Bell Canada Finishes Quebec Ground Station as Rogers Already Offers Satellite-to-Mobile Service

Bell Canada has completed a ground station in Quebec to support satellite-to-mobile coverage, Cbc reported. The company announced plans last fall to launch the service through a partnership with AST SpaceMobile and its low-earth orbit satellites. Testing has begun at the facility, which connects with the satellite constellation.

Bell has finished integration tests that included text messaging, data connectivity, voice calls and video calls on standard smartphones. It plans to test video streaming, public alerts and other features in the coming weeks. The company aims to launch satellite coverage early next year.

Mark McDonald, Bell executive vice-president and chief technology officer, said the ground infrastructure is designed to support a full suite of direct-to-device capabilities and extend connectivity to remote and underserved areas. Chris Ivory, chief commercial officer for AST SpaceMobile, said customers should expect a seamless connectivity experience on their smartphones and noted that Canada's geography requires extending cellular broadband beyond traditional terrestrial infrastructure.

Rogers Communications Inc.

Launched its own satellite-to-mobile service a year ago in partnership with SpaceX. Rogers initially offered text messaging for beta users, added WhatsApp voice and video calling in December, and previously said it planned to enable traditional cellphone calls including 911 voice services this year.