(Credit: Rogers)
In Canada, SpaceX’s cellular Starlink is moving out of beta and officially launching as a paid service through mobile carrier Rogers, giving local subscribers a way to remain connected in cellular dead zones by tapping SpaceX’s orbiting satellites.
"We’re proud to be the first and only provider in the country to offer this ground-breaking technology so Canadians can stay connected," said Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri.
The service, dubbed Rogers Satellite in Canada, kicked off a free beta program in July, letting users send SMS text messages via SpaceX’s satellites. On the downside, this means the end of Rogers' free testing period. But as part of Tuesday’s launch, Rogers Satellite is rolling out a powerful feature—support for satellite data to select mobile apps, including AccuWeather, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and X, as well as hiking app CalTopo.
(Credit: Rogers)“On December 9, app capability is available on compatible Google Pixel and Samsung devices. Support for select iPhone models coming soon,” the carrier wrote in an FAQ.
The WhatsApp support means you can conduct video calls. But the satellite data consumed “will be deducted from your plan’s existing data bucket,” the company added.
Rogers is offering the satellite connectivity as a free perk for 12 months on select plans. Otherwise, interested users need to pay CA$15 per month, although consumers who participated in the beta trial will receive a $5-per-month discount for the first year.
"Rogers Satellite is open to anyone, from any carrier, with a compatible device," the carrier added, noting the satellite connectivity can operate through a second SIM card in a phone's eSIM. "You can keep your existing plan with your current provider and sign up for a Rogers Satellite plan."
In the US, SpaceX’s partner T-Mobile has been taking a similar route, offering a free beta for several months before releasing the cellular Starlink under the “T-Satellite” brand as a paid feature. The service costs $10 per month for most users, including consumers on rival carriers, such as AT&T and Verizon.
Only T-Mobile subscribers on the most premium plans can receive the satellite connectivity for free. In August, the carrier then began rolling out support for satellite data to select apps, in addition to satellite text messaging.
However, Rogers' implementation has been slightly different. For example, the carrier supports connectivity to the Apple Watch when T-Satellite only supports phones for now. In Tuesday’s announcement, the company also noted, “Rogers Satellite will expand next to support data and voice services,” moving beyond app-based data.
In addition, the Canadian carrier is enabling “satellite-to-mobile for IoT businesses” through SpaceX satellites. “Applications include fleet and asset tracking along remote highways and rail corridors, as well as powering automated sensors for sectors like forestry and mining,” Rogers said. “As the technology advances, it will help transform Canadian businesses and governmental organizations.”
But unlike T-Mobile, Rogers has tried to distance itself from SpaceX, likely to sidestep possible Canadian backlash against SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. The website for Rogers Satellite seems to make no mention of SpaceX.