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 to integrate Bell’s terrestrial network with AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation for its space-based cellular broadband network. This ground station will support direct-to-device satellite service in Canada.
Integration testing has been successfully conducted at the ground station, including text messaging, data connectivity, voice calls, and video calls on standard smartphones. Further tests for video streaming, public alerts, and additional features are planned in the upcoming weeks.
The technology aims to provide connectivity to Bell customers in areas where traditional wireless networks are not available, such as northern communities and remote coastal regions.
Mark McDonald, Bell’s executive vice-president and chief technology officer, stated that the satellite ground infrastructure is designed to offer a full suite of direct-to-device capabilities to extend connectivity to underserved and remote areas. The goal is to ensure that customers remain connected regardless of their location.
Bell is targeting an early launch of its satellite coverage next year. Chris Ivory, the chief commercial officer for AST SpaceMobile, assured customers of a seamless connectivity experience on their smartphones.
Rogers Communications Inc., a competitor of Bell, introduced its satellite-to-mobile service in collaboration with SpaceX last year. Rogers combined its wireless network with Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellites to connect cellphones in areas with poor coverage. Initially offering text messaging, Rogers has since added WhatsApp voice and video calling, with plans to enable traditional cellphone calls, including 911 services, this year.
