By Ketki Saxena
Investing.com -- Rogers Communications Inc (TSX:RCIa). has announced a partnership with SpaceX and Lynk Global designed to expand its network coverage across Canada by offering satellite-to-phone connectivity services. The move is aimed at providing wireless network services in areas that are not served by traditional networks.
The collaboration between Rogers and SpaceX will leverage the low-earth orbit satellites, specifically the Starlink system, along with Rogers’ national wireless spectrum to provide satellite-to-phone technology in Canada. Initially starting with SMS text messaging service, the companies plan on eventually extending this service to include voice and data access.
Starlink aims to bridge the digital divide by providing broadband internet connectivity where connections tend to be unreliable or unavailable due to high costs or geographic remoteness - in line with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's commitment to making reliable internet available and accessible around the globe.
Musk has previously tweeted that Canada “is a major priority for Starlink”, where the technology “designed to serve the least-served" such as in Canada's rural and most remote communities.
While there was no specific timeline mentioned about expanding coverage through their partnership with SpaceX yet, Rogers has confirmed that Lynk's satellites have been successfully tested in the British Columbian wilderness. The next set of tests is planned in Atlantic Canada.
Rogers also plans on seeking regulatory approval from multiple federal departments including CRTC before launching Lynk’s technology countrywide as it seeks to provide Canadians with uninterrupted access to emergency services from anywhere within the country.
“From underground transit systems in Canada’s largest cities, to cell towers in space covering Northern communities, Rogers is leading the charge to bring Canadians the biggest and best wireless networks across the country, keeping them connected wherever they go,” said Rogers president and CEO Tony Staffieri.