Bell announced that it has reached a key milestone toward launching satellite-to-mobile coverage after completing construction of a ground station in Quebec.
According to the company, testing has begun at the facility to connect to AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation, enabling integration of AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular broadband network with Bell’s terrestrial network.
So far, the telecom giant says it has successfully completed integration testing, which includes text messaging, broadband data connectivity, and voice and video call tests on smartphones via the ground station. Bell says it plans to validate video streaming, IoT, and public alerts in the coming weeks.
Bell says that it continues to build the infrastructure that will power the service across Canada, with construction of additional ground stations underway in Ontario, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
To add some context, Bell initially promised satellite cell service last October and announced the launches of several satellites to support the service. However, one satellite launch failed to reach a sufficiently high orbit in April 2026, potentially delaying the program.
Successfully deploying satellite service would bring more competitors to the market, which so far is largely dominated by Elon Musk-owned SpaceX and its Starlink service. Rogers launched satellite service in partnership with Starlink about a year ago.
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