Rogers Communications And SpaceX Will Connect Phones To Satellite-Based Services

Starlink from SpaceX. (photo: twitter @spacex)

JAKARTA - Communications firm Rogers Communications and Elon Musk's company SpaceX plans to connect mobile phones to satellite-based services with the aim of expanding its reach into remote areas of Canada, the two companies said in a statement on Wednesday, April 26.

This service, which will be delivered via SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, will include 4G and 5G phones starting from SMS text and then developing to voice and data services in Canada that do not have a network.

"In the future, this investment will provide wireless connectivity, including access to the 911 emergency number, even to the most remote areas," Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri said.

In addition, T-Mobile from the US and SpaceX also announced a similar partnership in the United States last year.

Last month, Canada approved a purchase of 20 billion Canadian dollars from telecommunications giant Rogers Communications against Shaw Communications under strict conditions including a commitment to pay financial fines if it fails to create new jobs and invest in expanding its network.