Any Updates on Rogers + SpaceX Satellite-to-Phone Coverage?

[AManwithAPhone]

Back in April 2023, Rogers and SpaceX issued a joint press release announcing plans to bring satellite-to-phone connectivity to Canadians using Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite network and Rogers' national spectrum. The initial phase was expected to support SMS texting on existing 4G and 5G smartphones, with voice and data capabilities to follow in future phases. The service was positioned as a major step forward in providing emergency access and connectivity across Canada’s remote areas, national parks, and unserved rural highways.

Since that announcement, I haven’t seen any follow-ups or timelines regarding commercial availability, pilot programs, or coverage rollouts.

Does anyone have an update on:

• Whether this project is still active?

• What the current timeline or roadmap looks like?

• How or when customers will be able to use the service?

Would appreciate any insights or pointers to official sources. This seems like a transformative initiative for public safety and national connectivity, and I know many of us are eager to see how it progresses.

Thanks in advance.

[GOGU]

Im northern ontario today between dryden and kenora. And since signal is spotty. I decided to change network to rogers EXT (this stretch bell has better coverage. ) while searching for networks Rogers Satellite shows up.. tried connecting to a few times but didn't register. So i think gonnw happen sooner than later. At least in more remote areas.

[LordDrakkon]

Satellite connectivity only works when no other cellular network is available. If there is another cellular network available, you will not be able to connect to Starlink.

[GOGU]

Really? Even tho theres barely any signal (not even 1 steady bar)?

[LordDrakkon]

Yes. No cellular service at all and no other carriers to connect to. You have to be completely in a dead zone for Starlink to work with how it is currently enabled to work with cellphones.

[AManwithAPhone]

This is how the current set up works with Apple’s iPhone satellite solution.

It may not be how the Rogers SpaceX satellite solution works. There are videos on YouTube showing how it works with T-Mobile in the US.