Space, the final frontier… of powering your scrolling.
What happened: Bell announced plans to start customer trials of a direct-to-cell satellite service some time next year, offering video, voice, text, and broadband data capabilities beamed directly to smartphones from a fleet of speeding metallic hunks in low-earth orbit.
- The service will be made available through a partnership with Texas-based AST SpaceMobile, which plans to deploy between 45 and 60 satellites by the end of 2026.
Big picture: Satellite cell service is an emerging area in telecoms that promises to become crowded very quickly. Bell’s announcement came after Rogers launched satellite cell service in July through a partnership with Starlink — though currently it offers only text capabilities.
- Speaking of Starlink, the SpaceX-owned provider also plans to launch its own cell service directly to consumers (which could complicate its Rogers deal).
- And Telus has linked up with Canadian startup Terrestar Solutions for cell service, though that one’s a ways off, as Terrestar isn’t launching a full satellite fleet until at least 2028.
Why it matters: Direct-to-cell satellite service could be a game changer for rural and remote Canadian areas that have been bereft of reliable mobile broadband coverage due to the cost of building infrastructure. This service would expand access for residents and emergency services alike.
Yes, but: Achieving satellite cell connection is trickier than satellite internet (which just has to reach a stationary satellite dish), so expect initial services to be a little spotty.—QH