Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE: RCI), headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, plans to introduce satellite-to-mobile phone technology in 2024, to extend wireless services to Canada’s remote regions. Rogers, in collaboration with Falls Church, VA-based Lynk Global, announced the initiative after conducting a successful satellite-to-mobile phone test call between two Samsung S22 phones.
The call took place in historic Heart’s Content, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador on Canada’s east coast, where the world’s first transatlantic telegraph cable connected Canada and Ireland over 165 years ago. The satellite-to-mobile phone call was made between Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association.
Lynk Global is developing a satellite-to-mobile-phone satellite constellation that delivers what it calls a “cell tower in space” capability for global mobile phone service coverage. The scheduled 2024 launch will initially focus on SMS texting, with plans to incorporate voice and data services in future. This development will enable any standard smartphone to access 911 services.
The technology uses Lynk’s low-earth orbit satellites in conjunction with Rogers’ national wireless spectrum. This capability allows the service to function seamlessly on existing smartphones without the need for custom applications or hardware upgrades. This enables users to make calls in areas lacking terrestrial cellular wireless coverage from any mobile network operator.
In April, Rogers disclosed agreements with both Lynk Global and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) to implement satellite-to-phone coverage throughout Canada, Inside Towers reported. Similar to the Lynk Global arrangement, the collaboration with SpaceX involves utilizing its Starlink LEO satellites and Rogers’ national wireless spectrum.
Reader Interactions