Montreal-based mobile satellite operator Terrestar Solutions announced Tuesday it has selected Etiya, a global software company with offices in Montreal, to “help bridge the connectivity gap for all Canadians”, it said in a press release.
Terrestar is currently working on bringing to Canadians “seamless, affordable direct-to-mobile satellite communication services”, which would connect “everyday devices, including smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, everywhere in Canada as a complement to cellular networks”, the company explained in its release.
“We are excited to support Terrestar’s bold vision. Together, we will build a future that enhances the lives of Canadians and revolutionizes communication,” Aslan Doğan, CEO of Etiya, said in the press release. “Through this partnership, Terrestar and Etiya aim to establish a robust infrastructure for seamless communication throughout Canada. This infrastructure will connect users at all times and accelerate future digital transformations.”
“This collaboration with Etiya marks a major milestone for Terrestar and our promise to bring cellular mobile connectivity everywhere,” said Jacques Leduc, Terrestar’s president and CEO. “We are committed to ensuring that every Canadian, no matter where they are, has access to reliable and seamless communication services. We anticipate the commercialization of this service in Canada as early as this year, facilitated by strategic partnerships with domestic mobile network operators.”
Last fall, Terrestar conducted a two-way smartphone-to-satellite trial in collaboration with Telus and Mountain View, Calif.-based Skylo Technologies.
In April 2023, Rogers announced partnerships with SpaceX and Lynk Global to bring satellite-to-phone coverage to remote regions of Canada not served by its traditional wireless network.
Terrestar said in its press release several key assets distinguish it from its competitors, including its sole ownership of the Canadian capacity of the geostationary EchoStar T1 satellite, as well as its S-band spectrum licences, coupled with robust terrestrial infrastructure.
“Furthermore, Terrestar has forged strategic partnerships over the years to pioneer an innovative, open network architecture platform, aligned with the internationally adopted 3GPP standard, facilitating seamless integration between cellular and satellite networks,” the release said.
