Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI.A, RCI.B) (NYSE: RCI) has partnered with leading internet providers to bring satellite-to-phone coverage nationwide and ensure Canadians have coverage in remote areas.
On Wednesday, the company announced that it will be using SpaceX’s Starlink low earth orbit satellites. The companies plan to start will coverage for SMS and move to voice and data afterwards. Their goal is to provide coverage in the country’s most remote national parks, rural highways and remote wilderness which are currently unconnected.
Rogers also announced a partnership with Lynk Global to expand coverage across remote regions and will follow a similar timeline with SMS first, followed by voice call and data coverage.
“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 across all of Canada, from coast to coast, to keep Canadians connected and safe,” Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri said.
“In the future, these investments will deliver wireless connectivity, including access to 911, to even the most remote areas.”
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When satellite-to-phone coverage becomes available, it will work with all types of 5G and 4G smartphones. This coverage will support text messages like SMS and MMS and will allow Canadians to reach 911 in emergencies.
Rogers wants to improve public safety by investing in its network and plans to provide wireless service and 911 access in the entire Toronto subway system for TTC riders and extend wireless coverage along Canada’s remote highways.
This announcement is part of Rogers’ investment in bringing 5G wireless coverage to over 2,000 communities. With the merger with Shaw, Rogers now has a national wireline network that provides fibre-powered internet to almost 70 per cent of Canadian households.
“As a Canadian, I’m excited that SpaceX is collaborating with Rogers to bring SpaceX’s Direct to Cell service to Canadians,” Starlink’s Direct to Cell co-lead Sara Spangelo said.
