ZOLEO vs Rogers Satellite: Which Keeps You Covered When it Really Matters?
Choosing the right satellite communicator matters. Here’s how ZOLEO stacks up against the competition on coverage, reliability, SOS, and cost.
ZOLEO vs. Rogers : Satellite Messaging Comparison
When you’re outside cellular range, you need more than “maybe a text gets through.” This page compares how ZOLEO (a purpose-built satellite communicator) stacks up against Rogers’ new satellite-to-mobile texting and SOS options — so you can choose the right safety net for remote work and play.
| Features | ZOLEO Satellite Communicator | Rogers Satellite |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Global Satellite Network Coverage | ||
| Two-Way Messaging | ||
| Unlimited Free Check-In Messages | ||
| Location Sharing | ||
| SOS / Emergency | Dedicated SOS button, location sharing, Medical Assist, 24/7 monitored two-way coordination | Text-to-911 only, in select areas |
| Ruggedness | Military-grade durability (MIL-STD- 810G, IP68) | Consumer-grade smartphone durability |
| Battery Life | 200+ hours | 5-24 hours |
| Operating Temperatures | ‑20 °C to +55 °C | ~0 °C to 35 °C |
| Weather Forecasts (On Demand) | ||
| Monthly Subscription | CA$25 / $45 / $80 plan tiers; SOS & Check-In free; option to suspend service when not in use | Free during beta, then CA$10/mo (12 mo), $15/mo after (or included with Rogers Ultimate plan) |
*Note: This compares ZOLEO with some other satellite communicators based on select features and should not be considered a comprehensive market comparison. Potential buyers should perform their own research to fully explore the capabilities of other devices.
When Survival Matters, ZOLEO Does What Your Phone Can’t
While Rogers’ satellite texting may get a message through (sometimes), ZOLEO was built for true safety. ZOLEO was purpose-built for no-compromise safety worldwide: a physical SOS button, long battery life, rugged design, and global Iridium coverage — plus unlimited Check-Ins and opt-in automatic location sharing with LocationShare+ to keep your loved ones informed.
ZOLEO Offers Superior Safety With Global Satellite Coverage
With built-in Check-in* and SOS buttons, you can depend on ZOLEO for worldwide coverage and safety, even if your smartphone is damaged or out of battery. You can also share your location/GPS coordinates.
*Unlimited free check-in messages are included with all plans.
Designed for Use Outdoors
ZOLEO offers 200+ hours (8 days) of battery life, compared to 1-2 days provided by most smartphones. What’s more, ZOLEO operates in extreme cold and hot temperatures from -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F).
Extremely Durable and Shock Resistant
ZOLEO provides superior MIL-STD 810G shock resistance, in addition to IP68-rated water and dust resistance. This makes ZOLEO a durable backup to your smartphone, with its own long-lasting battery.
Non-Emergency Medical Assist
Only ZOLEO offers a 24/7 non-emergency chat service for non-emergency medical advice, help locating a clinic, hospital, pharmacy or dentist, or assistance replacing prescriptions or medical supplies.
Free Check-Ins and Location Sharing
Stay connected with peace of mind — send unlimited free Check-In messages anytime, anywhere. With automatic LocationShare+, your loved ones can follow your journey and feel reassured every step of the way.
ZOLEO Delivers True Global SOS Reliability
ZOLEO devices connect through the Iridium® satellite network, delivering seamless coverage everywhere on the planet — land, sea, or sky. That means your SOS function works no matter where you are.
By comparison, Rogers’ new satellite service is limited to Canada. If you travel internationally, your phone’s satellite SOS function simply won’t connect.
With ZOLEO, coverage is not dependent on where cell towers reach or which latitude you’re standing in. When it matters most, you need a device that’s purpose-built for emergencies and works anywhere on Earth.
How ZOLEO Progressive SOS Works
With ZOLEO, it’s easy to trigger an SOS in the case of an emergency. Progressive SOS by ZOLEO is easy to use, providing immediate, reliable SOS alerting and ongoing communication with emergency responders until help arrives.
What ZOLEO Users Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it. Here is what ZOLEO users say about their experience during an emergency.
Hiker Breaks Ankle
That day could have gone so badly, but it ended well thanks to ZOLEO. It was a flawless experience.
Read the Rescue Story
Frequently Asked Questions
ZOLEO vs Rogers coverage — what’s the difference?
ZOLEO offers truly global (Iridium) coverage — works on land, sea, and air worldwide with a view of the sky. Rogers Satellite offers Canada-only during beta (south of 58°N), most outdoor areas with a clear view of the sky.
ZOLEO vs Rogers satellite messaging — what can I actually send?
Both support two-way text. ZOLEO also supports email and app-to-app messages, plus unlimited free Check-Ins to predefined contacts. Rogers is SMS texting only during beta (no pictures/video yet).
Is ZOLEO or Rogers better for remote areas?
For dependable remote coverage and safety, choose ZOLEO. It’s a purpose-built satellite communicator that transmits messages via the Iridium network and gives you: global reach, a dedicated SOS device that works even when your phone can’t, multi-day battery life, Medical Assist for non-emergency advice, and automatic location sharing.
Rogers' phone-based satellite features can be a lightweight fallback for occasional messaging in supported areas in Canada on compatible phones, but they rely on your phone’s battery and durability and aren’t a dedicated SOS device.
Bottom line: If you go beyond cell coverage, or beyond Canada, ZOLEO is the safer pick.
Rogers satellite phone vs ZOLEO messenger — are they different things?
Yes. Rogers Satellite uses your smartphone (with limitations). ZOLEO is a rugged satellite communicator with its own battery, SOS button, and Iridium link, designed to work independently of your phone’s durability and battery constraints.
What is Rogers Satellite?
Rogers Satellite is a satellite-to-mobile service that lets compatible smartphones send/receive text messages and text-to-911 when they’re beyond cellular coverage. It’s currently in beta.
How do I try Rogers Satellite?
Anyone in Canada (any carrier) can join the beta if they have a compatible device — Rogers provides an eSIM and setup steps.
What satellites does Rogers use?
Rogers runs its service using Starlink’s direct-to-cell (D2D) network, under a partnership with SpaceX announced in 2023; industry reports confirm the beta launch is initially with Starlink.
How much does Rogers Satellite cost?
During beta: $0. After beta (expected to end October 31, 2025), it’s CA$10/mo for the first 12 months, then $15/mo (or included with Rogers Ultimate).
What phones work with Rogers Satellite?
Many phones are satellite-optimized (e.g., iPhone 13–16, Samsung S25, Pixel 9), and a list of non-optimized but eligible models (e.g., Samsung S21–S24, S10) can still text and use text-to-911 via satellite; performance varies and latest software is required.
Is Rogers Satellite using Starlink?
Yes — Rogers has publicly stated its agreement with SpaceX/Starlink for satellite-to-phone coverage; the current Canadian beta is reported as running on Starlink.
How much is Rogers satellite-to-phone texting?
After beta, CA$10/mo (12 months) then $15/mo or included in some top-tier plans.
Is Rogers Satellite free?
Yes, during beta. Pricing applies after the beta end date unless you cancel.
Who is Rogers’ satellite partner?
SpaceX/Starlink (Rogers announced the agreement on April 26, 2023).
Best alternative to Rogers satellite texting?
ZOLEO isn’t just an alternative — it’s a different class of safety device with global reach and a dedicated SOS workflow. If you only need Canada-only texting in the backcountry and already carry a compatible smartphone, Rogers Satellite may be enough.
Is Rogers Satellite the same as Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite?
No. Rogers Satellite and Apple’s SOS are separate services that can co-exist. On iPhone, you may be prompted to pick Apple’s flow; you can return to Rogers if desired.
Does Rogers Satellite work with Starlink everywhere?
Rogers’ current beta is limited to Canada (south of 58°N). Even though it uses Starlink’s direct-to-device technology, availability follows Rogers’ service footprint and agreements, not Starlink retail coverage. (Rogers)