Telus and AST SpaceMobile Complete First Satellite-to-Phone Test

Telus and AST SpaceMobile have completed their first satellite-to-smartphone integration test on the Telus network, a step toward bringing mobile service to parts of Canada that remain outside traditional cellular coverage.

The test showed that standard smartphones could connect through AST SpaceMobile’s satellite network for broadband data, voice calls and text messaging. Telus says the service is expected to become available to customers within the next year, though no specific launch date has been announced.

The companies are targeting areas where building conventional cellular infrastructure is difficult, including remote highways, national parks, wilderness regions and northern communities. Telus says satellite connectivity could also provide another way for people to reach 9-1-1 in locations where there is no regular wireless signal.

AST SpaceMobile is building a low Earth orbit satellite network designed to connect directly with standard, unmodified smartphones. That means customers would not need a separate satellite phone or other specialized hardware to use the service. Bell is also working with AST SpaceMobile on direct-to-cell service in Canada.

“Connecting smartphones directly to satellites is opening up new possibilities for how Canadians stay connected,” said Nazim Benhadid, executive vice-president and chief technology officer at Telus, in a statement on Monday. “This successful milestone with AST SpaceMobile is a major step forward in extending cellular coverage to places where service isn’t available today, reinforcing our commitment to bringing reliable service to more Canadians, no matter where they are.”

AST SpaceMobile chief commercial officer Chris Ivory said the test demonstrates how wireless carriers can extend their existing networks using satellite broadband while customers continue using the phones they already own.

Telus plans to use the satellite service as a complement to its existing LTE and 5G+ networks, rather than as a replacement for cell towers. The added coverage could be especially useful for travellers and people working in remote parts of Canada where terrestrial networks remain limited.

The move also adds another potential competitor to Canada’s growing satellite-to-phone market. Rogers already offers satellite-to-mobile connectivity through SpaceX’s Starlink network, while Bell is building Canadian ground stations to support its AST SpaceMobile service.