In a groundbreaking partnership, SpaceX, the space exploration and technology company founded by Elon Musk, has teamed up with Rogers Communications, a leading telecommunications company in Canada, to bring satellite phone service to the country.

The partnership aims to provide reliable and affordable satellite phone service to remote areas of Canada, where traditional telecommunications infrastructure is limited or non-existent. The service will be available through Rogers’ existing network of wireless dealers, enabling customers to purchase and activate their satellite phones directly from their local Rogers dealer.

“Rogers is proud to partner with SpaceX to bring innovative satellite phone service to Canadians,” said Joe Natale, President and CEO of Rogers Communications. “This partnership will help bridge the digital divide in Canada and ensure that all Canadians have access to reliable communication services, no matter where they are.”

The partnership comes at a critical time when remote areas of Canada are increasingly in need of reliable communication services. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians have been forced to work remotely, and the demand for reliable internet and phone service has increased significantly.

According to a recent report by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), more than 1.4 million Canadians do not have access to reliable broadband internet, while over 600,000 Canadians live in areas with limited or no mobile wireless coverage.

The satellite phone service provided by SpaceX and Rogers will use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation, which is designed to provide high-speed internet access to remote areas of the world. The satellite phones will also be able to make voice calls and send text messages, providing a crucial lifeline for Canadians living in remote areas.

“This partnership will help transform the way Canadians connect with each other and the world,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX. “We’re excited to work with Rogers to provide reliable and affordable satellite phone service to Canadians, no matter where they are.”

The partnership between SpaceX and Rogers is expected to launch later this year, with initial service available in select areas of Canada. The two companies are also exploring additional opportunities to expand their partnership and bring new communication services to Canadians.

The move is also significant for SpaceX, which has been working to expand its commercial offerings beyond its core focus on space exploration and transportation. The company has been exploring new business opportunities, including providing high-speed internet access to remote areas of the world through its Starlink satellite constellation.

Overall, the partnership between SpaceX and Rogers represents a significant step forward in providing reliable communication services to Canadians living in remote areas. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing demand for reliable internet and phone service, the partnership is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of many Canadians.