Reliable connectivity a top priority for Canadians travel this summer

As Canadians embrace travelling closer to home this summer – everything from road trips and cottage weekends to camping and backcountry escapes – a newly released survey found that not being able to contact someone in an emergency is a trip dealbreaker for many.

Conducted by the Angus Reid Forum, the new Rogers survey found that three-quarters of Canadians said they planned to travel within Canada rather than far-away destinations.

Among these travellers, road trips top the list with two-thirds saying they plan to hop into the car for their summer adventure. About four in 10 of Canadian travellers plan to go to remote or off-the-grid areas.

But even as some travellers look to unplug, eight in 10 say they still expect connectivity when it matters, even when they want to disconnect. Not being able to contact someone in an emergency is a dealbreaker for trips for two-thirds of travellers.

Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers, observed that: “Canadians are exploring more of our vast country this summer and they’re telling us connectivity matters when travelling off the beaten path.”

Kennedy continued: “With Rogers Satellite, when Canadians are beyond the reach of traditional cell towers, they can text 911, monitor weather conditions, navigate remote highways and trails, and check in with family.”

The survey also reported that staying connected to practical tools tops entertainment and social media, with maps and navigation ranked as the most important (78%), followed by texting and messaging (62%), emergency services (60%), phone calls (55%) and weather apps (55%).

To help those travellers, Rogers Satellite is a first of its kind satellite-to-mobile service in Canada, theycan use text-to-911 services as well as satellite-ready apps including WhatsApp, Messenger, Google Maps, X and AccuWeather in areas outside of traditional cellular coverage.

Only 18 per cent of the country is covered by traditional wireless networks, including stretches of highways. Rogers Satellite helps give Canadians an extra layer of connectivity beyond the reach of these networks.

When travellers think about travelling to areas outside traditional cell coverage, connectivity is increasingly part of the plan:

• 49% say reliable connectivity would make them more likely to explore remote destinations
• 65% expect basic, reliable connectivity for calls, texts and navigation when travelling in rural or remote areas
• 85% say reliable connectivity would make them feel safer in remote areas.

Go to www.rogers.com/satellite for more.