Virgin Media O2 will become the first UK mobile operator to offer customers automatic satellite connectivity, allowing users to stay online in areas without traditional phone signal.
The service, called O2 Satellite, is set to launch in the first half of 2026 through a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which operates thousands of low-earth orbit satellites.
The new feature will enable compatible smartphones to automatically switch to satellite coverage in rural and remote areas where terrestrial mobile signals are unavailable. Initially, however, the connection will only support text messaging, maps, and location-based apps — phone calls will not be possible at launch.
Virgin Media O2 said the service would come as an optional monthly add-on, though pricing details have yet to be announced.
Bridging the UK’s coverage gaps
The company said the rollout will help close long-standing connectivity gaps, particularly across parts of rural Britain that remain poorly served by mobile infrastructure.
“In today’s world, connectivity is no longer optional,” said Luke Pearce, an analyst at CCS Insight. “Satellite is the only technology that can truly close the coverage gap across mountains, oceans, and rural areas.”
He described the satellites as “phone masts in the sky”, capable of providing emergency and everyday access where traditional signals cannot reach.
The service could prove especially valuable for emergency SOS functions and for software-defined vehicles — cars that receive over-the-air updates to improve performance but rely on constant connectivity.
Satellite race intensifies
The announcement comes just months after Vodafone completed what it called the UK’s first live video call via satellite, made from a mountain in Wales with no standard signal.
Vodafone used technology from satellite company AST SpaceMobile, which currently has six satellites in orbit and plans to expand to 60 by the end of 2026.
Starlink, in comparison, operates more than 650 satellites and already offers similar services with mobile networks in the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
The UK’s telecoms regulator Ofcom updated its rules in September to allow direct satellite-to-smartphone connectivity, paving the way for such services. At present, only emergency text messaging via satellite is available on certain iPhone and Android models.
Concerns over night sky pollution
While the technology promises better connectivity, it has faced criticism from astronomers, who say satellite networks contribute to light pollution and interfere with observations of space, including efforts to track asteroids.
Despite those concerns, Virgin Media O2 says it will continue working with Starlink to expand the service — including voice call support once Starlink’s next-generation satellites are operational.
