Rogers has officially taken its satellite service out of beta, offering nationwide connectivity through technology powered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its Starlink Direct to Cell network. The company doesn’t mention SpaceX in its announcement, but the service is built on that partnership.
The Rogers Satellite service now adds support for popular apps that handle voice and video calling, including WhatsApp. It’s meant to keep customers connected in places where regular cell service doesn’t reach.
“We’re proud to be the first and only provider in the country to offer this ground-breaking technology so Canadians can stay connected,” said Tony Staffieri, Rogers’ president and CEO, in a statement on Tuesday.
Rogers first opened the service as a free beta in July with text messaging and text-to-911. The company says trial users sent more than one million satellite texts during that period.
The launch also includes satellite-to-mobile connectivity for IoT businesses. Rogers says this can help track fleets and assets in remote areas, and power sensors for sectors like mining, forestry, and other industries that operate far from traditional networks.
Supported apps include WhatsApp, Google Maps, AccuWeather, X, and CalTopo, with more expected as developers update their software for satellite use.
Staffieri also told the National Post that “T-Mobile is one of those that we’ve been working with. They’re a few months ahead of us as a result of satellite preparedness for the U.S. relative to Canada … but we’re closely following, learning from some of the things they’re finding, and making sure that as we go to market and launch this, that we have the best information possible to make this the best experience for Canadians.”
He added that coverage will grow over time. “As we expand on our satellite capabilities then it’ll cover the Far North. Those satellites haven’t been launched yet, but … as they come into production, we’ll ensure that we bring it to Canadians as quickly as possible.”
Coverage is still up to the 58th parallel, but will expand as SpaceX continues to launch more Starlink satellites, happening every week.
Rogers customers on plans $70/month and higher will get access at no extra cost during promotional window (24 months free, then $10/month after), while anyone else can subscribe for $15 per month.
Beta users get $5 off for their first year (the beta ended yesterday). Rogers says future upgrades will add satellite data and voice, including 911 voice calling.
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