Rogers Communications has officially launched its new Starlink-powered satellite-to-mobile service, bringing data, voice, video, and messaging to Canadians in areas where traditional networks simply don’t reach. The commercial debut follows the company’s beta test earlier this year, which first enabled Starlink text messaging — including text-to-911 — starting in July.
“We’re proud to be the first and only provider in the country to offer this ground-breaking technology so Canadians can stay connected. The launch of Rogers Satellite builds on our legacy of innovative firsts and bringing the best technology to Canadians,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers.
“No one covers Canada like Rogers, and with the launch we’re making the service even better, giving people access to the apps they need most including calling over WhatsApp in places they never thought possible.”
With today’s launch, Rogers Satellite now supports several must-have apps over Starlink’s Direct to Cell network, including WhatsApp for voice and video calls, Google Maps, AccuWeather, X, and CalTopo. As developers update their apps to support satellite connectivity, Rogers says the list will expand over time.
The offering is available at no additional cost to Rogers customers on select plans during promotional periods, while all Canadians can subscribe for $15 CAD per month. Those who participated in the beta trial are eligible for a $5 monthly discount for their first 12 months. Rogers plans to expand the service next to support full data and voice coverage, including 911 calling, for everyone in the country.
The commercial launch marks another major step in Starlink’s global push to bring satellite phone connectivity to mainstream mobile networks. In the U.S., T-Mobile rolled out its own Starlink-powered satellite data and calling in October, while Entel recently partnered with Starlink to deliver satellite mobile service in Chile. Virgin Media O2 in the U.K. is also preparing to debut its own Starlink-backed service next year.
Starlink first enabled data connectivity on its mobile network in September before carriers began turning the capability on for customers. But SpaceX isn’t stopping at partnerships: the company expects to begin testing Direct to Cell service on its own spectrum in 2026, and it recently filed new trademarks for “Starlink Mobile”, signaling its intent to launch a standalone satellite-powered cellular brand.
For now, Rogers remains the first provider in Canada to bring Starlink’s Direct to Cell capabilities to consumers, and with full data and voice connectivity still to come, satellite service on smartphones is about to get a whole lot more useful — especially for Canadians who live, work, or travel in remote regions.
