Alberta, Canada. Photo: Rogers Communications

Canadian wireless provider Rogers Communications is testing Lynk’s satellite-to-cell service ahead of offering the connectivity to expand its network across remote locations in Canada. 

Rogers said in a Wednesday announcement that it has conducted successful technical tests with Lynk satellites in remote British Columbia and will start testing in Atlantic Canada. The wireless provider plans to start with SMS texting in 2024 to cover Canada’s most remote regions and rural highways not covered by wireless networks. Over time as Lynk expands service, Rogers looks to expand to voice and data. 

Lynk CEO Charles Miller commented that Rogers is an “ideal” partner because of its national spectrum holdings and national wireless networks. Rogers is working to build Canada’s largest 5G wireless network and has the goal to improve 911 access for emergencies. 

“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. “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.”