First Canadian ground station advances Bell and AST SpaceMobile's connectivity infrastructure ahead of the direct-to-device satellite service deployment across Canada
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.
MONTREAL, July 15, 2026 /CNW/ - Bell Canada (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced the completion of construction of its first sovereign direct-to-device satellite ground station, located in Québec, marking another major milestone toward keeping all Canadians connected. Testing has begun at the facility, which connects with AST SpaceMobile's growing constellation of satellites. Once operational, the site will form part of the Canadian infrastructure supporting direct-to-device satellite service, enabling the integration of AST SpaceMobile's space-based cellular broadband network with Bell's terrestrial network. As a result, Bell customers will be able to stay connected on standard smartphones in areas beyond the reach of traditional wireless networks.
Bell successfully completed integration testing, including text messaging, broadband data connectivity, voice call and video call tests on standard smartphones through its satellite ground station, with plans to validate video streaming, IoT and public alerts in the coming weeks.
Building on Bell and AST SpaceMobile's successful demonstrations announced last summer, these tests mark the transition from trial activities to permanent network infrastructure and are an important step toward bringing direct-to-device satellite service to market.
Bell customers will be able to stay connected when it matters most, whether they're travelling, exploring the outdoors, working or living in remote locations. The service is also expected to support a broad range of applications, including emergency response, environmental monitoring, resource development, energy production and transportation.
Bell 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. Together, these facilities will support direct-to-device service across Canada via AST SpaceMobile's satellites, while ensuring Bell customers' traffic is carried through domestic infrastructure and that their data remains within Canada.
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"Delivering Canada's best networks means finding new ways to connect customers beyond the reach of traditional wireless coverage. The satellite ground infrastructure we're building is designed to support a full suite of direct-to-device capabilities, including messaging, data connectivity, voice calling, and video streaming, helping extend connectivity to remote and underserved areas. Together with Bell's world-class wireless network, it will help keep customers connected wherever they live, work and travel."