Virgin Media O2 has announced a multi-year partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell, introducing a UK-first initiative aimed at improving rural mobile coverage and customer experience through satellite-to-mobile connectivity.
Under the partnership, Virgin Media O2 becomes the first UK operator to use Starlink’s global satellite-to-mobile constellation – currently more than 650 satellites in Low Earth Orbit – to deliver direct connectivity to smartphones using a portion of O2’s licensed mobile spectrum. The new service, called O2 Satellite, will initially provide messaging and data services, with future upgrades expected to expand capabilities and support for more applications, including maps and location services.
The O2 Satellite service will automatically connect users in rural and hard-to-reach locations such as coastal or mountainous regions, eliminating traditional mobile ‘not spots’. Virgin Media O2 aims to expand its total landmass coverage in the UK to more than 95 percent within a year of launch, with even greater coverage expected as next-generation Starlink satellites become operational.
Virgin Media O2 is currently conducting internal trials, with a full customer rollout planned for early 2026. Customers interested in early access can register their interest at O2 Satellite.
Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2, said: “This UK-first partnership is another example of Virgin Media O2 innovating to provide a better experience and peace of mind for our customers on top of the £700 million we are already investing in our mobile network this year.”
Liz Lloyd, Telecoms Minister, said: “Whether you’re running a farm in Cumbria or hiking in the Cairngorms, you’ll soon have the peace of mind that comes with reliable coverage.”
Mike Nicolls, Starlink VP of Engineering, said: Whether it’s checking real-time weather updates, sharing a video with friends, or simply sending a text, people can stay connected when they need it most.”
Last year, Virgin Media O2 collaborated with Starlink to use satellite technology for mobile backhaul in remote regions, supporting its Shared Rural Network rollout. The latest initiative takes that collaboration further by connecting handsets directly to Starlink satellites, marking a major step forward in extending mobile coverage to all corners of the UK.
This will look like floppy disks vs SSD when AST launch with Vodafone… First doesn’t always mean best.