructure is designed to offer various direct-to-device capabilities to extend connectivity to remote and underserved areas.
The company is targeting an early launch of its satellite coverage next year. AST SpaceMobile’s chief commercial officer, Chris Ivory, assured customers of a seamless connectivity experience on their smartphones.
Rogers Communications Inc., a competitor of Bell, had launched its own satellite-to-mobile service in collaboration with SpaceX a year ago. This service combines Rogers’ wireless network with Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellites to connect cellphones in areas with poor coverage. Initially offering text messaging capability to beta users, Rogers later added WhatsApp voice and video calling. The company plans to enable traditional cellphone calls, including 911 voice services, this year.
Canada’s unique geographical challenges have prompted the need to extend cellular broadband coverage beyond traditional terrestrial infrastructure, stated AST SpaceMobile’s Chris Ivory in a news release.
