Rogers is rolling out a new satellite-powered service that lets Canadians send text messages even in areas with no traditional cell signal. Recently, customers were seeing their Rogers devices showing evidence of possible satellite connectivity and here we are.
The new tool, called Rogers Satellite, will allow text messaging and access to text-to-911 from virtually anywhere in the country—including remote highways, mountain ranges, and isolated northern communities. The company says this expands its coverage to 5.4 million square kilometres, which it claims is more than double that of any other carrier in Canada.
Anyone in Canada can now try the service for free as part of a public beta. During the trial, only texting features are supported, but Rogers plans to expand it to include data and voice features—including 911 calls—later this year.
The free beta will run until October, after which it will be included in the company’s Rogers Ultimate Plan or sold separately for $15/month to all Canadians, regardless of being an existing wireless customer. Beta testers will get a $5 discount for their first year if they subscribe afterward.
Back in February, T-Mobile launched its Starlink cell service and pricing was set at $15 US per month and $20 US per month for other wireless customers on rival networks. Pricing in Canada looks to be cheaper at $15/month locally.
“We’re proud to introduce this ground-breaking technology to help Canadians stay safe and connected in more places,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers, in a statement. “Earlier this month Rogers celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first wireless call in Canada, and this new technology represents the next big leap in wireless connectivity. We’re proud to continue our legacy of innovative firsts and to connect Canadians in more places.”
The service uses low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites from SpaceX’s Starlink (although the press release has no mention of this) combined with Rogers’ national wireless spectrum. That means most newer smartphones can connect without needing any extra equipment. When a user enters an area without cell service, their phone will automatically switch to the satellite network to send messages. Starlink announced yesterday it now has over 500,000 users in Canada.
Rogers says the aim is to improve safety for people travelling, working, or living in rural and remote areas—many of which are outside the reach of regular networks. Currently, only about 18% of Canada’s landmass has traditional mobile coverage.
Right now, Rogers Satellite is available in areas where you don’t have cell coverage, south of the 58th parallel within Canada (excluding specific regions). Your cell carrier will show ROGERS SATELLITE.
The BC Search and Rescue Association and other emergency groups say the service could help save lives. “The ability to send text messages, including text-to-911, during the initial rollout from areas without traditional coverage, represents a crucial step forward for search and rescue operations,” said Chris Mushumanski, president of the BCSARA.
Rogers Satellite works on both satellite-optimized and non-optimized smartphones. Optimized devices have special software from manufacturers for improved features like emergency messaging and location sharing. Most phones released in the last 4 years fall into this category.
Satellite-Optimized Phones:
Non-Optimized but Compatible Phones:
These phones can still use Rogers Satellite for texting and emergency services, but performance may vary. Rogers is working with manufacturers to expand the list and improve compatibility over time.
For now, the satellite service only works outdoors in areas with a clear view of the sky. Rogers says testing and upgrades will continue during the beta phase. If you’re heading into the backcountry, paying $15 could literally save your life and is also cheaper than paying for a subscription from Garmin for its satellite communicators like the inReach.
Back in September, Rogers and SpaceX announced a partnership to use the Starlink Direct to Cell service, the first Canadian partner to do so.
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We have truly come a long way since that first cell call!
I have Ultimate plan and going through link to register just keep taking me into loops and nothing happens. Also, for thsoe with newer iPhones, there is no need to rush into this since we have free Messaging over Satellite from Apple anyway.
Yes but for emergency only. Rogers solution is for texting non emergency too?
Incorrect. The Apple service is no longer for emergencies only
Really 😲
So if I stop on the side of road with no cellphone coverage I can text my buddy to pick me up? Or something like that.
Nice to know. Thanks
Yes, you can send iMessages and SMS to anyone you want via satellite if you have iOS 18
Is it limited to 1 year or something like or free forever which i doubt apple will do
Apple has never charged for it since the feature launched in 2022
Rogers could make their system prepaid for non subscribers, like 5$ a text.
My iPhone lets me do that for free already
Didn't expect these
Samsung Galaxy S10–S24, A5
Google Pixel 1–9 (Pixel 6–9 need Carrier Location setting enabled) to be compatible