Rogers says it will deepen Starlink satellite ties and expand coverage to Japan, Australia and New Zealand
Key points
- Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri said the carrier is "proactively deepening" its work with Starlink on satellite-to-mobile connectivity and intends to "lead Canada" in bringing expanded coverage and capability to Canadians.
- Staffieri said SpaceX has told Canadian regulators it plans to partner with carriers, not offer its own standalone mobile service or deal exclusively with one carrier.
- He said Canada has much less spectrum available than the U.S., a smaller and more concentrated population, and foreign ownership rules that cover spectrum.
- Rogers Satellite currently handles texting, text-to-911 and select apps like WhatsApp and Google Maps, and also works in the U.S. through T-Mobile's T-Satellite network.
- Rogers has announced satellite-to-mobile roaming in Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
- Staffieri did not share new features, pricing or timing for the expanded Canadian service.
The comments came on Rogers’ third quarter earnings call on Friday, October 23, in answer to an analyst’s question about whether Starlink Mobile could change the competitive picture in Canada. Staffieri’s answer leaned on SpaceX’s own words: an earlier filing to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada said Starlink does not plan a standalone service and wants to offer its service to all interested mobile carriers.
This follows Rogers’ existing Starlink deal, which has been on the market for almost a year. It also contrasts with the U.S., where SpaceX announced on Oct. 8 that Starlink Mobile is working to become a major carrier. Rogers’ international roaming announcement came a few days after the earnings call.
Bell and Telus are taking different routes. Bell is building its own satellite ground station, and Telus has completed a first satellite-to-phone test with AST SpaceMobile.
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