SpaceX’s Starlink cellular service is expanding into Canada through a partnership with Rogers Communications. Satellite-to-phone technology connects users in areas where traditional cellular coverage is unavailable. Rogers begins offering this service as a free beta — an extension of connectivity across vast regions of Canada.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
On Tuesday, Rogers launched its satellite-to-phone service in Canada, following T-Mobile’s earlier US beta. The new service allows mobile phones to connect via SpaceX’s Starlink satellites when traditional cell towers are unavailable. This innovation targets cellular dead zones, initially providing SMS text messaging, with plans to add voice, video calls, and data capabilities later.
Rogers brands its service as Rogers Satellite, covering over 5.4 million square kilometers, which is more than twice the coverage of other Canadian wireless carriers. This is especially important since only 18 percent of Canada currently has traditional wireless coverage. The beta invites all Canadian users to participate, even those on rival networks, using a secondary eSIM.
Currently, the service supports a limited range of phones, including iPhone 13 to 16 models, Samsung Galaxy S25, and a few Motorola handsets. The beta runs through October, after which the service will be included in the Rogers Ultimate Plan at no extra cost or available to all Canadians for $15 CAD/month (approximately $11 USD). Beta users get a $5 monthly discount for the first year, but should expect automatic charges when the trial ends.
Testing of the cellular Starlink service in the US with T-Mobile shows it works well, though SMS delivery may experience occasional delays. T-Mobile plans to officially launch its service soon at $10/month.
The arrival of Starlink cellular service adds to growing competition in satellite-to-phone technology. Apple offers satellite connectivity exclusively to iPhones, while AST SpaceMobile is rolling out its service with AT&T and Verizon as early as next year.
TF Summary: What’s Next
SpaceX’s Starlink cellular service marks a new phase in connecting remote areas, particularly in Canada’s vast rural regions. With Rogers and T-Mobile leading the charge, satellite-based mobile connectivity is set to become a mainstream option. As the service expands to include voice, video, and data, more users will gain reliable mobile access where cell towers are scarce.
The competitive landscape for satellite-to-phone services is heating up. Apple and AST SpaceMobile’s moves signal strong industry interest in overcoming traditional cellular limits. For Canadians, this means more choice and better coverage options will be available shortly.
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