Rogers Communications has this week launched its satellite-to-mobile text messaging service.

In an announcement yesterday, Rogers said its beta service is available to use at no extra cost.

Rogers Satellite is able to cover more than 5.4 million square kilometers of the country, notes the carrier. This is more than 2.5 times more than any other Canadian wireless service provider, the company claims.

"Earlier this month, Rogers celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first wireless call in Canada, and this new technology represents the next big leap in wireless connectivity," said Tony Staffieri, president and CEO, Rogers.

The company states that its beta trial will run until October, ahead of its planned commercial launch.

Rogers Satellite will support text messaging and text-to-911 services initially, before expanding to support apps, data, and voice services, including 911 voice services.

The company notes that all Canadians are able to sign up for its beta trial.

Once the beta trial ends, Rogers Satellite will be included at no additional cost to customers on the Rogers Ultimate Plan, while those not on the plan can access the service for C$15 ($10.93) per month.

Customers participating in the beta trial will receive a C$5 ($3.60) per month discount for the first 12 months.

Rogers Satellite mobile coverage aims to serve some of the most remote areas of Canada, which is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of land mass.

Last month, Rogers deployed Ericsson's 5G Advanced technology across its national network.

In the past decade, Rogers claims to have invested more than CA$40 billion ($29bn) in its networks. The company launched its 5G network in 2020 and has since expanded its 5G network to more than 2,500 communities. 

Earlier this year, Rogers agreed to an equity deal with Blackstone worth CA$7 billion (US$5.12bn). As part of the agreement, Blackstone will acquire a non-controlling interest in a new Canadian subsidiary of Rogers that will own a minor part of Rogers' wireless network.