US EditionBell plans to launch direct-to-cell service using satellites next year
Bell and AST SpaceMobile's demonstration used everyday smartphones for video, voice, and emergency alerts, paving the way for a 2026 nationwide 4G direct-to-cell satellite service.
- On Oct. 2, 2025, Bell and AST SpaceMobile announced completion of Canada's first space-based direct-to-cell link using AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites and Bell's sovereign gateway in Montreal after summer tests.
- Bell's 2021 partnership with AST SpaceMobile began when it invested through its venture arm, aiming to bridge terrestrial networks and reach northern communities and remote coastal regions.
- The summer tests demonstrated voice over LTE calls, video calls, broadband data, Bell Fibe TV app streaming, SMS messaging and emergency alerts using everyday, unmodified smartphones and Bell ground stations.
- Bell said the test paves the way for a 2026 rollout and customer trials but cautioned the plan depends on equipment, labour, capital, federal regulatory submissions and licences, and more AST satellites.
- Bell says the technology will support emergency response and remote operations in mining, forestry, agriculture and energy sectors while pricing the service at $15 a month amid competition from Rogers Communications Inc.
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15 Articles
Bell and AST SpaceMobile complete Canada's first successful space-based direct-to-cell VoLTE voice call, broadband data and video streaming
This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions, please see the section entitled "Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" later in this news release. Historic Canadian-first test used everyday smartphones over AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites, powered by Bell's sovereign gateway Demonstration also included video calling, broadband data, instant messaging and emergenc…
Winnipeg Free Press
Bell plans to launch direct-to-cell service using satellites next year
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Bell to Launch Direct-to-Cell Satellite Service Next Year
Bell and Texas-based AST SpaceMobile say they have successfully completed Canada’s first space-based cellular test, making a direct-to-cell voice call and streaming video over satellite to a regular smartphone. The trial, carried out in New Brunswick this summer, used AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites along with Bell’s ground infrastructure. In addition to a 4G voice call,
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