Rogers Launches Satellite Mobile Service Across Canada, Inviting All Canadians to Participate in Free Pilot Trial

Rogers has launched a satellite-based mobile service in Canada, covering 2.5 times more land area than any other Canadian wireless provider. The service, called Rogers Satellite Connection, offers free texting and 911 emergency service to all Canadians, with plans to expand to apps, data transmission, and voice calls, including 911 calls. The service is initially free for participants in a pilot test, which is open to the entire Canadian population. After the pilot test ends in October, the service will be offered to Rogers Supreme plan subscribers at no additional cost, and will be available for purchase by the general public for $15/month.

Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE: RCI) has made a significant move in the Canadian telecommunications landscape by launching Rogers Satellite, a satellite-to-mobile text messaging service. This groundbreaking initiative expands Rogers' coverage to over 5.4 million square kilometers, which is 2.5 times more than any other Canadian wireless carrier [1].

The service, initially available as a free beta trial, supports text messaging and text-to-911. After the beta period ends in October, Rogers Satellite will be included in the Rogers Ultimate Plan at no additional cost, and will be available to all Canadians for $15/month, with early beta participants receiving a $5/month discount for 12 months [1].

The technology leverages low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites integrated with Rogers' national wireless spectrum, ensuring compatibility with most modern smartphones without specialized equipment [1]. This approach creates a significant barrier to entry for competitors who would need both spectrum assets and satellite partnerships to replicate the offering.

Rogers' strategic rollout plan includes text and text-to-911 services initially, with plans to expand to data and voice services, including 911 voice capabilities [1]. This staged rollout allows Rogers to refine the technology while immediately delivering on the most critical safety use cases. The service's public safety value proposition has garnered endorsements from multiple search and rescue organizations, potentially opening opportunities for government partnerships or subsidies [1].

While the immediate revenue impact may be modest, Rogers' satellite-to-mobile service launch represents a strategic leap forward in Canadian telecommunications infrastructure. The technology addresses a critical connectivity gap in a country where only 18% of the land mass has traditional wireless coverage [1].

Rogers' investment in this technology underscores its commitment to delivering innovative solutions to Canadians. The company has invested $45 billion over the past 40 years to deliver a series of wireless firsts, including 1G voice calls, 2G texting, 3G email and Internet, 4G smartphones, and 5G connectivity [1]. Today, Rogers is ranked as Canada’s most reliable 5G+ network.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/RCI/rogers-launches-satellite-to-mobile-service-in-tzrlgv3c05pm.html
[2] https://mobilesyrup.com/2025/07/09/rogers-removes-25gb-data-bonus-raises-plan-prices-6/