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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Bell plans to launch direct-to-cell service using satellites next year
MONTREAL — Bell is planning to launch space-based cell service next year in a partnership with AST SpaceMobile using low-earth orbit satellites. The company says it recently completed a space-based direct-to-cell voice call to a standard, unmodified smartphone over a Canadian wireless network using AST SpaceMobile satellites. The demonstration also included video calling, broadband data, […]
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…
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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