TELUS and AST SpaceMobile complete first satellite integration test

• TELUS (NYSE:TU) and AST SpaceMobile successfully completed their first integration test connecting a wireless network with a space-based satellite network.
• The test validates technical capabilities required to deliver direct-to-smartphone broadband data, voice calls, and text messages from space.
• The company stated that the service is expected to be available to customers within the next year to extend coverage beyond traditional cell towers.

TELUS (NYSE:TU) finalized a key technical milestone alongside AST SpaceMobile by testing direct satellite connectivity with standard mobile devices.

The milestone marks progress toward eliminating traditional dead zones across Canadian regions that lack standard cell-tower infrastructure.

The planned service is designed to work with eligible existing smartphones without requiring specialized satellite hardware attachments.

Following the announcement, TELUS' share price was up at $21.80.

Beyond consumer connectivity, management anticipates the system will provide an alternative channel to reach 9-1-1 emergency services in remote locations.

The space-based network infrastructure is intended to complement, rather than replace, the carrier's existing terrestrial wireless grid.