Bell Canada has achieved a significant milestone in launching satellite-to-mobile coverage by completing the construction of a ground station in Quebec. The telecommunications company had previously announced its partnership with AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based company, to provide space-based cellular service using low-earth orbit satellites.
The ground station facility in Quebec is now undergoing testing to integrate Bell’s terrestrial network with AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation for a space-based cellular broadband network. This site will be a crucial part of the Canadian infrastructure supporting direct-to-device satellite service.
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 for video streaming, public alerts, and additional features is planned in the upcoming weeks.
The purpose of this technology is to ensure that Bell customers remain connected in areas where traditional wireless networks do not reach, such as remote coastal regions and northern communities. Bell aims to launch its satellite coverage early next year to provide seamless connectivity to customers, according to AST SpaceMobile’s Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Ivory.
Bell’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Mark McDonald, stated that the satellite ground infrastructure being developed will offer a full range of direct-to-device capabilities, extending connectivity to remote and underserved areas. This initiative, combined with Bell’s wireless network, will help customers stay connected regardless of their location.
Rogers Communications Inc., a competitor of Bell, introduced its own satellite-to-mobile service in collaboration with SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, a year ago. This service combines Rogers’ wireless network with Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellites to connect cellphones in areas with poor reception. Initially providing text messaging for beta users, Rogers has since expanded its service to include WhatsApp voice and video calling, with plans to enable traditional cellphone calls, including 911 services, this year.