Rogers Satellite runs on SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, and it is no longer free. Since its commercial launch on December 9, 2025, the add-on costs CAD $15 a month for new Rogers customers and CAD $10 a month for the first 12 months for existing customers, as of October 2026. Rogers includes the service at no extra charge on its new Rogers 5G+ plans.
The service connects unmodified mobile devices to orbit across remote parts of Canada beyond terrestrial cellular towers. Customers can send standard text messages, place WhatsApp voice calls, run navigation maps, and reach emergency services via text-to-911 directly from the wilderness. Because Starlink lists Rogers as an official Starlink Mobile partner, Canadian phone owners access the same satellite fleet that powers mobile carriers internationally.
Rogers Satellite Price and Whether It Is Still Free
Rogers Satellite is no longer free. The free testing beta ended when Rogers launched the service commercially on December 9, 2025. Rogers ran a free texting beta starting in July 2025, but standard billing took effect with the commercial rollout.
As of October 2026, access to the satellite network depends on your current carrier plan and customer status. Rogers includes the service at no extra cost on its new Rogers 5G+ mobile plans. Rogers promotional announcements state that the feature is available at no cost “during promotional periods”. If your plan does not bundle the connection, you must pay a recurring monthly fee.
| Who You Are | Price (CAD, October 2026) | Billing Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Rogers mobile customers | CAD $10 a month | Price holds for the first 12 months, then increases to CAD $15 a month |
| New Rogers mobile customers | CAD $15 a month | Standard monthly subscription fee |
| New Rogers 5G+ mobile plan subscribers | Included (“on us”) | Bundled into the monthly plan price |
Subscribers who switch to a qualifying new Rogers 5G+ line avoid the separate line item entirely. Everyone else pays between CAD $10 and CAD $15 monthly. You can check active promotions and account eligibility on the Rogers satellite page.
Is Rogers Satellite Actually Starlink?
Rogers Satellite is powered by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network. Rogers does not own, build, or operate any telecommunications satellites in orbit. Instead, Rogers partners with SpaceX to route customer traffic through low Earth orbit spacecraft. Starlink formally lists Rogers as an authorized Starlink Mobile partner on its commercial network directory.
The underlying infrastructure relies on Starlink direct-to-cell spacecraft. OrbitalIntel’s technical review of how direct-to-cell satellite systems work details how these orbital platforms communicate with handsets on Earth.
Starlink Mobile is the branded satellite-to-phone service operated by SpaceX, formerly called Starlink Direct to Cell. SpaceX sells this service through mobile carriers rather than to consumers directly. To understand the network architecture and operational mechanics behind this system, read OrbitalIntel’s explainer on Starlink Mobile service.
SpaceX has not published a consumer price, plan structure, or launch date for its own consumer mobile carrier offering as of October 9, 2026. On October 8, 2026, SpaceX stated that an 800 MHz spectrum agreement will pave the way for Starlink Mobile to become a major mobile carrier in the United States once the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gives final regulatory approval. SpaceX’s statement is on its updates page. Until such dedicated carrier services launch, consumers access Starlink Mobile strictly through partner carriers like Rogers.
What Works Over Rogers Satellite
Rogers Satellite supports text communication, select app data, voice calls through supported applications, and emergency messaging.
The connection supports:
- Text messaging. Standard text messaging works across remote regions. Photos can be transmitted through messaging apps such as Apple iMessage.
- Voice and video chat. You can conduct voice and video calls through WhatsApp.
- Data-enabled mobile applications. Rogers has approved a specific collection of outdoor, travel, and messaging apps for satellite use. Supported apps include Meta Messenger, Google Maps, X, AllTrails, AccuWeather, onX, and CalTopo.
- Emergency dispatch. The network supports text-to-911, enabling users in distress to contact emergency dispatchers via text message from areas without ground cell coverage.
Starlink notes that direct-to-cell service operates wherever the user has a clear view of the open sky. Wireless carriers note that the signal may not penetrate indoor spaces, and incoming or outgoing text messages can experience transmission delays.
For a deeper dive into the radio technology that powers off-grid satellite hardware, consult OrbitalIntel’s guide to Starlink phone hardware.
Who Can Get Rogers Satellite
Rogers says the service is open to Canadians on any provider; check the price for your account on the Rogers satellite page. Existing Rogers subscribers on standard plans can activate the feature on their existing lines for CAD $10 a month for their first 12 months.
Hardware requirements remain simple:
- Starlink states that the underlying satellite system functions with existing LTE smartphones without requiring hardware modifications or specialized external antennas.
- Rogers requires customers to have an eligible, compatible device to connect to its satellite network.
Confirm your specific handset model on the Rogers satellite portal before activating a subscription.
Rogers Satellite Compared to T-Mobile T-Satellite
Both Rogers Satellite in Canada and T-Mobile T-Satellite in the United States use the same SpaceX Starlink low Earth orbit constellation. However, the two carriers package pricing, features, and international roaming terms differently.
In the United States, T-Mobile charges $10 USD a month per line for T-Satellite, which renews automatically each month. T-Mobile bundles the feature at no extra cost on its top plans, such as Experience Beyond. Customers of competing United States carriers, including AT&T and Verizon, can buy T-Satellite as a standalone add-on for $10 USD a month per line. Text to 911 by satellite is free to anyone carrying an eligible phone.
| Feature or Policy | Rogers Satellite (Canada) | T-Mobile T-Satellite (United States) |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite network operator | SpaceX Starlink | SpaceX Starlink |
| Standard standalone price | CAD $15 a month | $10 USD a month per line |
| Discounted existing customer price | CAD $10 a month for 12 months | Included on top plans; $10 USD for other lines |
| Plans with free inclusion | New Rogers 5G+ mobile plans | Top plans such as Experience Beyond |
| Access for competing carrier users | Open to all Canadians with compatible phones | Open to AT&T, Verizon, and other users |
| Voice capabilities | WhatsApp voice and video | WhatsApp voice chat |
| Supported apps | Messenger, Google Maps, X, AllTrails, AccuWeather, onX, CalTopo | AllTrails, X, AccuWeather, Google Maps, onX, and others |
| Roaming coverage abroad | Check the Rogers satellite page | Works abroad in Canada, New Zealand, and Japan |
T-Mobile explicitly notes that its T-Satellite service works abroad for American travelers visiting Canada, New Zealand, and Japan.
For complete coverage rules and plan tier mechanics across the border, read OrbitalIntel’s breakdown of T-Mobile T-Satellite pricing and plans.
Is Rogers Satellite Worth It
Paying CAD $10 to CAD $15 a month gives you texting, text-to-911 and map access wherever you can see the sky.
In several countries Starlink Mobile is already free on many plans; in Canada and the U.S. it is mostly a paid add-on unless your plan includes it. OrbitalIntel’s guide to Starlink cell phone plans compares carriers country by country.
Free Alternatives to Consider
Before paying monthly fees for Rogers Satellite, consider hardware-based emergency alternatives. In the U.S., if you carry an iPhone 14 or later, Apple support confirms that Messages via satellite and Emergency SOS via satellite are included at no extra charge for two years following device activation.
Similarly, Verizon subscribers in the United States receive satellite SMS texting through Skylo on select Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel handsets at no extra fee.
What Would Change This Picture
Several operational developments could alter the pricing, availability, and utility of Rogers Satellite:
- Free plan bundling by Canadian competitors. If rival Canadian carriers partner with direct-to-cell providers and include satellite texting free of charge on standard plans, Rogers may be forced to eliminate its standalone CAD $10 and CAD $15 fees.
- Launch of native cellular voice calling. Starlink and mobile network operators currently route voice traffic through third-party data applications like WhatsApp. If operators deploy direct-to-cell updates that support standard telephone dialer calls and direct 911 voice calls, the value of the subscription will increase.
- SpaceX commercial carrier entry. If SpaceX completes its 800 MHz spectrum acquisition and receives FCC clearance to launch its own consumer mobile carrier, standalone satellite phone plans could become available directly from SpaceX, bypassing traditional network operators entirely.
To track how mobile carriers worldwide are pricing direct-to-cell connectivity, check OrbitalIntel’s comparison of Starlink cell phone plans or read the Starlink Mobile service guide. Check your hardware compatibility directly on the Rogers satellite page before subscribing.