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5d ago

Bell Activates Quebec Ground Station for Satellite-to-Mobile Tests

The facility marks a key step toward delivering direct satellite cellular service to remote communities.

Bell Canada's first sovereign direct-to-device satellite ground station in Quebec, which connects with AST SpaceMobile's constellation of satellites, is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Bell Canada (Mandatory Credit)
Two large white spherical radar domes on metal platforms in a fenced outdoor facility with gravel ground.
Bell says testing has begun at the ground station facility to support direct-to-device satellite service

Overview

  • Bell completed construction of a ground station in Quebec and has started integration testing with AST SpaceMobile’s satellite network.
  • The company reported successful tests of text messaging, broadband data, and voice and video calls routed through the new ground station.
  • Bell plans follow-up validations for video streaming, internet-of-things devices, and government public alerts in the coming weeks.
  • Construction of additional ground stations is under way in Ontario, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador to expand national coverage.
  • The program faces schedule risk because an April 2026 satellite launch did not reach its planned orbit, which could delay wider service deployment and affect how Bell competes with Starlink-based offerings.