Rogers expanding coverage for satellite-to-mobile text messaging trial

Rogers Communications Inc. is expanding its satellite-to-mobile text messaging service across some bodies of water and along waterways off the Canadian coastline.

The company launched its Rogers Satellite text service in July, making it available to all Canadians regardless of their mobile carrier through a free beta trial that will run until October.

Rogers chief technology officer Mark Kennedy says the technology is helping Canadians stay connected in places where traditional cell coverage is not available, which after today’s expansion could mean having service on a ferry ride or remote fishing trip.

Rogers says its satellite service was used most over the summer in Yoho National Park in B.C., Banff National Park and the Kananaskis wilderness area in Alberta, Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, areas around Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, and Fundy National Park in New Brunswick.

Subscribers also have text-to-911 using Rogers Satellite, and the feature may have saved lives in two instances this summer.

From a remote area of the Quebec Laurentians, a user who signed up for the beta trial used the feature to request help. The satellite service delivered their location to the 911 service provider to within six metres. Emergency crews then located the individual, dispatched medical transport and brought them to safety.

And in B.C., north of Whistler, an individual experiencing a medical emergency contacted emergency services using the text-to-911 on Rogers Satellite.

Following the trial, Rogers Satellite will be included at no additional cost to customers on the Rogers Ultimate plan and will be available to others for $15 per month.

The technology relies on SpaceX’s Starlink low-earth orbit satellites and Rogers’ national wireless spectrum. The telecom company plans to eventually deliver full satellite-to-phone coverage across apps, data and voice service.

–Rogers Communications is the parent company of CityNews