TELUS and AST SpaceMobile partner to bring space-based cellular broadband connectivity to every corner of Canada
MWN-AI** Summary
TELUS Corporation ("TELUS") and AST SpaceMobile, Inc. ("AST SpaceMobile") have entered into a groundbreaking partnership aimed at delivering space-based cellular broadband connectivity across Canada, targeting even the most remote areas previously without service. This collaboration will provide TELUS customers with the ability to send texts, make voice calls, and use data through their existing smartphones, eliminating the need for specialized equipment.
Set to launch in late 2026, the innovative service combines TELUS's extensive wireless network with AST SpaceMobile's unique Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology. The partnership underscores TELUS's commitment to expand connectivity and address gaps across the vast Canadian landscape, which poses both challenges and opportunities due to its geographic diversity. This is a significant step toward more universal access to cellular services, fostering communication essential for individuals, businesses, and emergency responders in isolated regions.
Nazim Benhadid, TELUS's Chief Technology Officer, emphasized that the partnership will enable Canadians to remain connected wherever they are, from urban centers to remote backcountry areas. Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer of AST SpaceMobile, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the mission to redefine mobile coverage in Canada, ensuring seamless connectivity across various terrains.
By investing in satellite infrastructure, TELUS not only strengthens its service capabilities but also becomes an equity stakeholder in AST SpaceMobile, reinforcing the long-term collaboration. This initiative is part of TELUS's broader strategy to enhance network offerings and deliver faster 5G+ and LTE speeds nationwide, benefiting both urban and rural communities.
Overall, the partnership between TELUS and AST SpaceMobile signifies a transformative advancement in mobile connectivity, poised to reshape communication experiences throughout Canada.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The partnership between TELUS and AST SpaceMobile marks a transformative milestone in Canada’s telecommunications landscape, aiming to provide satellite-based cellular broadband service accessible through standard smartphones. This innovative collaboration promises to fill coverage gaps in remote regions, which could unlock significant market potential for both companies.
TELUS, recognized for its robust wireless network and commitment to network enhancement, will leverage its established infrastructure while simultaneously investing in AST SpaceMobile. This dual strategy not only diversifies TELUS' revenue streams but also positions it as a pioneer in mobile connectivity, setting the stage for enhanced user experiences in underserved areas. For investors, this partnership signals a commitment to growth in an evolving market, especially as demand for connectivity surges in the face of rising remote work and digital engagement.
AST SpaceMobile, on the other hand, is poised to revolutionize mobile broadband by deploying its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The ability to deliver 4G and 5G service through ordinary devices expands its market appeal and creates a strong competitive advantage. Investors should closely watch this interplay; if AST can successfully launch and scale its network, it could capture a substantial portion of Canada’s mobile service market.
As TELUS prepares for the late 2026 rollout, stakeholders should monitor customer adoption rates and the operational efficiency of integrated satellite technology. Additionally, these developments could serve as a benchmark for future partnerships in the global telecommunications space.
In sum, combining TELUS' networking expertise with AST SpaceMobile's satellite innovations presents a compelling investment opportunity. The strategic alignment reflects a forward-thinking approach to connectivity, promising enhanced service offerings and growth potential in the Canadian telecommunications sector. Investors should consider an allocation in TELUS or AST SpaceMobile as part of a diversified strategy that embraces the future of wireless communication.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Canada NewsWire
TELUS and AST SpaceMobile will deliver satellite-powered text messaging, voice calls and data to expand coverage nationwide using everyday smartphones
VANCOUVER, BC and MIDLAND, Texas, March 3, 2026 /CNW/ - TELUS Corporation ("TELUS") (TSX: T); (NYSE: TU), a world-leading communications technology company, and AST SpaceMobile, Inc. ("AST SpaceMobile") (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for commercial and government applications, have signed a commercial agreement to bring space-based cellular broadband service to places it's never reached before across Canada. As part of the commercial agreement, TELUS will invest in ground-based satellite infrastructure and become an equity shareholder in AST SpaceMobile, reinforcing the long-term alignment between the two companies.
Planned for late 2026, TELUS customers will be able to send texts, make calls and use data in Canada's most remote locations, staying connected whether they're hiking through the backcountry, working at a remote job site, or spending the weekend at the lake, using the smartphone they already own with no special equipment required.
"By combining TELUS' award-winning wireless network and AST SpaceMobile's innovative satellite technology, we're eliminating connectivity gaps across Canada and ensuring our customers in even the most remote corners of the country can stay connected to what matters most, when it matters the most," said Nazim Benhadid, Chief Technology Officer, TELUS Networks. "This is a significant milestone in our commitment to keep all Canadians connected, no matter where they live, work or explore."
Once available, TELUS customers will have the opportunity to use their existing smartphones to stay connected almost anywhere across Canada. The connectivity is made possible by combining AST SpaceMobile's Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, with the largest commercial phase arrays ever deployed in LEO and TELUS' award-winning wireless network, enabling connectivity in areas where traditional cellular network infrastructure is not available.
"Canada's vast geography, remote industries and dispersed communities make universal connectivity both a challenge and a necessity," said Chris Ivory, AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer. "By combining TELUS' proven leadership in network innovation with AST SpaceMobile's innovative technology, we aim to provide seamless mobile coverage from city centers to the most isolated regions, ensuring people, businesses and first responders stay connected when it matters most. Together, we are working to redefine what mobile coverage means for Canadians, using the smartphones they already carry every day."
This partnership builds on TELUS' commitment to keep Canadians connected by continuing to enhance its network to bring faster 5G+ and LTE speeds and stronger signals to communities across Canada, both rural and urban.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a world-leading communications technology company operating in more than 45 countries and generating over $20 billion in annual revenue with more than 21 million customer connections through our advanced suite of broadband services for consumers, businesses and the public sector. We are committed to leveraging our technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. TELUS is passionate about putting our customers and communities first, leading the way globally in client service excellence and social capitalism. TELUS Health is enhancing more than 161 million lives across 200 countries and territories through innovative preventive medicine and well-being technologies. TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods utilizes digital technologies and data insights to optimize the connection between producers and consumers. TELUS Digital specializes in digital customer experiences and future-focused digital transformations that deliver value for their global clients. Guided by our enduring 'give where we live' philosophy, TELUS continues to invest in initiatives that support education, health and community well-being. In 2023, we launched the TELUS Student Bursary, which strives to ensure that every young person in Canada who wants a postsecondary education has the opportunity to pursue one. To date, the program has distributed over $6 million in bursaries to 2,000 students and counting. Since 2000, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $1.85 billion in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs, including 2.5 million days of service--earning TELUS the distinction of the world's most giving company.
For more information, visit telus.com or follow @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.
About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to enable 4G and 5G space-based cellular broadband to every device, everywhere, for today's nearly 6 billion mobile subscribers globally. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.
For more information, please contact:
TELUS
Martin Nguyen
TELUS Media Relations
martin.nguyen@telus.com
AST SpaceMobile
Investor Contact:
Scott Wisniewski
investors@ast-science.com
Media Contact:
Allison Eva Murphy Ryan
917-547-7289
AstSpaceMobile@allisonpr.com
SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.
View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2026/03/c0282.html
FAQ**
How will the partnership between TELUS Corporation (TU) and AST SpaceMobile enhance TELUS's service offerings for customers in remote areas of Canada?
What specific technologies from AST SpaceMobile will be integrated into TELUS's existing infrastructure to provide seamless cellular broadband connectivity?
As TELUS Corporation (TU) invests in ground-based satellite infrastructure, what will be the expected financial implications or benefits for the company in the long term?
What measures will TELUS and AST SpaceMobile take to ensure reliable service quality across diverse geographical challenges within Canada?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Telus Corporation (NYSE: TU).
NASDAQ: TU
TU Trading
-0.14% G/L:
$13.775 Last:
2,470,926 Volume:
$13.69 Open:
