Rogers Partners With Lynk Global to Bring Satellite-to-Phone Coverage to Canadians

Rhea-AI Summary

Rogers Communications announces a groundbreaking partnership with Lynk Global to bring satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada, enhancing wireless access for all Canadians, especially in remote areas. The initiative aims to ensure that people can reach emergency services, like 911, no matter their location. Starting in 2024, the service will initially offer SMS capabilities and later expand to voice and data services. This move builds on Rogers' commitment to public safety and complements their 5G network coverage, reaching over 2,000 communities. Successful technical tests have already been conducted in British Columbia, with plans for further testing in Atlantic Canada. The project aims to improve cellular service availability, enhancing safety for residents and visitors in remote regions.

Positive

• Partnership with Lynk Global to provide satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada.
• Service expansion starting in 2024 will enhance access to emergency services like 911.
• Initial SMS service will expand to voice and data, improving communication in remote areas.
• Successful technical tests conducted in British Columbia, indicating feasibility.
• Complementary to Rogers' existing 5G network covering over 2,000 communities.

Negative

• Dependence on regulatory approvals from government bodies could delay implementation.
• Forward-looking statements carry inherent risks and uncertainties that may impact actual results.

First wireless company in Canada to bring satellite coverage to Canadians coast to coast

 Satellite coverage will address public safety and expand to more services over time

TORONTO, April 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications Inc. today announced it is partnering with Lynk Global to test and bring satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada to ensure Canadians can access a wireless connection, no matter where they are. 

Rogers will begin to expand satellite-to-phone coverage in 2024 across Canada’s most remote regions and rural highways not covered by any wireless networks. The service will start with SMS texting and over time will expand to include voice and data to help all Canadians reach 911 with 5G and 4G smartphones. 

“From underground transit systems in Canada’s largest cities, to cell towers in space covering Northern communities, Rogers is leading to bring Canadians the biggest and best wireless networks across the country, to keep them connected and safe,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “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.” 

Today’s announcement builds on the company’s investment to bring Canadians the largest 5G wireless network covering more than 2,000 communities. Through its transformative merger with Shaw, Rogers now brings Canadians a national coast to coast wireline network with fibre-powered internet available to nearly 70% of Canadian households.

Rogers is committed to improving public safety through its national network investments. This includes the company’s commitment to bring wireless service and 911 access throughout the entire Toronto subway system for all TTC riders and extend wireless coverage along Canada’s remote highways. To bring satellite-to-phone coverage across Canada, Rogers has conducted successful technical tests with Lynk satellites in remote British Columbia and will start testing in Atlantic Canada.

“Improving cellular service availability is vital to enhancing public safety for people living in and travelling through remote and rural parts of B.C. and across Canada where there is no network access,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services.  “This initiative builds on our government’s work to expand reliable connectivity and cellular coverage along highways for emergency communications services that will help keep people safe and improve emergency responses. When complete, this added and innovative approach to bring services to the hardest to reach areas of our province will increase the safety of people and first responders in B.C. and throughout Canada.” 

“Everyone deserves to have 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,” said Charles Miller, Lynk CEO and co-founder.  “Rogers is the ideal partner for Lynk because of the company’s strong, national spectrum holdings and national 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 and its satellite partners will work closely with the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Public Safety Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and first responder emergency services to obtain regulatory approvals and bring this technology to Canada.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release includes “forward‐looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. We caution that forward‐looking information is inherently subject to change and uncertainty and that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward‐looking information. A comprehensive discussion of risks associated with forward-looking information can be found in Rogers’ public reports and filings which are available under its profile at www.sedar.com.

About Rogers

Rogers is Canada’s leading wireless, cable and media company that provides connectivity and entertainment to Canadian consumers and businesses across the country. Rogers shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit: rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.

About Lynk

Lynk is the world’s only patented, proven, and commercially-licensed satellite-direct-to-standard-mobile-phone system. Lynk is currently testing sat2phone services in more than 20 countries and has 30+ agreements with MNOs. Today, Lynk is the only company in the world to have successfully sent and received text messages to and from space via unmodified standard mobile devices. From the beginning, Lynk will enable two-way emergency messaging, emergency cell broadcast services, and regular SMS messaging on every phone across the globe. By partnering with Lynk via a simple roaming agreement, a mobile network operator opens the door to new revenue in untapped markets, gives subscribers peace of mind with ubiquitous connectivity, and provides a pathway to economic prosperity for billions of the world’s citizens. For more information, visit www.lynk.world or follow @lynktheworld.

For further information: 

media@rci.rogers.com
1-844-226-1338 

FAQ

What is the purpose of Rogers' partnership with Lynk Global?

The partnership aims to bring satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada, improving emergency access and communication in remote areas.

When will the satellite-to-phone service from Rogers begin?

The service is set to begin in 2024, starting with SMS messaging before expanding to voice and data.

How will the satellite connectivity enhance public safety in Canada?

It will provide reliable access to emergency services, like 911, for people in remote regions where traditional networks are unavailable.

What regions will benefit from the satellite coverage?

The satellite coverage will focus on Canada's most remote regions and rural highways that currently lack wireless networks.

What challenges might Rogers face in implementing this satellite service?

Rogers may need to secure regulatory approvals, and there are inherent risks related to the forward-looking nature of the project.