Rogers Satellite: Everything you need to know
No one covers Canada like Rogers. Rogers Satellite provides coverage to subscribers in areas without traditional cell coverage*. Rogers is the first and only provider in the country to offer this ground-breaking technology to help Canadians stay connected in more places.
*Compatible device required. Coverage based on Rogers’ cellular network and Rogers Satellite coverage. Rogers Satellite supports text messaging and satellite-ready apps in Canada south of the 58th parallel (excluding specific regions) in most outdoor areas where you can see the sky. Satellite service, including text-to-911, may be delayed, limited, or unavailable. View Rogers Satellite Terms and Conditions
What devices are compatible for Rogers Satellite?
Compatible devices include features that are optimized for satellite connectivity such as:
Satellite-ready apps
Use apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, AccuWeather, X, CalTopo with more to come
Text-to-911
Text-to-911 capability helps keep you safe and connected in an emergency.
Text Messaging
Update loved ones as you explore Canada, including remote areas.
Check if your phone is satellite-ready
Enter your phone’s make and model or IMEI number
Only phones sold by Rogers will show up.
Finding your IMEI number
There are multiple ways to find your IMEI number.
Open ‘Phone’ application and access ‘Keypad’ Dial *#06# The screen will display your IMEI number, as well as Serial numbers (S/N) or EIDs
Open ‘Settings’ Navigate to General, then About Scroll down to IMEI Press and hold to copy
IMEIs can be located in different areas, depending on the device. On the back of your device In the SIM card tray If you can remove the back cover or battery, you might find the IMEI printed on a sticker.
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.
FAQ
About Rogers Satellite
Currently, Rogers Satellite is available in areas without cellular coverage, south of the 58th 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.
Rogers Satellite is an emerging technology that currently supports text messaging, text-to-911, emergency location sharing, public alerts. Plus, select devices now also support satellite-ready apps over satellite, including calls over WhatsApp. Check your device for available features.
You can get Rogers Satellite for $15/mo. Activate a new account.
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 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 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.
Getting Started
Getting Rogers Satellite is easy
First, make sure your device is compatible, unlocked, and has the latest software update.
For existing Rogers customers, it’s available with Popular and Ultimate plans or as an add-on.
- Ultimate plan customers: Enjoy Rogers Satellite at no extra cost for 24 months.
- Popular plan customers: Enjoy Rogers Satellite at no extra cost for 12 months.
- For all other Rogers customers: You can add Rogers Satellite for $10/mo for the first 12 months. $15/mo thereafter.
You can add the service through MyRogers under Manage Add-Ons. If you’re eligible for a , the discount will appear on your next bill.
If you have a compatible Apple Watch, Rogers Satellite is included in your smartwatch plan until June 30, 2026.
How do I set up my eSIM for Rogers Satellite? 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.
- For compatible smartphones: When you see ROGERS SATELLITE where the Rogers network name usually appears, you’re connected to Rogers Satellite. Make sure you do a system reboot after satellite activation to help your device configure with the network.
- 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.
Using Rogers Satellite
- You can send text messages 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).
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.
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
To disable Rogers Satellite follow these instructions on Apple Watch
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options> then Satellite. Turn it off.
We’re sorry to hear that you want to opt-out of your Rogers Satellite subscription. To opt-out, contact us at 1-888-764-3771. Once opted-out, your subscription and satellite service will stop immediately.
At Rogers, we’re proud to offer Canadians more ways to stay connected – even beyond the reach of cellular or WiFi coverage. Rogers satellite-to-mobile service and Apple’s satellite features work alongside each other. When a customer goes off grid, their compatible iPhone will automatically connect to Rogers Satellite as a continuation of connectivity.
Rogers Satellite and Apple’s satellite feature 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 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. And now , the service includes select messaging and social apps, In the future, Rogers Satellite will expand to include 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
Satellite-ready apps
In addition to text messaging, Rogers Satellite now supports some of the most popular apps 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. Optimized smartphone and operating system (OS) supporting satellite data are required. OS release timing may vary. New satellite-ready apps are being added regularly.
We've worked closely with device manufacturers to enable app capability over satellite. App capability is available on select Apple, Google Pixel and Samsung devices.
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:
- Google Maps
- Accuweather
- X
- CalTopo
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.