By Ahmad Hathout
TORONTO – Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri said Wednesday that the company is partnering with SpaceX to use Starlink satellites to provide connectivity to cell phones on the ground.
The satellite-to-mobile technology will provide text, voice and data compatibility to connect remote parts of the country not reached by the company’s terrestrial networks.
“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 a press release. “In the future, these investments will deliver wireless connectivity, including access to 911, to even the most remote areas.”
The feature, a first for the country, will be available for both 4G and 5G phones and will first begin with SMS text before rolling out to voice and data, Rogers said.
In a simultaneous release, Rogers also said it is partnering with satellite-to-phone company Lynk Global to continue testing the technology. Rogers said it has already completed technical tests with Lynk satellites in remote British Columbia and will start testing in Atlantic Canada.
Rogers said it will begin satellite-to-phone coverage in 2024 across remote regions and rural highways not covered by its wireless network. It will first incorporate SMS texting and then, over time, expand to voice and data on 4G and 5G phones, Rogers said.
It added it will work with the relevant regulatory officials to get approval to bring the technology to Canada.
“Rogers is the ideal partner for Lynk because of the company’s strong, national spectrum holdings and national wireless networks,” Charles Miller, Lynk CEO, said in a release. “We look forward to working with the Rogers team to ensure every single Canadian can call 911 in an emergency or connect from wherever they are.”
Satellite-to-phone technology has already been a feature in the United States, with mobile and satellite providers partnering on getting as many “dead zones” covered as possible. The Federal Communications Commission is currently fielding comments on a proposal to authorize certain spectrum bands to include a mobile-to-satellite service provision.
“From underground transit systems in Canada’s largest cities, to cell towers in space covering Northern communities, Rogers is leading to bring Canadians the biggest and best wireless networks across the country, to keep them connected and safe,” Staffieri said, alluding to its deal to buy TTC wireless network operate BAI. “Emergencies do not wait and that is one of the reasons why we are investing to make sure Canadians can always reach 911 from anywhere in Canada.”
Screenshot of Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri at the company’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.
