logo
Rogers launches satellite-to-mobile text messaging beta trial

Rogers launches satellite-to-mobile text messaging beta trial

CTV News15-07-2025
Rogers Communications signage is pictured in Ottawa on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
TORONTO — Rogers Communications Inc. has launched a new satellite-to-mobile text messaging service, marking the latest step in its partnership with SpaceX and Lynk Global to eventually deliver full satellite-to-phone coverage across apps, data and voice service.
The company said its Rogers Satellite text service, which also includes text-to-911 capability, is available to all Canadians regardless of their mobile carrier, through a free beta trial that will run until October.
The technology uses SpaceX's Starlink low-earth orbit satellites and Rogers' national wireless spectrum to automatically connect cellphones in areas without cell service. Rogers said the satellites act like cell towers in space, providing a connection if there's a clear view of the sky.
It's meant to help customers stay connected in some of the most remote parts of Canada and along rural highways.
A coverage map posted online by the company shows its satellite service is available in Canada south of the 58th parallel — near the border of the three territories — excluding specific regions, 'in most outdoor areas where you can see the sky.' It cautions that satellite service, including text-to-911, may sometimes be delayed, limited or unavailable.
The partnership with Elon Musk's SpaceX and Virginia-based Lynk was originally announced in April 2023.
By December of that year, Rogers said it had passed a key milestone by completing a test call using Lynk's low-earth orbit satellites and its own wireless spectrum.
Rogers president and CEO Tony Staffieri said Tuesday's announcement 'represents the next big leap in wireless connectivity.'
'We're proud to introduce this ground-breaking technology to help Canadians stay safe and connected in more places,' Staffieri said in a press release.
The announcement also included positive feedback from organizations such as the BC Search and Rescue Association, the Search and Rescue Association of Alberta, and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.
'Rogers Satellite is a game changer for public safety in Alberta,' said Brian Carriere, president of the Alberta group, in the press release.
'This advancement improves our ability to respond faster and more effectively, ultimately saving lives and enhancing the safety of both the public and our SAR volunteers.'
Rogers said it plans to continue to test and optimize Rogers Satellite services throughout the beta trial.
Following the trial, Rogers Satellite will be included at no additional cost to customers on the Rogers Ultimate plan — currently priced at $85 per month — and will be available to others for $15 per month.
Customers participating in the beta trial will receive a monthly $5 discount for one year.
Telecommunications industry watchers have touted satellite connectivity as a potential solution for solving resiliency challenges, improving rural and remote connectivity, and increasing competition in the sector.
In June 2024, the federal government launched a consultation into the expansion of wireless services through satellite technology, with then-industry minister François-Philippe Champagne hailing it as 'the next frontier where Canadians will be able to use their current phone ... to have absolute connectivity.'
Champagne also said in an interview at the time that with natural disasters on the rise, satellite connections could serve as a backup when traditional networks go down due to power outages.
Other Canadian carriers have been working to develop similar services. Telus Corp. said it successfully trialled mobile-to-satellite technology in late 2023 in partnership with Montreal-based telecom provider TerreStar Solutions Inc. and non-terrestrial network service provider Skylo.
In September 2024, the federal government announced a $2.14-billion loan to satellite operator Telesat to help that company build its broadband satellite constellation, called Lightspeed.
The government said Lightspeed would enable people in the most remote parts of the country, including in Indigenous communities, mines and forestry companies, to access cheaper, more reliable internet.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025.
Companies in this story: (TSX:RCI.B)
Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Will Starlink IPO Before SpaceX? What Investors Should Know.
Will Starlink IPO Before SpaceX? What Investors Should Know.

Globe and Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Globe and Mail

Will Starlink IPO Before SpaceX? What Investors Should Know.

Key Points Starlink operates as a subsidiary of SpaceX, and specializes in satellite internet services. There are multiple ways that SpaceX could take Starlink public while still maintaining majority control of the business. Industry estimates suggest that Starlink is SpaceX's largest source of revenue and is generating positive free cash flow, making now an interesting time to consider an IPO. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Be it in investing or life in general, people often want things that they can't have. When it comes to stocks, it's not uncommon for investors -- particularly retail investors -- to fawn over the prospects of owning equity in high-profile start-ups. Unfortunately, these types of investments are generally reserved for venture capital (VC) firms, private equity funds, or accredited investors. One of the most popular start-ups in the world is Tesla CEO Elon Musk's space exploration company, SpaceX. As of this writing, industry research suggests that SpaceX is the most valuable private technology company in the world -- having achieved a valuation of $350 billion earlier this year. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue » In addition to rocket ships, SpaceX also provides satellite internet services through a subsidiary business, called Starlink. Over the last few years, Starlink's popularity has fueled speculation that it could potentially go public. But seeing as how Starlink operates within the broader SpaceX orbit, how would such a transaction even work? Let's dig into the mechanics around a potential Starlink initial public offering (IPO) and assess how and why such a deal could benefit SpaceX. SpaceX, Starlink, and retail investors: It's a complicated situation A concept that retail investors may not fully understand is that when you invest in a business -- especially one that is diversified -- you effectively gain a form of ownership in the various segments of the company. For example, if you're interested in autonomous vehicles and want to invest in Waymo, the easiest way to do that is by owning Alphabet stock. Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet, and so owning the stock provides investors with exposure to the company's entire ecosystem including Google, YouTube, Google Cloud, Waymo, and much more. Along the same lines, if SpaceX were to go public, investors would be able to buy stock through their brokerage account and have an ownership stake to the entire business (including exposure to Starlink). But what would a situation look like that features a completely separate initial public offering for Starlink? There are multiple different ways that SpaceX could structure such a deal. One option could be for SpaceX to partially spin off Starlink as its own legal entity and subsequently offer a certain percentage of the business through an IPO. Perhaps a more interesting structure would be for SpaceX to create a tracking stock just for the Starlink division. In such an event, investors could buy shares in stock that only tracks the performance of Starlink as opposed to the entire SpaceX operation. The broader point here is that taking Starlink public before SpaceX is entirely doable... but it's also complicated and requires some creative thinking as it pertains to deal structure. Taking this one step further, what would SpaceX's motivation be for taking Starlink public? Does a Starlink IPO even make sense for SpaceX? One benefit of taking Starlink public is that it would provide investors with some autonomy regarding how they want to allocate capital. In other words, by listing Starlink and SpaceX as separate public entities, investors have a choice over buying exposure into a lumpy aerospace and defense business (SpaceX) or a subscription-based, recurring revenue internet services company (Starlink). As a private company, SpaceX is not required to disclose its financial profile. With that said, sending rocket ships to space is a complex, time-consuming ambition. Moreover, space exploration is not exactly a linear type of business. What I mean by all of this is that SpaceX's core business doesn't necessarily have predictable revenue streams, but it requires hefty investments across research and development (R&D) and capital expenditures (capex) on an ongoing basis. According to a report published by Payload Space earlier this year, Starlink is believed to be the largest source of revenue within the entire SpaceX business. In addition, it's also suggested that the overwhelming majority of Starlink's revenue stems from recurring subscription services. With that in mind, Starlink's actual profitability profile is not entirely known. Reporting from Bloomberg has suggested that Starlink's profitability profile is not robust given the high costs of building and launching satellites. But on the other side of the equation, some would argue that Starlink's internet subscriptions help offset the maintenance costs affiliated with low-margin satellites. While the company's precise financial picture independent of SpaceX is not entirely known, I remain optimistic that a Starlink IPO would be well received. A Starlink IPO could represent a capital infusion for SpaceX while still allowing the company to retain control of Starlink from an ownership and governance perspective. In other words, SpaceX can leverage proceeds from a Starlink IPO to reinvest in the core space exploration business. This would permit for more aggressive investments in the core rocket business, ultimately helping SpaceX intensify the competitive landscape with the likes of Blue Origin or Rocket Lab. Given Starlink's reported explosive growth and SpaceX's ability to maintain control over the satellite business, I think Musk should seriously consider taking Starlink public sooner rather than later. Don't miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a 'Double Down' stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $449,961!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $40,603!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $636,628!* Right now, we're issuing 'Double Down' alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. See the 3 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store