US Edition
Bell 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.
19 Articles
19 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 and AST SpaceMobile Claim Canada's “First” Successful Space-Based D2C Call - Inside Towers
Bell (NYSE: BCI) and AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) announced the successful completion of a satellite direct-to-cell test where they made 4G VoLTE voice calls, video calls, broadband data connections, and streamed video using the Bell FibeTV app to a standard, unmodified smartphone over the Bell Mobility network. The demonstration took place in New Brunswick this past summer and also featured successful SMS messaging and emergency alerts, using…
Bell plots direct satellite service launch in 2026
Operator Bell Canada advanced its satellite connectivity ambitions by placing a VoLTE call to standard smartphones using AST SpaceMobile BlueBird low Earth orbit satellites. The testing schedule also involved a video call, transmitting broadband data, video streaming, SMS and emergency alerts. Bell stated the VoLTE element is a first in Canada and the series of tests position it to launch a commercial satellite service in 2026, with coverage rea…
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