Rogers partners with SpaceX, Lynk Global for satellite-to-phone coverage in Canada

Rogers Communications Inc. revealed a partnership with SpaceX and Lynk Global to bring satellite-to-phone coverage nationwide.

Rogers President and CEO Tony Staffieri announced the collaboration on Wednesday. Staffieri said the agreement will aim to ensure Canadians stay connected in areas beyond the limits of traditional wireless networks.

Rogers Communications Inc., SpaceX and Lynk Global will deliver a service to connect 5G and 4G phones in remote locations and rural highways. Lynk Global’s service will start with SMS texting and expand to include voice and data to help all Canadians reach 911 with 5G and 4G smartphones.

Through SpaceX, the satellite-to-phone technology in Canada will utilize Starlink’s low earth orbit satellites and Rogers’ national wireless spectrum. Rogers and SpaceX will also begin with satellite coverage for SMS text and eventually provide voice and data across Canada’s most remote wilderness, national parks and rural highways.

SpaceX Starlink. Photo: Shutterstock.

“As the country’s biggest investor in 5G spectrum with Canada’s largest 5G network, Rogers is proud to work with SpaceX to expand wireless coverage, from coast to coast, to keep Canadians connected,” Staffieri said.

“In the future, these investments will deliver wireless connectivity, including access to 911, to even the most remote areas.”

Once commercially available, Rogers Communications Inc. confirmed satellite-to-phone coverage would work with all 5G and 4G smartphones. Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing satellite Internet access coverage to over 53 countries.

Expanding service on the TTC

Rogers Communications Inc. said it is committed to improving public safety across its national network.

This includes a promise to bring wireless service and 911 access throughout the Toronto subway system for TTC riders. Earlier in the month, Rogers Communications Inc. announced it reached a deal to acquire BAI Communications’ Canadian operations, which has held the exclusive rights to build the TTC’s wireless network since 2012.

Fibre network and radio equipment upgrades are needed to add 5G cellular capacity to the TTC, a Rogers spokesperson said.

“Everyone deserves access to seamless connectivity and emergency services, no matter where they live,” said Lynk CEO and co-founder Charles Miller.

“Lynk is thrilled to partner with Rogers to help bring continuous wireless coverage to Canadians.”

Rogers Communications Inc. completed technical tests with Lynk satellites in remote British Columbia and will start testing in Atlantic Canada.

Rogers Communications Inc. is the parent company of CityNews and its affiliates.