Bell Canada completes first direct‑to‑device satellite ground station in Quebec

Bell Canada announced the completion of its first sovereign direct‑to‑device satellite ground station in Quebec, designed to connect the carrier’s terrestrial network with AST SpaceMobile’s low‑Earth‑orbit satellite constellation.

The facility enables regular smartphones to access voice, text, video and broadband data in remote locations beyond the reach of traditional cell towers. Initial tests at the site have covered messaging, voice calls, video calls and broadband; upcoming trials will include video streaming, Internet‑of‑Things devices and public emergency alerts.

Bell plans to build additional stations in Ontario, Alberta and Newfoundland & Labrador and targets an early‑next‑year launch of the satellite service, with consumer pricing expected at CAD 10‑15 per month for basic plans. Competitor Rogers already offers a similar service using SpaceX’s Starlink, while Telus is also set to use AST SpaceMobile’s satellites.