Rogers Satellite: Everything you need to know

Rogers Satellite gives coverage to subscribed customers in areas where you don’t have traditional mobile coverage. With Rogers Satellite, we now provide Canadians with at least 3x more square kilometres than any other Canadian wireless service provider.

We’re excited to kick off a new era of mobile connectivity for Canadians starting with text messaging via satellite. 

Join our customer beta trial and sign up for Rogers Satellite be one of the first to try out this game-changing service.

*Compatible device required. Based on Rogers’ cellular network and Rogers Satellite coverage. Rogers Satellite will initially support text messaging only. Currently not available north of the 58th parallel, in specific regions or outside of Canada. Emerging technology available most of the time, in most outdoor areas where you can see the sky. Satellite service, including text-to-911, may be delayed, limited, or unavailable.

Some smartphones will be Satellite Optimized with software by the device manufacturer. Some may include features that are optimized for satellite connectivity including messaging, text-to-911 and emergency location sharing. Most modern smartphones are satellite optimized. Make sure you have the latest software downloaded. These include:

Apple

• iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 Plus, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini 

Samsung

• Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
• Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
• Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
• Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
• Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
• Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
• Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
• Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
• Samsung XCover7 Pro

Google

• Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold
• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Motarola

• Motorola razr 2025, Ultra 2025
• Motorola edge 2025
• Motorola moto g 5G 2025
• Motorola g 5G 2024
• Motorola razr+ 2024
• Motorola edge 2024
• Motorola g play 2024

Some smartphones are Not Satellite Optimized but are verified to be eligible with Rogers Satellite. They include features like SMS, text-to-911 and emergency location sharing. Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list and will be updated regularly. Given amount of devices in market, some unoptimized devices may not be listed but are compatible for Rogers Satellite. However, they haven’t been verified and experiences may vary depending on manufacturer and software. Make sure Location Settings are enabled when using satellite with these phones.

These include:

Samsung

• Samsung Galaxy S22
• Samsung Galaxy S21
• Samsung Galaxy S20
• Samsung Galaxy S10
• Samsung Galaxy A5

In addition to smartphones, some smartwatches are also compatible with Rogers Satellite.

Apple Watch

• Apple Watch Series 11 GPS+ Cellular
• Apple Watch SE 3 GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Ultra 3

We’re working closely with device manufacturers to optimize as many devices as possible. All compatible devices must be updated to the latest software to make sure they work with Rogers Satellite. 

Signing up for Rogers Satellite is easy!

1. Make sure your device is compatible, unlocked and has the latest software update. 
2. Visit the Rogers Satellite page and select Register now to sign up for the beta trial.
3. Select the option that applies to you.
4. Follow the steps to complete the sign up process.
5. If you’re using an eSIM, make sure to set it up once account creation is complete. You must be connected to the internet for this step.
6. If you have a compatible Apple Watch, you don’t need to register. Rogers Satellite is included in your smartwatch plan until June 30, 2026.

Rogers Satellite is open to everyone, from any carrier, with a compatible device. If you’d like to sign up for Rogers Satellite, register here! 

To use Rogers Satellite, you'll need a carrier-unlocked, compatible phone or smartwatch. You can keep your existing plan with your current provider and sign up for a Rogers Satellite messaging-only plan. Once you’ve created your Rogers account, you can set up your eSIM. This lets you activate the Rogers Satellite service digitally so you can easily switch between your regular network and the satellite service.

 View the list of compatible devices here. 

Once you have a Rogers account with a Rogers Satellite Messaging Plan, you need to set your Rogers Satellite eSIM as your phone’s primary SIM for messaging (SMS, iMessage and RCS) and data. Here's how to do it.

You'll need to set up your eSIM to access Rogers Satellite. You must have internet via cellular data or WiFi to complete the setup. Here's how to do it.

It may take up to 48 hours to add Rogers Satellite to your smartwatch. Once it’s ready, you’ll receive a text confirming that service is now available. Remember to download the latest software update before you go off grid.

Thanks for joining our beta trial! We’re excited to have you on board. As part of the beta trial, you’ll be one of the first in Canada to experience this innovative technology.

During the beta trial, you can use your phone for messaging-only capabilities and text-to-911 emergency services when you’re in a Rogers Satellite coverage area.

Before you start using Rogers Satellite, make sure you update your device to the latest software. 
For iPhone customers: before you go off the grid, there may be additional carrier updates required. To check: 

1. Go to Settings 
2. Go to General 
3. Go to About 
4. Select Accept Carrier Bundle Update 

Here are some things to note while on the beta trial:

• Satellite coverage is dependent on clear, direct line of sight to the sky. You won’t get coverage on airplanes, in buildings, on cruise ships or where the sky isn’t fully visible.
• Hills, mountains, valleys, canyons or trees may affect your connection.
• Service may be intermittent or temporarily unavailable in some areas, even if it’s within the general satellite coverage
• Uninterrupted connectivity isn’t guaranteed.
• If you’re within satellite coverage, your device will connect to Rogers Satellite automatically. Rogers Satellite will take priority over third-party satellite connections. You won’t be able to simultaneously use or connect to other third-party satellite messaging and/or emergency services on your smartphone.
• Satellite messaging may work when travelling in your vehicle, provided your device is visible to the sky and travelling at speeds less than 20km/h.
• If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll get a prompt to accept a Carrier Bundle Update once your satellite plan is active. You can also install the update manually by going to Settings > General > About and then Accept Carrier Bundle Update
• In optimal conditions, it may only take a few seconds to deliver messages. Otherwise, it may take several minutes or longer. If your message fails to send, some phones will keep trying to send it until it goes through. If it’s not able to send, your phone will let you know and give you the option to try again.
• You must turn on the resend as text (Android) or send as SMS (iPhone) setting so carriers can send a regular text message as a fallback option. To turn on Send as SMS on an iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Send as SMS
• If a satellite message fails to send, iPhone users can retry sending it manually by selecting the red exclamation mark and then selecting Try Again. Android devices will try to resend automatically.

This means we’ve added Rogers Satellite to your account at no extra cost. This makes it easy for customers in select areas to get expanded coverage and text messaging in areas with satellite coverage.

Rogers Satellite is available to all Canadians at no additional cost until October 31. We’ll notify you before the trial ends and provide options to continue with the service. If you don’t do anything, it’ll be removed automatically at the end of the trial.

You can also opt out of Rogers Satellite anytime. To do this:

1. Sign in to MyRogers, 
2. Select Manage Add-Ons
3. Remove Rogers Satellite.

To explore coverage in your area, visit www.rogers.com/coverage.

• When you see ROGERS SATELLITE where the Rogers network name usually appears, you’re connected to Rogers Satellite.
• For Apple Watch:
  • Select the side button to open Control Center. If the Network button shows as SAT, you’re connected to Rogers Satellite.
  • If you're connected to cellular, this will show as LTE
  • If you're not connected to cellular or satellite, this won't show. Instead, there'll be an X on the top middle of the display.

Currently, Rogers Satellite is available in areas where you don’t have cellular coverage, south of the 58^th parallel within Canada (excluding specific regions). Check out rogers.com/coverage for more details. Keep in mind that the satellite experience differs from the cellular experience.

Compatible devices will automatically connect to Rogers Satellite. Once connected, ROGERS SATELLITE appears where the network is usually displayed. Make sure you do a system reboot after satellite service activation to help your device properly configure with the network.

Rogers Satellite is an emerging technology. If you’re experiencing performance and network issues, contact the Rogers Technical Support team at 1 888-ROGERS1 when you’re back to the cellular network.

• You can send texts as you normally would through your phone’s built-in messaging app. Note that texts may take longer to send via satellite. Picture and video messaging are currently not available via satellite.
• If you’re using a Google Pixel, you need to enable group messaging over satellite. To do this, launch Google Messages, go to Advanced > Group Messaging > and then select Send an SMS reply to all recipients and get individual replies (mass text).

On your Apple Watch:

1. Open the Messaging app
2. Select the New Message icon
3. Select Add Contact, enter 911, and then select OK
4. Select Create Message. In your first text message, include:
   • Your full name
   • If possible, include other important details like a description of the emergency, medical information, an alternate contact name and number, remaining battery life, location information (e.g. GPS coordinates, landmarks) etc.
   • Don't include other recipients or attachments (e.g. photos, emojis or videos) in your message

Rogers Satellite customers can text emergency services through a monthly plan or add-on feature when connected via satellite. Here’s how you send a text within a satellite coverage area during an emergency using Roger’s satellite:

• Compose a new message and enter 911 in the recipient To field and select 911 from the prompt. Select Enter to connect with an emergency relay agent. Once you send the text, your device will automatically attempt to share your location with our relay center to help first responders locate you quickly. Check if your device has this feature.
• In your first text message, include:
  • Your full name
  • Mobile phone number
  • If possible, include other important details like a description of the emergency, medical information, an alternate contact name and number, remaining battery life, location information (e.g. GPS coordinates, landmarks) etc.
  • Don't include other recipients or attachments (e.g. photos, emojis or videos) in your message.

For users on iPhone 14 or later, you will be presented with an Emergency SOS via satellite prompt after entering 911 in the recipient To field:

• To continue using Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite, follow the prompts and this will begin the process to connect to Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite. Your name, number, location, and remaining battery percentage will automatically be shared with emergency responders.
• To stay connected to Rogers Satellite service, do not tap this prompt. Instead, tap “Return” on the keypad to continue using Rogers' satellite service.

The beta trial is expected to end on December 8, 2025. This is subject to change and may be extended.

• For customers with an Ultimate plan, Rogers Satellite is included at no extra cost. No need to do anything!
• For customers on any other plan who signed up for the trial, your Rogers Satellite subscription automatically renews each month. You’ll see a charge on your bill for $10/month (plus tax) for the first 12 months, and then $15/month thereafter. We’ll notify you 30 days before being charged. You can cancel the service up to 1 day before the beta trial ends if you don’t want to subscribe to the paid Rogers Satellite add-on or plan.
• For customers who were exclusively enrolled for the trial, Rogers Satellite will be removed at the end of the trial. Note: you would’ve received a text letting you know that you’ve been enrolled. Check out this FAQ for details.

You can cancel your Rogers Satellite subscription at any time.

Customers who signed up for the trial can view the full terms here.

We’re sorry to hear that you want to cancel your Rogers Satellite subscription. To cancel, contact us at 1-888-764-3771. Once cancelled, your subscription and satellite service will stop immediately.

To disable Rogers Satellite follow these instructions on Apple Watch

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > then Satellite. Turn it off.

At Rogers, we’re proud to offer Canadians more ways to stay connected – even beyond the reach of cellular or WiFi coverage. Rogers satellite services and Apple’s satellite features work alongside each other. When a customer goes off grid, your compatible iPhone will automatically connect to Rogers Satellite as a continuation of connectivity.

Rogers Satellite and Apple’s satellite offering are two different services making use of different sets of satellites.

Rogers Satellite
Rogers customers with a compatible device and an eligible plan can use the Rogers Satellite service when outside of Rogers’ traditional cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, within satellite coverage areas, and within clear line of sight to the sky. Your device will automatically connect to Rogers Satellite, and your device will display ROGERS SATELLITE. This indicates that you are now connected to Rogers Satellite service.

When connected to Rogers Satellite, you can text message friends and family, and text-to-911. In the future, the service will expand to select messaging and social apps, and data and voice services, including conventional voice 911.

Apple’s Satellite Offering
When Rogers Satellite is not available, your compatible iPhone will automatically prompt the customer to connect to Apple’s satellite features. For more information, visit apple.com

Coming soon to Rogers, select apps can be used with Rogers Satellite to keep you connected in areas without cellular coverage. Compatible apps have been updated by developers to work over satellite and may perform differently than on cellular network, allowing you to stay connected beyond messaging.

We’re working closely with device manufacturers to enable app capability over satellite. Stay tuned—more updates are coming!

Once apps are available, make sure to download and sign in to supported apps before heading into satellite coverage.

Keep your phone and app software updated for the best experience.

Some app functionality may be different or not available on satellite.

The list of satellite-ready apps will be growing as developers update their apps to work over satellite. Keep in mind that using apps over satellite may have a different experience than while on cellular network—it depends on how each app is designed. Apps that are designed for low-bandwidth conditions are more likely to deliver the best experience.  App availability will also vary depending on operating system. Make sure you have the latest updates. 

Apps that will work over satellite:

• Accuweather
• CalTopo 
• Google Maps
• WhatsApp 
• X

To use apps over Rogers Satellite once they become available, you’ll need an optimized phone with an operating system that has been updated by the manufacturer to specifically support apps over satellite. These updates enable satellite-ready apps to work. You can check your device compatibility here.

Smartwatches aren't compatible with satellite-ready apps.

Once available, when you use apps over satellite, your usage will be deducted from your plan’s existing data bucket. Because satellite networks typically offer lower data speeds and more limited capacity than cellular networks, app performance may vary.

Your feedback is important in helping us improve the Rogers Satellite experience. It’ll be used to optimize the service ahead of commercial launch. There are two easy ways to provide feedback:

• You’ll receive an email survey within a few weeks of service activation.
• You can send us feedback anytime through the Rogers Satellite feedback form (English only).