Rogers and Lynk Global, Inc. have completed Canada’s first successful satellite-to-mobile phone call using Samsung S22 smartphones.
The call took place in historic Heart’s Content, where the world’s first transatlantic telegraph cable took place between Canada and Ireland over 150 years ago. The two companies also tested SMS, data, and emergency alerting services.
“We’re bringing coverage to Canada’s most remote areas to improve public safety and to connect communities that aren’t connected today,” says Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “We’re proud to work with Lynk to bring Canadians the very latest global technology that will give them access to 911 and wireless services.”
The phone call was made between Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association using Lynk’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and Rogers national wireless spectrum. Wireless spectrum ensures this technology works on existing smartphones: customers don’t need to install customized apps or not yet available hardware.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is a vast, largely rural province, and connectivity is an important issue for us,” says the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “As Premier, I am excited about the breakthrough technology Rogers is testing to improve network coverage and the safety of people in our province and across the country.”
Rogers will launch satellite-to-mobile phone technology in 2024, starting with SMS texting, mass notifications, and machine-to-machine AI applications, and then expand the service to include voice and data services quickly thereafter. This new technology will deliver wireless services to the country’s most remote wilderness, national parks, and rural highways.
“The Lynk team is proud to showcase a comprehensive range of Sat2Phone capabilities with Rogers, including data, voice, messaging, and mass notifications,” adds Charles Miller, co-founder and CEO, Lynk. “Our mission is aligned with Rogers’ deep commitment to ensure connectivity for all Canadians no matter where they live, work, and travel. We are excited to be on this journey towards commercial service with Rogers.”