Mobile carriers expand satellite-to-cell connectivity options

Mobile carriers are increasingly integrating satellite technology to expand cellular coverage to remote areas. In Canada, Telus and AST SpaceMobile successfully completed their first satellite-to-smartphone integration test. The test demonstrated that standard, unmodified smartphones could connect to the AST SpaceMobile low Earth orbit network for voice, text, and broadband data. Telus aims to deploy this service within the next year to support users in national parks, wilderness regions, and northern communities.

In the United States, T-Mobile has removed Starlink branding from its T-Satellite website. While this change does not confirm the end of its partnership with SpaceX, it coincides with a broader industry movement. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have established a joint venture to expand satellite provider options, seeking to diversify the suppliers used for direct-to-cell services. T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan has previously noted that satellite connectivity serves as a complementary service to existing networks.