Canada’s Rogers Communications recently introduced its first-in-the-world satellite-to-mobile service. There, locally known as Rogers Satellite, it is the first of its kind in Canada. The service, which went live on Tuesday, allows customers to send text messages from remote areas, including the Rocky Mountains and along the southern shores of Hudson Bay. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, no matter how remote their home is—including some of Canada’s farthest northern communities—Canadians still stay in touch with friends and family.
With Rogers Satellite, safety is key for users. It makes it possible for them to text 911 if they ever end up stranded on an isolated stretch of highway. This new feature will provide outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike with some added confidence. It’s great in the rural areas, where we know cellular coverage is sometimes very spotty. The first phase implementation going live only supports SMS messaging and text-to-911. We have big plans to continue expanding, adding app support, data services, and voice capabilities.
Features and Benefits of Rogers Satellite
The launch of Rogers Satellite is a major leap forward in connectivity. The service connects devices automatically, even in places that have no cell coverage at all. In doing so, users can maximize communication when they need it most.
Tony Staffieri, CEO of Rogers Communications, emphasized the importance of this innovation by stating, “We’re proud to introduce this ground-breaking technology to help Canadians stay safe and connected in more places.” This plan will ensure safe, reliable connections for Canadians who commute to or visit remote, isolated areas of Canada—improving the safety of Canadians traveling through the communities.
Now, customers can stay connected with family and friends across the Gulf of St. Lawrence using Rogers Satellite. Perhaps most important, it delivers the emergency services that keep our communities safe. Their remote service has opened a new channel of communication in their ideally suited region of the U.P. It helps to keep Canadians connected.
Availability and Pricing
Rogers will provide an extended free beta trial of the satellite service to all Canadians, which ends in October. After this initial five-month trial period, customers on Rogers Ultimate Plan will receive the service for free. For everyone else who doesn’t already have this plan, Rogers Satellite will launch for a monthly cost of $15.
This simple pricing structure makes the service accessible and easy to use for a wide variety of different users. It leads to even more Canadians to experience the safety, connectivity, and increased quality of life that active transportation brings. The ability to send texts from remote locations could prove invaluable for outdoor adventurers and those living in rural areas lacking traditional cellular infrastructure.
Future Expansions
Looking forward, Rogers wants to extend what its reds, satellite service can do past basic text messaging. The company has already suggested its support for new applications and data services rolling out in the coming months. Voice services such as voice-to-911 capabilities are headed towards the same road of planned obsolescence.
Tony Staffieri remarked on the significance of these developments: “This new technology represents the next big leap in wireless connectivity. We’re proud to continue our legacy of innovative firsts and to connect Canadians in more places.”
