Rogers announced Friday that it has turned on its satellite-to-mobile service Rogers Satellite for free to all Rogers wireless customers in British Columbia as wildfires continue to spread across the province.
Rogers Satellite provides connectivity to most modern smartphones where traditional cell coverage is not available. It can keep wireless customers connected if a cell tower is down because of wildfire damage or a power outage, and in areas not reached by towers such as remote highways, Rogers said in a press release.
Rogers is opening up the service province-wide in B.C. (south of the 58th parallel, as per its coverage footprint) for Rogers wireless customers, including businesses and government, “to pilot how satellite-to-mobile technology enhances safety and is used by residents and communities during emergencies and natural disasters”, Rogers said in its release.
“We’re committed to helping British Columbians affected by these devastating wildfires,” Tony Staffieri, Rogers president and CEO, said in the release. “Our teams are working around the clock to help keep people connected. As the only Canadian carrier with satellite-to-mobile technology, with this pilot Rogers is providing an added layer of connectivity where it’s needed — helping families reach loved ones and first responders stay connected on the job.”
Rogers said its pilot will run during the B.C. government’s state of provincial emergency.
The cable giant is also supporting customers who have been evacuated from their homes by automatically crediting Rogers internet, TV and home phone services for the duration of the evacuation period, it said.
In addition, Rogers is matching new donations to the Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal up to $100,000. Rogers has launched text-to-donate, enabling its customers to donate $5 to the Canadian Red Cross appeal by texting ROGERS to 20222 (French: 30333).
Telus is also supporting its own customers and other British Columbians affected by the wildfires.
Image via Rogers’s LinkedIn profile
