Rogers Communications has partnered with Lynk Global to test and deliver satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada.
This collaboration aims to ensure Canadians can access wireless connectivity wherever they are. The service is designed to let people reach 911 from 4G and 5G smartphones in remote and rural areas that lack traditional wireless coverage.
Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, said:
“From underground transit systems in Canada’s largest cities, to cell towers in space covering Northern communities, Rogers is leading efforts to bring Canadians the biggest and best wireless networks across the country, to keep them connected and safe.
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.”
Rogers plans to roll out basic SMS messaging over satellite in 2024, with voice and data services to follow as testing and approvals progress.
The initiative builds on Rogers’ investment in the country’s largest 5G wireless footprint, which now serves more than 2,000 communities. Following its merger with Shaw, Rogers also operates a national wireline network across Canada and provides fibre-powered internet to nearly 70% of households.
Rogers says it is committed to improving public safety through continued network investment, including expanding wireless coverage along remote highways and enabling wireless service and 911 access throughout the Toronto subway system.
Technical tests with Lynk satellites have already been successfully completed in remote areas of British Columbia, and the company plans to begin testing in Atlantic Canada.
Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, noted that improving cellular availability is critical to public safety for people who live in or travel through remote and rural regions without network access.
Beare said the project aligns with government efforts to expand reliable connectivity and cellular coverage along highways to support emergency communications, improve responses, and keep people safer.
The satellite-to-phone capability promises to be transformative for first responders and emergency services, as well as for Canadians living and working in remote communities.
Charles Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of Lynk, added:
“Everyone deserves access to seamless connectivity and emergency services, no matter where they live. That’s why Lynk is thrilled to partner with Rogers to help bring continuous wireless coverage to Canadians.
Rogers is an ideal partner because of its strong national spectrum holdings and wide wireless networks. 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.”
Rogers says it will coordinate with its satellite partners and work closely with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Public Safety Canada, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, and first responders to secure regulatory approvals and bring this technology into full service in Canada.
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