First wireless company in Canada to bring satellite connectivity to Canadians coast to coast
Companies will deliver new service to connect 5G and 4G phones in remote areas without networks
TORONTO (April 26, 2023) – Rogers Communications Inc. and SpaceX today announced the companies have agreed to bring satellite-to-phone coverage nation-wide to ensure Canadians stay connected in areas beyond the limits of traditional wireless networks.
Rogers and SpaceX will offer satellite-to-phone technology in Canada using SpaceX’s Starlink low earth orbit satellites and Rogers national wireless spectrum. The companies plan to start with satellite coverage for SMS text and will eventually provide voice and data across the country’s most remote wilderness, national parks and rural highways that are unconnected today.
“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,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “In the future, these investments will deliver wireless connectivity, including access to 911, to even the most remote areas.”
“As a Canadian, I’m excited that SpaceX is collaborating with Rogers to bring SpaceX’s Direct to Cell service to Canadians. I’m proud of the impact this will have across the country wherever Canadians may work, play or travel,” said Sara Spangelo, co-lead for Direct to Cell at SpaceX.
Once commercially available, satellite-to-phone coverage will work with all 5G and 4G smartphones. The coverage will support SMS and MMS text, and help all Canadians reach 911 as first responders and emergency services upgrade their systems for emergency SMS texting.
Rogers is committed to improving public safety through its national network investments. This includes the company’s commitment to bring wireless service and 911 access throughout the entire Toronto subway system for all TTC riders and extend wireless coverage along Canada’s remote highways.
Today’s announcement builds on the company’s investment to bring Canadians the largest 5G wireless network covering more than 2,000 communities. Through its transformative merger with Shaw, Rogers now brings Canadians a national coast to coast wireline network with fibre-powered internet available to nearly 70% of Canadian households.
Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information
This news release includes “forward‐looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. We caution that forward‐looking information is inherently subject to change and uncertainty and that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward‐looking information. A comprehensive discussion of risks associated with forward-looking information can be found in Rogers’ public reports and filings which are available under its profile at www.sedar.com.
About Rogers
Rogers is Canada’s leading wireless, cable and media company that provides connectivity and entertainment to Canadian consumers and businesses across the country. Rogers shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit: rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.
About Starlink by SpaceX
Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world. As the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit, Starlink delivers broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX. As the world’s leading provider of launch services, SpaceX is leveraging its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations to deploy the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, as well as a Direct to Cell constellation of satellites to provide connectivity directly to unmodified LTE cell phones.
For further information:
media@rci.rogers.com
1-844-226-1338
source : ROGERS
Free trial of satellite-to-text service will make back country more accessible to everyday people: expert
Published:
A free satellite-to-mobile text service is available to all Canadians – on all mobile carriers – through a beta trial that runs until October.
Rogers Communications Inc. announced the new satellite text service last month as part of its partnership with SpaceX and Lynk Global, which will eventually deliver full satellite-to-phone coverage across apps, data and voice service.
The service uses SpaceX’s Starlink low-earth orbit satellites and Rogers’ national wireless spectrum, allowing mobile phones to connect in areas without cell service and stay connected in remote locations and along rural roads.
Brian Carriere, President of Search and Rescue Alberta, told CTV News Edmonton that the biggest advantage is making texting on your phone more accessible while out in remote locations.
“The easier it is to access, the easier it is for everyday people to use it instead of just adventurers that can afford extra equipment,” Carriere said in a phone interview on Thursday.
“You’re only carrying one device and it doesn’t require specialized subscriptions, which many of the devices that are used for back country safety do.”
He added that cell coverage is “really limited” to major cities and roads in Alberta.
Access to the technology can help with emergency rescue – making it easier for rescuers to locate and narrow searches – and it can help people avoid danger by staying informed on weather and disaster conditions, according to Carriere.
“We also use that same technology to provide medical consultations or directions for keeping (people) safe.”
Carriere said it is a good idea to have a trip plan which outlines your route, schedule, anticipated risks and expected return time.
“When we start searching right away, we find people in much better shape, uninjured and in better condition because they filed a plan,” he explained. “Technology alone will not solve your problem.”
The technology also includes text-to-911 capability, which Carriere adds is key in an emergency.
“Phone, texts or sending someone out to call 911 for you, these all work.”
On the Rogers website, it said some smartphones have features that are “satellite optimized” and other devices do not. The company said it was working to “enable satellite service on both optimized and unoptimized devices” by working with various phone manufacturers.
Registration for the beta trial is offered online directly with Rogers.
Apple also offers a similar and complimentary satellite feature, which iPhone users will be prompted to connect to when Rogers Satellite is not available. With the satellite text technology, you can send messages and texts without access to wi-fi or cellular coverage, according to Apple.
Instructions on how to connect are listed on their support page.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Jeremy Thompson and The Canadian Press
VIDEO available at the source :
