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Bell Canada says it has reached a key milestone toward launching satellite-to-mobile coverage after it finished building a ground station in Quebec.
Last fall, the telecommunications company announced plans to launch space-based cellular service through a partnership with Texas-based AST SpaceMobile using low-earth orbit satellites.
Bell said testing has begun at the ground station facility, which connects with AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation to integrate its space-based cellular broadband network with Bell’s terrestrial network. The site will form part of the Canadian infrastructure supporting direct-to-device satellite service.
The company has completed integration testing, including text messaging, data connectivity, voice call and video call tests on standard smartphones through its ground station, with plans to test video streaming, public alerts and other features in the coming weeks.
The technology is meant to keep Bell customers connected in areas beyond the reach of traditional wireless networks, such as northern communities and remote coastal regions.
“The satellite ground infrastructure we’re building is designed to support a full suite of direct-to-device capabilities … helping extend connectivity to remote and underserved areas,” said Bell executive vice-president and chief technology officer Mark McDonald in a news release.
“Together with Bell’s world-class wireless network, it will help keep customers connected wherever they live, work and travel.”
Bell is aiming to launch its satellite coverage early next year.
Chris Ivory, chief commercial officer for AST SpaceMobile, said customers should expect a “seamless connectivity experience” on their smartphones.
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“Canada’s vast and diverse geography presents a unique need to extend cellular broadband beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial infrastructure,” Ivory said in a news release.
Competitor Rogers Communications Inc. launched its own version of satellite-to-mobile service a year ago in partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, combining its wireless network with Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellites to connect cellphones in dead zones.
Rogers initially offered text message capability for beta users before adding WhatsApp voice and video calling in December.
Other apps such as Google Maps now work through Rogers Satellite as well, and the company previously said it planned to enable traditional cellphone calls, including 911 voice services, this year.
