TELUS to Take Equity Stake in AST SpaceMobile for Late-2026 Satellite Coverage
TELUS will invest in ground-based satellite infrastructure and acquire an equity stake in AST SpaceMobile to deliver direct-to-smartphone satellite coverage across remote Canadian regions for voice, messaging and data. Commercial service launches in late 2026, potentially boosting subscriber growth and strengthening network differentiation.
1. Partnership Agreement
TELUS and AST SpaceMobile have entered a commercial agreement under which TELUS will invest in ground-based satellite gateway infrastructure and take an equity stake in AST SpaceMobile. This investment aligns both companies for long-term collaboration on the first space-based cellular broadband network connecting directly to smartphones.
2. Service Features and Launch Timeline
The service, slated for late 2026 rollout, will enable TELUS customers to send texts, make calls, and use data in remote Canadian regions without additional hardware. It works with existing smartphones and aims to fill coverage gaps in backcountry, job sites and lakeside areas.
3. Strategic Growth Implications
The partnership expands TELUS’ reach into underserved areas and complements ongoing 5G+ and LTE network upgrades. Enhanced rural coverage could drive subscriber growth, improve customer retention and differentiate TELUS in the competitive Canadian telecommunications market.