Rogers has extended its Starlink-powered satellite messaging beta trial, giving customers and Canadians more time to test the service before it officially launches.
The beta, originally scheduled to end at the end of October will now run until at least December 8, 2025, or later, according to the company in a text message to beta testers. The Rogers Satellite website has yet to be updated to reflect this new end date.
The Rogers Satellite service lets users send and receive text messages in areas with no regular cell coverage, using satellites to stay connected — even in remote parts of the country. During the trial, participation is free for all Canadians, regardless of their carrier.
Once the beta ends, the service will cost $10 per month for the first year, then $15 per month after, unless it’s already included in a user’s plan (currently only the $105/250GB plan has it included). Taxes are extra, and a compatible device is required.
Rogers says the technology allows customers to text family and friends, or reach 911 by text from most outdoor areas south of the 58th parallel, as long as there’s a clear view of the sky. Coverage is limited in some regions, and satellite connections may be delayed or unavailable at times.
“Rogers is the first and only Canadian wireless provider with satellite-to-mobile messaging,” the company’s website touts, adding that the goal is to “bring coverage to every corner of Canada.”
Users can sign up through Rogers’ website and begin using the service within 24 hours, with messages sent over a data-limited satellite network (500 MB reserved for messaging, not web browsing).
The program, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, is part of Rogers’ plan to expand emergency and rural connectivity across Canada, tripling its geographic coverage compared to traditional networks.
Besides Rogers, Bell also has its own direct-to-cell offering coming in 2026, through a partnership with Texas-based AST SpaceMobile–check out their pricing here.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
