Direct-to-cell: A major milestone in Canadian connectivity
MONTRÉAL, QC – October 2, 2025 – Bell, together with AST SpaceMobile, today announced a groundbreaking milestone in its mission to connect all Canadians: the successful completion of a satellite direct-to-cell 4G voice over LTE (VoLTE) call, video call, broadband data connectivity, and video streaming using the Fibe TV app to a standard smartphone over a Canadian wireless network.
Space-based cellular broadband will bridge the connectivity gap between Bell's terrestrial networks and Canada's most geographically challenging areas, from northern communities to remote coastal regions. The technology will support vital emergency response services, improve remote operations in the mining, forestry, agriculture, and energy sectors, and bring essential communication to residential customers in remote, maritime, and Indigenous communities.
By harnessing space-based cellular broadband technology, Bell is unlocking new possibilities for consumers, businesses, and governments to connect with each other and the world, no matter where they are.