Bell and AST SpaceMobile complete Canada's first successful space-based direct-to-cell VoLTE voice call, broadband data and video streaming Français
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 emergency alerts
- Breakthrough technology bridges the gap between terrestrial networks and remote regions, paving the way for planned deployment of space-based cellular voice, video, text and broadband data services in 2026
MONTRÉAL, Oct. 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Bell, together with AST SpaceMobile, today announced a groundbreaking milestone in its mission to connect all Canadians: the successful completion of a space-based direct-to-cell 4G voice over LTE (VoLTE) call, video call, broadband data connectivity and video streaming using the Bell Fibe TV app to a standard, unmodified smartphone over a Canadian wireless network. The demonstration, conducted in New Brunswick over the summer, also included successful SMS messaging and emergency alerts using Bell's powerful and reliable low-band spectrum. This achievement lays the groundwork for Bell's planned deployment of low Earth orbit direct-to-cell service in 2026.
Space-based cellular broadband will bridge the connectivity gap between Bell's terrestrial networks and Canada's most geographically challenging areas, from northern communities to remote coastal regions. The technology will support vital emergency response services, improve remote operations in the mining, forestry, agriculture, and energy sectors, and bring essential communication to residential customers.
Improved connectivity puts the customer first. Space-based cellular will support outdoor recreation and tourism and allow Canadians to better connect with family and friends and access top streaming content from Crave and other providers from virtually anywhere.
Bell's partnership with AST SpaceMobile began in 2021 with an initial investment. Now supported by Bell Ventures, Bell's corporate venture arm, this collaboration goes beyond funding. Bell's technology team works hand-in-hand with the AST SpaceMobile team, contributing Canadian expertise to the deployment and operation of the technology. Bell also owns and operates the Canadian sovereign gateways – base stations on the ground that beam the signal to the satellite and user devices. This level of engagement – from initial investment to shared expertise and equipment ownership – will enable Bell to deliver a uniquely robust and reliable direct-to-cell service.
The successful demonstrations underscore the potential to extend Bell's network coverage to Canada's most remote regions. When commercially available, the nationwide network will reach north of the 59th parallel, extend into coastal maritime zones and cover 5.7 million square kilometres – the widest coverage of any provider in Canada.
By harnessing space-based cellular broadband technology, Bell is unlocking new possibilities for consumers, businesses and governments to connect with each other and the world, no matter where they are.
"This is a breakthrough moment for connectivity in Canada. Our strategic investment in AST SpaceMobile, coupled with our ownership and operation of the Canadian ground infrastructure and deployment of low band spectrum, means we are uniquely positioned to deliver a highly reliable space-based cellular service that Canadians can depend on, built with their security and connectivity needs as the top priority. This technology also opens significant possibilities for enterprises including remote operations and monitoring in sectors like natural resources, energy and the environment, providing critical data and enabling new efficiencies for Canadian businesses."
- Mark McDonald, EVP and Chief Technology Officer, Bell
"AST SpaceMobile is proud to partner with Bell in this breakthrough achievement, yet another step in demonstrating the capabilities of our space-based cellular broadband technology. The successful video streaming and voice call highlight its potential to revolutionize connectivity in Canada and beyond. We are committed to working with Bell to bring the benefits of cellular broadband to Canadians, enabling new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike."
- Chris Ivory, AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer
Bell is Canada's largest communications companyi, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we're keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.
Media inquiries:
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Investor inquiries:
Richard Bengian
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Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the planned nationwide launch of low Earth orbit direct-to-cell service in 2026 and the benefits expected to result therefrom, Bell Canada's network deployment plans, and other statements that are not historical facts. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events, and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe Bell Canada's expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Bell Canada does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements made in this news release, including the planned nationwide launch of low Earth orbit direct-to-cell service in 2026 and the benefits expected to result therefrom, as well as Bell Canada's network deployment plans, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and are based on certain assumptions including, without limitation, the availability of sufficient equipment, labour and capital, and a regulatory environment that does not negatively impact these network deployment plans. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the planned nationwide launch of low Earth orbit direct-to-cell service in 2026 and Bell Canada's network deployment plans will be completed, or that the benefits expected to result therefrom will be realized. For additional information on assumptions and risks underlying certain of our forward-looking statements made in this news release, please consult BCE Inc.'s (BCE) 2024 Annual MD&A dated March 6, 2025, BCE's 2025 First Quarter MD&A dated May 7, 2025 and BCE's news release dated May 8, 2025 announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, filed with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (available at sedarplus.ca) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at SEC.gov). These documents are also available at BCE.ca.
i Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.
SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)
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