Rogers Communications maintained thrust on network expansion and coverage improvements with the launch of a direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service, an offering which goes beyond the basic SMS provided by many other operators.

The company stated Rogers Satellite is the first D2D service offering coast-to-coast coverage of Canada and explained it would provide IoT connectivity alongside a range of consumer services.

Rogers Communications CEO Tony Staffieri said the service extends a “legacy of innovative firsts” and the company is “proud to be the first” to offer the connectivity option in Canada.

The company explained Rogers Satellite is compatible with WhatsApp, Google Maps, X, mapping service CalTopo and AccuWeather. Services can be accessed on “most modern smartphones” and it expects more apps to come as developers update their wares for non-terrestrial networks. The operator also intends to add voice and data services.

Staffieri said there was a “terrific response” from users of a beta messaging service launched in July, with more than 1 million texts sent.

Promotions mean existing customers can access Rogers Satellite for no additional cost, with non-subscribers offered a CAD15 ($10.83) per month option and some reductions on offer to those involved in the beta test.

Rogers Communications stated the IoT service also launched today (9 December), providing connectivity for services “in some of the most remote regions” of Canada.

It listed fleet and asset tracking, and automated sensors among the list of uses for the satellite IoT service.