By Ryan Daws
Rogers Communications has partnered with Lynk Global to test and provide satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada.
The collaboration will ensure that Canadians have wireless connectivity access no matter where they are. The move is aimed at helping Canadians reach 911 using 5G and 4G smartphones in remote regions and rural areas that are not covered by any wireless networks.
President and CEO of Rogers, Tony Staffieri said: “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.
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.”
The new service will start with SMS texting in 2024, before expanding to include voice and data services.
According to Rogers, the initiative builds on the company’s investment to offer the largest 5G wireless network, which covers more than 2,000 communities. Following its merger with Shaw, Rogers also provides Canadians with a national wireline network that covers the entire country, and fibre-powered internet available to almost 70 percent of households.
Rogers is committed to improving public safety through its national network investments, including its promise to extend wireless coverage along Canada’s remote highways and offer wireless service and 911 access throughout the Toronto subway system.
The company has already conducted successful technical tests with Lynk satellites in remote British Columbia and is set to start testing in Atlantic Canada.
The Minister of Citizens’ Services, Lisa Beare said that improving cellular service availability is vital in enhancing public safety for people living and travelling through remote and rural areas where there is no network access.
Beare added that the initiative is in line with the government’s efforts to expand reliable connectivity and cellular coverage along highways for emergency communications services that would help keep people safe and improve emergency responses.
The satellite-to-phone service will be a game-changer for first responders and emergency services, as well as Canadians living in remote regions and rural areas.
CEO and Co-Founder of Lynk, Charles Miller commented: “Everyone deserves to have access to seamless connectivity and emergency services, no matter where they live. That’s why Lynk is thrilled to partner with Rogers to help bring continuous wireless coverage to Canadians.
Rogers is the ideal partner for Lynk because of the company’s strong, national spectrum holdings and national wireless networks. We look forward to working with the Rogers team to ensure every single Canadian can call 911 in an emergency or connect from wherever they are.”
Rogers says that it will join with its satellite partners and work closely with the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Public Safety Canada, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, and first responders to obtain regulatory approvals and bring this technology to Canada.
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