WHO WE ARE
The future of telecom starts here
Terrestar Solutions was founded in 2008 by the Québec business leaders who built Fido (Microcell), thereby turning the dream of democratizing Canadian wireless into an everyday reality.
Then, backed by a seasoned leadership team, they broadened their horizons and began charting the future of Canadian telecommunications by integrating their MSS spectrum to the cellular ecosystem to extend cellular ground networks, and by providing satellite services across the country through the launch of their Strigo service in 2020.
Today, at Terrestar, we’re harnessing revolutionary new technologies to enable seamless direct-to-mobile satellite services for everyday devices and the IoT.
More than ever, thanks to our open-network architecture, we’re working hand in hand with leading mobile network operators (MNOs) and committed partners to extend ground networks and bring connectivity to life for all Canadians like never before.
Terrestar Solutions was founded in 2008 by the Québec business leaders who built Fido (Microcell), thereby turning the dream of democratizing Canadian wireless into an everyday reality.
Then, backed by a seasoned leadership team, they broadened their horizons and began charting the future of Canadian telecommunications by integrating their MSS spectrum to the cellular ecosystem to extend cellular ground networks, and by providing satellite services across the country through the launch of their Strigo service in 2020.
Today, at Terrestar, we’re harnessing revolutionary new technologies to enable seamless direct-to-mobile satellite services for everyday devices and the IoT.
More than ever, thanks to our open-network architecture, we’re working hand in hand with leading mobile network operators (MNOs) and committed partners to extend ground networks and bring connectivity to life for all Canadians like never before.
Furthermore, as an MSS licensee, we benefit from the following advantages:
- the ability to immediately offer IoT services;
- access to an existing international regulatory framework;
- seamless use of terrestrial networks without interference;
- greater spectrum capacity to advance 5G New Radio (5G-NR) services;
- the ability to help MNOs-offer satellite/terrestrial integration in their entire service area without sacrificing their terrestrial spectrum.
With our geostationary satellite, ground infrastructures and spectrum licences in hand, we’re set to provide ubiquitous, coverage to everyone, all across this vast country of ours.
And we won’t stop there.
In fact, Terrestar has just taken another decisive step by creating the Mobile Satellite Services Association in partnership with other co-founding members.
This committed group of North American industry leaders, working together with its ecosystem partners, supports the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) to deliver scalable, sustainable, and affordable connectivity to any device, anytime, anywhere—a real game-changer for Canadians.
It’s simple: at Terrestar, we believe that access to communication is a fundamental right, not a luxury, and we’re working hard to make it a reality. To that end, we’re working on the design of a low-orbit constellation to complement our geostationary satellite, thereby ensuring the evolution of services so we can meet the needs of cellular-users well into the future.
Discover how we’re keeping Canadians connected.




Connecting with what really matters
Our values embody who we are and what we want to achieve. They set us apart, standing as guideposts, keeping us on course as we work tirelessly to pursue our mission of providing connectivity for one and all.
Solidarity
We’re committed to connecting everyone everywhere to everything by working hand in hand with our partners, collaborators, network operators and service providers.
Accessibility
We want to make next-gen technologies accessible to everyone. It’s part of who we are: open-minded and barrier free.
Determination
Our team members share the will to go above and beyond with boundless initiative and keen intelligence, working around the clock to connect Canadians from coast to coast. And that’s just the beginning.
Connecting with what really matters
Our values embody who we are and what we want to achieve. They set us apart, standing as guideposts, keeping us on course as we work tirelessly to pursue our mission of providing connectivity for one and all.
Solidarity
We’re committed to connecting everyone everywhere to everything by working hand in hand with our partners, collaborators, network operators and service providers.
Accessibility
We want to make next-gen technologies accessible to everyone. It’s part of who we are: open-minded and barrier free.
Determination
Our team members share the will to go above and beyond with boundless initiative and keen intelligence, working around the clock to connect Canadians from coast to coast. And that’s just the beginning.




Connecting with what really matters
Our values embody who we are and what we want to achieve. They set us apart, standing as guideposts, keeping us on course as we work tirelessly to pursue our mission of providing connectivity for one and all.
Solidarity
We’re committed to connecting everyone everywhere to everything by working hand in hand with our partners, collaborators, network operators and service providers.
Accessibility
We want to make next-gen technologies accessible to everyone. It’s part of who we are: open-minded and barrier free.
Determination
Our team members share the will to go above and beyond with boundless initiative and keen intelligence, working around the clock to connect Canadians from coast to coast. And that’s just the beginning.

Connecting with what really matters
Our values embody who we are and what we want to achieve. They set us apart, standing as guideposts, keeping us on course as we work tirelessly to pursue our mission of providing connectivity for one and all.

Solidarity
We’re committed to connecting everyone everywhere to everything by working hand in hand with our partners, collaborators, network operators and service providers.

Accessibility
We want to make next-gen technologies accessible to everyone. It’s part of who we are: open-minded and barrier free.

Determination
Our team members share the will to go above and beyond with boundless initiative and keen intelligence, working around the clock to connect Canadians from coast to coast. And that’s just the beginning.
Our Team
A constellation of talented people
Meet our tenacious leadership team—a group of seasoned leaders driven by a spirit of innovation, inspired by daunting challenges, and ready to explore new horizons as they chart the way to the future of telecommunications.

André Tremblay
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Since the foundation of the company in 2008, André has acted as Executive Chairman of the Board of Terrestar Solutions. Until April 2020, he also held the title of CEO. He has more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, most notably in the conception, financing and management of several leading companies. For almost 10 years, André served as President and CEO of Microcell Telecommunications (Fido™), a wireless network and service provider that he led from inception through its complete evolution. During that time, he also provided early-stage financing, strategic counsel, and direction for a number of successful start-up tech firms. In 2005, he was appointed by Canada’s Industry Minister as a member of the Telecommunications Policy Review Panel to make recommendations on how to modernize Canada’s telecommunication policies and regulatory framework.
André holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Accounting from Université Laval, a Master’s degree in Taxation from the Université de Sherbrooke, and is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Jacques Leduc
PRESIDENT AND CEO
In April 2020, Jacques was appointed President and CEO of Terrestar Solutions. Prior to that, he acted as CFO and Treasurer, roles he held since the founding of the company in 2008. From 1995 to 2004, he served as CFO of Microcell Telecommunications (Fido™), VP of Finance and Director of Corporate Planning. In 2005, Jacques was one of the founders of Trio Capital, an investment firm in the Canadian telecommunication sector and abroad. Throughout his lengthy career, Jacques has held a number of senior management positions in finance and taxation for influential Canadian and International firms. He has also been on the boards of numerous publicly held companies in the U.S and Canada, in addition to serving as Chairman of several audit committees. He has a consistent track record of increasing productivity by streamlining operations and making innovative use of technology. A results-driven, innovative and diplomatic executive, Jacques is a seasoned negotiator, able to effectively provide options and flexibility, while reducing and containing costs.
Jacques holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the École des Hautes Études Commerciales of Montréal, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Rosemary Capparelli
Vice President, Finance
Rosemary joined Terrestar in July 2024 as VP Finance. Backed by her team of experts, she provides financial leadership and the vision necessary to support Terrestar’s growth plan, ensuring the organization’s operational efficiency while helping secure access to capital.
A senior financial executive with over 20 years’ experience in diverse strategic, financial and operational roles, Rosemary’s solid track record clearly demonstrates her ability to rapidly adapt to changing environments with intellectual agility, entrepreneurial creativity and rigor. Over the years, Rosemary has held various positions, including that of Vice President, Finance and Administration at Fednav Holdings Inc., a maritime shipping company. Prior to that, Rosemary spent a decade at Air Canada as Head of Finance for Air Canada Rouge. In that role, she was primarily involved in the start-up and creation of the leisure airline. Before that, she held a variety of financial roles at leading companies including Motorola, Pfizer and Lockheed Martin.
Rosemary currently serves on the CPA’s Quebec Board of Directors, as a member of the Executive and Audit Committee; and she’s also Director on the boards of Lexum and CATSA, where she serves on the audit committee.
Rosemary is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and recently completed Digital Transformation and Sustainability Leadership training at the London School of Business.

Serge Legris
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Serge joined the Terrestar team in September 2022 as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and today, he’s responsible for strategic planning, innovation, technology direction and deployment, as well as network operations.
Before joining our team, Serge worked at Videotron for over ten years, first as Vice President of the wireless access network, where he was responsible for planning as well as network deployment; and following that, as Chief Technology Planning Officer and Vice President of products and services, responsible for all technology introduction and development.
In all, Serge has over 30 years of experience in technological strategic consultant for product development, network deployment and operations. For over 15 years of that time, he held various senior management positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President.
Serge holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in telecommunications from Polytechnique Montréal.

Jason Trembley
VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIALIZATION
In October 2020, Jason was appointed Vice President, Commercialization at Terrestar Solutions Inc. Today, he heads up Strigo’s mobile satellite marketing, sales, customer experience, product, and service development team.
Jason’s career began at Xplornet, where he advanced within the sales organization. As District Manager, he built the top territory in Canada and was honored by the CEO prior to taking on a National Sales Management role, where he managed key partnerships with Shaw and SaskTel. After co-founding a small firm in the US, working closely with key partners including DIRECTV, he pivoted into a senior role at DHL, where he was responsible for the commercial performance of Eastern Canada. Among his team’s most noteworthy achievements was acquiring the most new clients and generating the highest number of internal promotions. From there, he went on to join TELUS Business Solutions, where he managed a large sales team in the B2B mid-market segment.
Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University.

Jean-Sébastien Boulard
Vice President, Talent and Culture
Jean-Sébastien joined Terrestar in 2024 with over 20 years of experience in the field of Human Resources management, primarily in the fields of video games and consulting, notably as Leader of Performance Practises at Normandin-Beaudry. A specialist in integrated talent management, performance and HR transformation, Jean-Sébastien has helped define strategies for recruiting, mobilizing and developing talent within SMBs and large corporations alike. He’s also given several conferences and training courses in his areas of expertise.
Jean-Sébastien possesses extensive expertise in HR information systems and IT, acting as Chair of the Board of Directors of Technocompétences, the Quebec committee for the IT and telecom workforce.
Throughout his career, he’s held a number of key HR management roles, including Director of Organizational Development at Ubisoft Montréal, as creator of the HR and Communications divisions of Ludia–a leading Canadian mobile video game developer—and Vice President of Talent at Montoni.
Jean-Sébastien holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Management from HEC Montréal and is a registered member of the Order of Approved Human Resources Advisors.

David Lewis
VICE PRESIDENT, SPACE SYSTEM & CORPORATE ALLIANCES
David joined Terrestar Solutions in 2015 as a strategic adviser for the MSS satellite service deployment, where he brought his four decades of experience bringing big-city/urban-class telecom services to Canada’s rural and under-served markets using satellite and fixed-wireless technologies. In his career, he was instrumental in co-founding and deploying evolutionary telecom services with Telesat, Shaw Direct, LinCsat and Xplornet, and helped bring satellite facilities competition to Canada with Ciel Satellite as founding President and CEO. From 2007 to 2018, David chaired the Canadian Satellite and Space Industry Forum (CSSIF), where he advocated regulatory and spectrum policy on behalf of the satellite industry with ISED, and was a member of the ITU WRC Preparatory Committee.
In August 2019, David became Vice President, Space System & Corporate alliances, leading the Strigo network operations and leading Terrestar’s partner relationships and strategy with Hughes, Telesat, SSL/Maxar, and EchoStar. He combines these responsibilities with a corporate development role, focused on regulatory affairs and strategy.
David holds a Telecom Engineering Technology diploma from Conestoga Polytechnic.

Scott Gibson
GENERAL COUNSEL & CORPORATE SECRETARY
Scott joined Terrestar Solutions Inc. in 2020, and today, he acts as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary with Strigo and Terrestar, collaborating closely with our commercial partners, shareholders, and regulators to help deliver the Terrestar vision to Canadians.
Scott brings more than 25 years of legal and regulatory experience in the Canadian and international satellite telecommunications and broadcast sectors. During his wide-ranging career, he has held senior executive positions with SES S.A., one of the largest global satellite operators, as well as with Star Choice, Cancom, YTV and the CTV Television Network. Scott was also one of the co-founders of Ciel Satellite, which became Canada’s first competitive satellite operator when it successfully built and launched the Ciel-2 satellite in 2008. He takes a strategic and entrepreneurial approach to his work and thrives in start-up, public company and turnaround environments.
Scott holds an LL.B from the University of Manitoba.

René Bousquet
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
René began his extensive career at Price Waterhouse in strategic management and market research. As an expert in consumer behaviour and retailing, he was co-author of Price Waterhouse’s annual Canadian Retail Outlook publication. Over the years, René held various top executive positions at Microcell Telecommunications Inc., most notably as VP Finance and VP Marketing, for which he was awarded Marketing Man of the Year in 2004 by the Montreal Marketing Association. Subsequent to the acquisition of Microcell by Rogers, René was appointed Executive VP at Rogers Wireless and President of Fido Inc. In 2006, he joined Trio Capital Inc., a private investment firm, as a Partner, alongside Jacques Leduc and André Tremblay. In 2009, he joined Terrestar Solutions as Chief Commercial Officer. In April 2020, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer.
René holds an M.Sc. from the Université de Sherbrooke and a Corporate Directors certificate from the Institute of Corporate Directors and McGill University.

Charles Vaillancourt
Chief Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Charles joined Terrestar in September 2024 as Chief Information Technology and Cybersecurity.
Prior to becoming a member of our team, Charles held a key position at Telesat, where, in addition to his role as CIO, he was responsible for the development of the System Operations segment of the Lightspeed constellation. Before that, Charles was CIO at both Pratt & Whitney and Cogeco and held a variety of management positions in IT consulting firms. Fuelled by his keen interest in cybersecurity, Charles has authored a number of opinion articles on the subject and was a speaker at the Satellite conference in Washington DC, focussing on cybersecurity in satellite systems.
Over the years, Charles has served on several boards, most recently as Chairman of the Board of Montreal's Saint-Hubert Airport, where he presided over the refurbishment of the main runway and the attraction of a major scheduled carrier.
Charles holds a Master's degree in Engineering from Université Laval. His research, funded by the Canadian Space Agency, included the development of innovative mechanical control algorithms to counter the effects of structural flexibility in space station robotic systems.

Dennis Beland
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
Dennis Béland joined the Terrestar team in September 2024, as Vice President, Regulatory Affairs. His recognized expertise in ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) consultations and compliance is a major asset to our organization as we work to meet our various spectrum licensing conditions.
Dennis has over 35 years of experience in the industry, including 28 in regulatory affairs, most recently as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Québecor, where he held senior roles for nearly 18 years. Prior to that, he was a key part of the regulatory affairs team at Microcell.
Dennis holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics from McMaster University and a Master's degree in Public Policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
André Tremblay
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Since the foundation of the company in 2008, André has acted as Executive Chairman of the Board of Terrestar Solutions. Until April 2020, he also held the title of CEO. He has more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, most notably in the conception, financing and management of several leading companies. For almost 10 years, André served as President and CEO of Microcell Telecommunications (Fido™), a wireless network and service provider that he led from inception through its complete evolution. During that time, he also provided early-stage financing, strategic counsel, and direction for a number of successful start-up tech firms. In 2005, he was appointed by Canada’s Industry Minister as a member of the Telecommunications Policy Review Panel to make recommendations on how to modernize Canada’s telecommunication policies and regulatory framework.
André holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Accounting from Université Laval, a Master’s degree in Taxation from the Université de Sherbrooke, and is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
Jacques Leduc
PRESIDENT AND CEO
In April 2020, Jacques was appointed President and CEO of Terrestar Solutions. Prior to that, he acted as CFO and Treasurer, roles he held since the founding of the company in 2008. From 1995 to 2004, he served as CFO of Microcell Telecommunications (Fido™), VP of Finance and Director of Corporate Planning. In 2005, Jacques was one of the founders of Trio Capital, an investment firm in the Canadian telecommunication sector and abroad. Throughout his lengthy career, Jacques has held a number of senior management positions in finance and taxation for influential Canadian and International firms. He has also been on the boards of numerous publicly held companies in the U.S and Canada, in addition to serving as Chairman of several audit committees. He has a consistent track record of increasing productivity by streamlining operations and making innovative use of technology. A results-driven, innovative and diplomatic executive, Jacques is a seasoned negotiator, able to effectively provide options and flexibility, while reducing and containing costs.
Jacques holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the École des Hautes Études Commerciales of Montréal, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Université du Québec à Montréal.
Rosemary Capparelli
Vice President, Finance
Rosemary joined Terrestar in July 2024 as VP Finance. Backed by her team of experts, she provides financial leadership and the vision necessary to support Terrestar’s growth plan, ensuring the organization’s operational efficiency while helping secure access to capital.
A senior financial executive with over 20 years’ experience in diverse strategic, financial and operational roles, Rosemary’s solid track record clearly demonstrates her ability to rapidly adapt to changing environments with intellectual agility, entrepreneurial creativity and rigor. Over the years, Rosemary has held various positions, including that of Vice President, Finance and Administration at Fednav Holdings Inc., a maritime shipping company. Prior to that, Rosemary spent a decade at Air Canada as Head of Finance for Air Canada Rouge. In that role, she was primarily involved in the start-up and creation of the leisure airline. Before that, she held a variety of financial roles at leading companies including Motorola, Pfizer and Lockheed Martin.
Rosemary currently serves on the CPA’s Quebec Board of Directors, as a member of the Executive and Audit Committee; and she’s also Director on the boards of Lexum and CATSA, where she serves on the audit committee.
Rosemary is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and recently completed Digital Transformation and Sustainability Leadership training at the London School of Business.
Serge Legris
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Serge joined the Terrestar team in September 2022 as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and today, he’s responsible for strategic planning, innovation, technology direction and deployment, as well as network operations.
Before joining our team, Serge worked at Videotron for over ten years, first as Vice President of the wireless access network, where he was responsible for planning as well as network deployment; and following that, as Chief Technology Planning Officer and Vice President of products and services, responsible for all technology introduction and development.
In all, Serge has over 30 years of experience in technological strategic consultant for product development, network deployment and operations. For over 15 years of that time, he held various senior management positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President.
Serge holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in telecommunications from Polytechnique Montréal.
Jason Trembley
VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIALIZATION
In October 2020, Jason was appointed Vice President, Commercialization at Terrestar Solutions Inc. Today, he heads up Strigo’s mobile satellite marketing, sales, customer experience, product, and service development team.
Jason’s career began at Xplornet, where he advanced within the sales organization. As District Manager, he built the top territory in Canada and was honored by the CEO prior to taking on a National Sales Management role, where he managed key partnerships with Shaw and SaskTel. After co-founding a small firm in the US, working closely with key partners including DIRECTV, he pivoted into a senior role at DHL, where he was responsible for the commercial performance of Eastern Canada. Among his team’s most noteworthy achievements was acquiring the most new clients and generating the highest number of internal promotions. From there, he went on to join TELUS Business Solutions, where he managed a large sales team in the B2B mid-market segment.
Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University.
Jean-Sébastien Boulard
Vice President, Talent and Culture
Jean-Sébastien joined Terrestar in 2024 with over 20 years of experience in the field of Human Resources management, primarily in the fields of video games and consulting, notably as Leader of Performance Practises at Normandin-Beaudry. A specialist in integrated talent management, performance and HR transformation, Jean-Sébastien has helped define strategies for recruiting, mobilizing and developing talent within SMBs and large corporations alike. He’s also given several conferences and training courses in his areas of expertise.
Jean-Sébastien possesses extensive expertise in HR information systems and IT, acting as Chair of the Board of Directors of Technocompétences, the Quebec committee for the IT and telecom workforce.
Throughout his career, he’s held a number of key HR management roles, including Director of Organizational Development at Ubisoft Montréal, as creator of the HR and Communications divisions of Ludia–a leading Canadian mobile video game developer—and Vice President of Talent at Montoni.
Jean-Sébastien holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Management from HEC Montréal and is a registered member of the Order of Approved Human Resources Advisors.
David Lewis
VICE PRESIDENT, SPACE SYSTEM & CORPORATE ALLIANCES
David joined Terrestar Solutions in 2015 as a strategic adviser for the MSS satellite service deployment, where he brought his four decades of experience bringing big-city/urban-class telecom services to Canada’s rural and under-served markets using satellite and fixed-wireless technologies. In his career, he was instrumental in co-founding and deploying evolutionary telecom services with Telesat, Shaw Direct, LinCsat and Xplornet, and helped bring satellite facilities competition to Canada with Ciel Satellite as founding President and CEO. From 2007 to 2018, David chaired the Canadian Satellite and Space Industry Forum (CSSIF), where he advocated regulatory and spectrum policy on behalf of the satellite industry with ISED, and was a member of the ITU WRC Preparatory Committee.
In August 2019, David became Vice President, Space System & Corporate alliances, leading the Strigo network operations and leading Terrestar’s partner relationships and strategy with Hughes, Telesat, SSL/Maxar, and EchoStar. He combines these responsibilities with a corporate development role, focused on regulatory affairs and strategy.
David holds a Telecom Engineering Technology diploma from Conestoga Polytechnic.
Scott Gibson
GENERAL COUNSEL & CORPORATE SECRETARY
Scott joined Terrestar Solutions Inc. in 2020, and today, he acts as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary with Strigo and Terrestar, collaborating closely with our commercial partners, shareholders, and regulators to help deliver the Terrestar vision to Canadians.
Scott brings more than 25 years of legal and regulatory experience in the Canadian and international satellite telecommunications and broadcast sectors. During his wide-ranging career, he has held senior executive positions with SES S.A., one of the largest global satellite operators, as well as with Star Choice, Cancom, YTV and the CTV Television Network. Scott was also one of the co-founders of Ciel Satellite, which became Canada’s first competitive satellite operator when it successfully built and launched the Ciel-2 satellite in 2008. He takes a strategic and entrepreneurial approach to his work and thrives in start-up, public company and turnaround environments.
Scott holds an LL.B from the University of Manitoba.
René Bousquet
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
René began his extensive career at Price Waterhouse in strategic management and market research. As an expert in consumer behaviour and retailing, he was co-author of Price Waterhouse’s annual Canadian Retail Outlook publication. Over the years, René held various top executive positions at Microcell Telecommunications Inc., most notably as VP Finance and VP Marketing, for which he was awarded Marketing Man of the Year in 2004 by the Montreal Marketing Association. Subsequent to the acquisition of Microcell by Rogers, René was appointed Executive VP at Rogers Wireless and President of Fido Inc. In 2006, he joined Trio Capital Inc., a private investment firm, as a Partner, alongside Jacques Leduc and André Tremblay. In 2009, he joined Terrestar Solutions as Chief Commercial Officer. In April 2020, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer.
René holds an M.Sc. from the Université de Sherbrooke and a Corporate Directors certificate from the Institute of Corporate Directors and McGill University.
Charles Vaillancourt
Chief Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Charles joined Terrestar in September 2024 as Chief Information Technology and Cybersecurity.
Prior to becoming a member of our team, Charles held a key position at Telesat, where, in addition to his role as CIO, he was responsible for the development of the System Operations segment of the Lightspeed constellation. Before that, Charles was CIO at both Pratt & Whitney and Cogeco and held a variety of management positions in IT consulting firms. Fuelled by his keen interest in cybersecurity, Charles has authored a number of opinion articles on the subject and was a speaker at the Satellite conference in Washington DC, focussing on cybersecurity in satellite systems.
Over the years, Charles has served on several boards, most recently as Chairman of the Board of Montreal's Saint-Hubert Airport, where he presided over the refurbishment of the main runway and the attraction of a major scheduled carrier.
Charles holds a Master's degree in Engineering from Université Laval. His research, funded by the Canadian Space Agency, included the development of innovative mechanical control algorithms to counter the effects of structural flexibility in space station robotic systems.
Dennis Beland
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
Dennis Béland joined the Terrestar team in September 2024, as Vice President, Regulatory Affairs. His recognized expertise in ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) consultations and compliance is a major asset to our organization as we work to meet our various spectrum licensing conditions.
Dennis has over 35 years of experience in the industry, including 28 in regulatory affairs, most recently as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Québecor, where he held senior roles for nearly 18 years. Prior to that, he was a key part of the regulatory affairs team at Microcell.
Dennis holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics from McMaster University and a Master's degree in Public Policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
Our shareholders
Terrestar Solutions is a privately-owned and controlled Canadian company headquartered in Québec. Our shareholders have significant global wireless and satellite communications holdings and a wealth of experience. More importantly, they share our mission of delivering ubiquitous coverage for all.
Our Journey
Launch of the Mobile Satellite Services Association–Terrestar proposes the creation of the MSSA, joining other co-founding members, each one an industry leader.
Their mission is to help deliver scalable, sustainable, and affordable connectivity to any device, anytime, anywhere in the world.
Terrestar, TELUS and Skylo demonstrate Canada's first two-way communication between smartphones and satellites.
Terrestar and Skylo join forces on direct-to-device satellite communications throughout Canada.
Terrestar initiated the 5G NTN Project.
Strigo announces its new, innovative value proposition to all Canadians seeking affordable and safe connectivity in remote locations.
Terrestar launches its newly developed Strigo brand to offer mobile satellite services to Canadians. Meaning owl in Esperanto, Strigo stands as the sentinel that keeps you safe and in touch with your world wherever you are, even in Canada’s remote locations.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) approves Terrestar’s application to subordinate licence 40 MHz of AWS-4 spectrum in 37 Tier 3 licenced areas and 13 Tier 4 licenced areas to Xplornet Communications Inc. These licences cover nearly 13 million Canadians living in 10 provinces.
ISED approves Terrestar’s application to subordinate licence 20 MHz of its spectrum to TELUS in 11 Tier 4 licenced areas and 10 MHz in three (3) Tier 4 licenced areas (Vancouver, Victoria and Hope, B.C.). These licences cover over 13 million Canadians living in the four most populated provinces.
ISED certifies Terrestar’s MSS mobile device, the Hughes 4201 Mobile Satellite Device, for use in Canada.
ISED approval is obtained, following the closing of a transaction with Gamma Acquisition Canada ULC, to acquire 10% of the satellite, and of all related Canadian satellite licences.
Terrestar enters into a long-term partnership with Telesat to monitor and operate its satellite and feederlink gateway activities in Canada.
Gamma Acquisition Canada’s MSS and Echostar T1 satellite orbital spectrum & radio licences are transferred to Terrestar.
Terrestar contracts Hughes Network Systems for the design, development, supply and integration of its satellite ground communication network infrastructure and services in Canada.
The mobile satellite network will be fully deployed and operational by March 2020.
Terrestar‘s shareholders commit and support an additional capitalization of approximately $120 million (in addition to some $1B previously invested pre Terrestar-1 launch in 2009 – now renamed Echostar T1).
Band 66 and 70 are confirmed part of the priority list for 5G band candidates with the goal to be standardized as part of 3GPP Rel-15 (mid-2019).
Terrestar applies to ISED to access limited spectrum in the 1695 – 1710 MHz band. This additional spectrum is required to provide 3GPP-sanctioned uplink capability and pairing for Band 70 to provide traditional AWS-4 mobile service.
The application is denied in February 2018 due to uncertainty of future uplink frequencies for Band 70. Terrestar commits to continue to work with ISED to make Band 70 services a reality for Canadian consumers.
3GPP officially looks at new radio access technologies to normalize it for compatibility with 5G standard.
The inclusion of satellite requirements during the development of the 5G specifications is expected to foster the integration of satellite capabilities into the 5G converged network. This is still underway.
Terrestar elects to use its AWS-4 spectrum all in the downlink direction, thereby harmonizing with the North American standard for the AWS-4 Band.
The new Band 70 is approved by 3GPP following a new Study Item to assess the feasibility of a new asymmetrical 15+25 MHz LTE Band while providing deployment flexibility in protecting primary Federal and non-Federal Meteorological Satellite (MetSat) receiver sites. This new band is a mix of the unpaired AWS-3 1695-1710 MHz in uplink, and H-block 1995-2000 MHz plus AWS-4 2000-2020 MHz in downlink.
Aggregation is defined with Bands 29 (700 MHz unpaired), 66 (AWS-extended) and 71 (600 MHz) allowing bandwidth of 65 MHz (inter-band aggregation with Band 66) and 85 MHz (inter-band aggregation with Bands 66 and 71). Band 70 rapidly becomes part of the list of bands for Narrow Band IoT.
The 3GPP adds Band 66 to the list of bands for Narrow Band IoT.
Terrestar Solutions shareholders proceed with the additional study items toward the integration of band AWS-4 into Band 70 at the 3GPP forum.
A new Band 66 is defined by 3GPP that includes existing AWS-1 and AWS-3 bands, to which the 20-MHz downlink portion of AWS-4 is added creating a 70 MHz up, 90 MHz down band. Driven by the demand for AWS-3 capable radios, aggregation schemes between Band 66 and other mobile bands are rapidly defined. Band 66 can be aggregated with 12 bands including PCS 1900, 850 Cellular, 2500 BRS, lower 700, upper 700, Public Safety 700, unpaired 700 SDL, 2300, unlicensed 5 GHz, 3500 US CBRS, Band 70 (AWS-3/4) and 600 MHz. Up to 4-band aggregation is possible with a maximum downlink bandwidth of 100 MHz.
Band 66 ecosystem will rapidly develop in the following months with radio and mobile devices supporting the band.
Terrestar is issued a new, 20-year nation-wide licence from Industry Canada for an additional 20 MHz of spectrum for a total of 40 MHz. It uses this same spectrum (2000 – 2020 MHz and 2180 – 2200 MHz) to provide national Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) via the Echostar T1 satellite in what is generally referred to as the S-Band, and national cellular services in what is generally referred to as the AWS-4 frequency band for cellular services. Terrestar is the only company with the unique advantage of coordinating the rural-and-remote-based MSS service and the urban-and-rural-based wireless cellular services using the same spectrum frequencies nationally across the country.
Industry Canada modifies its MSS-ATC Policy to allow for the use of satellite and terrestrial devices separately (dual-mode integrated handset requirement dropped from policy). Terrestar is approved for an additional 20 MHz of ATC and MSS spectrum for a combined total of 40 MHz.
Terrestar Solutions shareholders proceed with a Study Item for the integration of band AWS-4 into Band 66 at the 3GPP forum. This process (standard) is an important step forward toward reaching the goal of bringing satellite services to all Canadians wherever they are while using everyday devices.
In order to deliver its vision, Terrestar shareholders decide to convert to a new standard “EGAL.” They work with a chip-set manufacturer to integrate the satellite band into cellular phones. Ground infrastructures are built in the US to test the technology. The chipset manufacturer subsequently abandoned this project in 2013. Terrestar is then obligated to end its project to offer the Genus Phone in partnership with a large Canadian provider.
The Elektrobit-designed Genus phone becomes the first dual-mode satellite/cellular handset certified for use in Canada.
DISH Networks acquires Terrestar Canada, a sister company of Terrestar Solutions Inc., DBSD North America and Terrestar US. Terrestar Canada is renamed Gamma Acquisition Canada ULC. DISH also becomes an important shareholder of Terrestar Solutions.
Industry Canada approves Trio Capital’s acquisition of Terrestar Canada and transfers licences to the company.
On the first of July, Terrestar-1 satellite, built by Space Systems Loral, is launched and located in geostationary orbit at 111 degrees west, 35,000 kilometers over the equator.
Trio Capital Inc. of Montreal completes the acquisition of Terrestar Canada and becomes the majority shareholder of the newly found Terrestar Solutions Inc. The purchase agreement also allows access to 20 MHz of S-Band spectrum in Canada. The spectrum is coupled with licences to offer mobile satellite and wireless cellular services across Canada.
Industry Canada issues an MSS-ATC Policy paving the way for satellite and cellular service integration. The policy specifies that a single handset be used for MSS satellite and ATC wireless cellular services.
for a sustainable future





Environment
More than ever, it’s critical that we protect the vital resources of our country and our planet, to help ensure a truly sustainable future.
Education
We believe that everyone should have access to quality education, even in the most remote areas of our country, for the well-being of future generations.
Communities
It’s vital that we help bridge the coverage gap, connecting everyone, everywhere, to help ensure we’re all safe, well informed and in touch with our loved ones and our businesses.
Health
We’re here to support efforts to help Canadians enjoy healthier, safer lives, no matter where they live.
Environment
More than ever, it’s critical that we protect the vital resources of our country and our planet, to help ensure a truly sustainable future.
Education
We believe that everyone should have access to quality education, even in the most remote areas of our country, for the well-being of future generations.
Communities
It’s vital that we help bridge the coverage gap, connecting everyone, everywhere, to help ensure we’re all safe, well informed and in touch with our loved ones and our businesses.
Health
We’re here to support efforts to help Canadians enjoy healthier, safer lives, no matter where they live.




Environment
More than ever, it’s critical that we protect the vital resources of our country and our planet, to help ensure a truly sustainable future.
Education
We believe that everyone should have access to quality education, even in the most remote areas of our country, for the well-being of future generations.
Communities
It’s vital that we help bridge the coverage gap, connecting everyone, everywhere, to help ensure we’re all safe, well informed and in touch with our loved ones and our businesses.
Health
We’re here to support efforts to help Canadians enjoy healthier, safer lives, no matter where they live.

Environment
More than ever, it’s critical that we protect the vital resources of our country and our planet, to help ensure a truly sustainable future.

Education
We believe that everyone should have access to quality education, even in the most remote areas of our country, for the well-being of future generations.

Communities
It’s vital that we help bridge the coverage gap, connecting everyone, everywhere, to help ensure we’re all safe, well informed and in touch with our loved ones and our businesses.

Health
We’re here to support efforts to help Canadians enjoy healthier, safer lives, no matter where they live.
SOCIAL IMPACT
Given our mission of connecting everyone from coast to coast, it’s only natural for us to support causes that protect and enrich our great outdoors. But we also support groups that foster better education, healthcare, and the well-being of our communities.
And because we believe in a sustainable future, we’re dedicated to being there when and where those causes need our help.