Vancouver-based TELUS has signed a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile to bring space-based cellular broadband service to remote areas across Canada.
The partnership will see TELUS invest in ground-based satellite infrastructure while also becoming an equity shareholder in AST SpaceMobile, a company developing a Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network designed to connect directly with everyday smartphones.
The companies say the service, expected to launch in late 2026, will allow TELUS customers to send texts, make calls, and use data in areas where traditional cellular infrastructure is unavailable. The service will work with existing smartphones and will not require any specialized equipment.
TELUS says the technology could help extend coverage to some of Canada’s most remote regions, including rural communities, backcountry areas, and remote job sites.
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“By combining TELUS’ wireless network with AST SpaceMobile’s satellite technology, we’re helping eliminate connectivity gaps across Canada,” said Nazim Benhadid, Chief Technology Officer of TELUS. “This is an important step in our commitment to keep Canadians connected, no matter where they live, work, or explore.”
The service will rely on AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation integrated with TELUS’ terrestrial wireless network, enabling connectivity in locations where building traditional cellular infrastructure is difficult or uneconomical.
AST SpaceMobile says its satellites are designed to function as space-based cell towers, allowing standard smartphones to connect directly to the network without modifications.
“Canada’s vast geography and dispersed communities make universal connectivity both a challenge and a necessity,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer at AST SpaceMobile. “By working with TELUS, we aim to extend mobile coverage beyond traditional network boundaries and provide connectivity across even the most remote regions.”
Satellite-to-smartphone connectivity is emerging as a major focus for the wireless industry as telecom providers look to expand coverage beyond terrestrial networks. The technology has gained momentum globally as operators seek ways to reach underserved areas where building conventional cell towers can be prohibitively expensive.
If successful, the TELUS partnership could significantly expand mobile coverage across Canada’s rural and wilderness regions, where connectivity gaps remain a persistent challenge.
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