Rogers Launches First Canadian D2D Service with Voice & Video App Support

Rogers Communications has launched Rogers Satellite, a nationwide direct-to-device (D2D) service supporting voice and video calling over popular apps, making Canada one of the first countries globally to enable integrated satellite connectivity for mainstream smartphone applications.

Building on its beta launch earlier in 2025, Rogers Satellite now supports a curated set of apps optimised for low-bandwidth satellite links, including WhatsApp (voice & video calling), Google Maps, AccuWeather, X (formerly Twitter) and CalTopo. More apps will become satellite-ready as developers integrate support for non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

Customers can use the service wherever terrestrial coverage is absent such as across Canada’s remote communities, wilderness regions, and vast northern landscapes.

Rogers also introduced satellite-to-mobile IoT connectivity, enabling industrial and government applications in sectors historically constrained by limited coverage, including:

• Fleet & asset tracking across remote transport corridors

• Forestry, mining, and resource operations

• Environmental and automated sensor networks

The NTN service is designed to enhance operational visibility and safety across Canada’s expansive geography.

More than one million satellite text messages were sent during the beta, which included support for text-to-911, highlighting demand for resilient connectivity.

The company’s roadmap includes full satellite data and voice, including 911 voice calling, for all Canadians.

SOURCE: https://about.rogers.com/news-ideas/rogers-first-to-launch-satellite-to-mobile-service-with-must-have-apps/