Bell and AST SpaceMobile Make Canada’s First Space-Based Direct-to-Cell Call
Bell and AST SpaceMobile have successfully completed Canada’s first space-based direct-to-cell 4G VoLTE voice call, video call, broadband data session and video streaming to an everyday, unmodified smartphone.
The summer trials in New Brunswick also demonstrated SMS messaging and emergency alerts, all powered by Bell’s low-band spectrum and connected via AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites.
The breakthrough sets the stage for Bell’s planned commercial launch of direct-to-cell service in 2026, which aim to:
Extend coverage north of the 59th parallel, into maritime zones, and across 5.7 million km², the broadest reach of any Canadian provider.
Enable emergency response communications in remote regions.
Support industries such as mining, forestry, energy, and agriculture.
Improve everyday connectivity for tourism, outdoor recreation, and residential users.
Bell has been an investor in AST SpaceMobile since 2021, and its gateway base stations connect AST satellites to user devices.
By combining AST’s low Earth orbit satellites with Bell’s terrestrial network, the partnership is hoping to eliminate Canada’s most challenging connectivity gaps in remote areas and deliver a seamless mobile experience nationwide.