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Ontario Pauses Retaliatory Measures, Including Starlink Contract, After U.S. Tariffs Delay

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Ontario has temporarily halted several planned retaliatory actions against the United States, including the cancellation of a C$100 million ($68.12 million) contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Premier Doug Ford announced the decision following U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to delay the imposition of tariffs on Canadian imports by 30 days.

Ford had previously threatened to sever the Starlink deal, which would have seen Starlink provide high-speed internet to 15,000 remote homes and businesses in Ontario. The Premier also planned to bar U.S. companies from provincial contracts and remove American products from the shelves of Ontario’s liquor board.

“We have some good news today. We have temporarily averted tariffs that would have severely damaged our economy, giving time for more negotiation and time for cooler heads to prevail,” Ford posted on X, referring to the tariff reprieve.

Ontario, the most populous and industrially significant province in Canada, had prepared the retaliatory measures after Trump proposed a 25% tariff on most Canadian imports, excluding oil. The proposed tariffs sparked concerns about a potential recession if the measures remained in place for long.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada’s response on Saturday, which included imposing 25% tariffs on C$155 billion worth of U.S. goods. While Ford acknowledged that the ongoing trade tensions could delay or freeze various projects, he emphasized the temporary nature of the reprieve.

 

Vodafone Achieves First-Ever Satellite Video Call Using Standard Smartphone

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Vodafone has announced the successful completion of the world’s first video call via satellite using a standard smartphone from a remote location. The call was made from the Welsh mountains, an area with no network signal, and the technology is set to be rolled out across Europe later this year and into 2026. The CEO of Vodafone, Margherita Della Valle, received the video call on Monday from company engineer Rowan Chesmer, who was in the remote location.

“We were using the only satellite service that offers a full mobile experience with a standard device, which allows for voice, text, and video data transmission, making a full video call possible,” Della Valle explained in an interview. The company’s goal is to bring this service to its customers as soon as possible.

Vodafone’s video call success is powered by AST SpaceMobile’s five BlueBird satellites in low-Earth orbit, enabling data transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second for regular smartphones. Vodafone is an investor in AST SpaceMobile, alongside companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Google.

The move is part of a growing effort by mobile operators and smartphone manufacturers to use satellite technology to close network coverage gaps. Apple’s iPhones have been able to send emergency texts and share locations using satellites since the iPhone 14, and other tech companies like Google and Samsung are providing similar services.

T-Mobile U.S. and SpaceX are testing Starlink satellites for text services, with plans to include voice and data in the future. Apple’s latest iPhones and some Android devices are eligible for these services.

British astronaut Tim Peake joined Della Valle at the launch of Vodafone’s space-to-land gateway at its headquarters in Newbury, UK. This gateway facilitates communication between a user’s smartphone and the satellite network, connecting signals into Vodafone’s core network. Peake, who spent 186 days in space and became the first Briton to conduct a spacewalk in 2015, praised the ability to provide mobile coverage through space technology.

“Having spent time in space, I understand the importance of staying connected with family and friends, especially in isolated environments,” Peake said. He also expressed his enthusiasm for future missions, saying he would “put his hand in the air” if another opportunity arose.

India Plans to Attract Satellite Companies with New Spectrum Policy Amid Musk-Ambani Tensions

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India’s recent decision to allocate satellite spectrum rather than auction it is expected to enhance consumer choices, according to telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The policy has sparked debate, particularly as it aligns with Elon Musk’s Starlink ambitions in India, while raising concerns for Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio.

Key Points:

  • Satellite Spectrum Allocation: India has opted to allocate satellite spectrum administratively, aligning with global practices favored by Musk’s Starlink, rather than auctioning it, as proposed by Ambani’s Reliance Jio.
  • Reliance Jio’s Concerns: Reliance has expressed fears about the potential loss of customers to Starlink, which could affect its broadband, data, and voice services. Ambani, who invested heavily in airwave auctions, has urged a level playing field.
  • Government’s Vision: Scindia reassured that the policy aims to provide consumers with more choices, noting that satellite technology currently cannot replace terrestrial networks for indoor services.
  • Market Potential: India’s satellite broadband market is predicted to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, attracting global players like Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper. Applications from both companies for licenses are still under review.
  • Telecom Market Dynamics: The Indian market is highly competitive, with major players such as Reliance, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. Data prices remain among the lowest globally, and internet connectivity has grown rapidly.