Virgin Media O2 has announced plans to become the first UK mobile network operator to provide customers with automatic satellite connectivity, ensuring they can stay online even in areas with no phone signal.

Launching in the first half of 2026, O2 Satellite will be an optional add-on service developed in partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The feature will allow compatible smartphones to seamlessly switch from terrestrial to satellite networks when no standard mobile coverage is available, ideal for users in remote or rural parts of the UK.

While pricing hasn’t yet been confirmed, Virgin Media O2 has said there will be an additional monthly charge for the service. At launch, connectivity will be limited to messaging, maps and location-based apps, as Starlink’s current satellites do not yet support voice calls. However, the network plans to test data-based calling options, such as WhatsApp, ahead of the full rollout.

According to Luke Pearce of CCS Insight, the move marks a significant step toward closing the UK’s connectivity gap:

“In today’s world, connectivity is no longer optional. Whether it’s emergency SOS in life-saving situations or keeping a software-defined vehicle online, people now expect constant access.”

Software-defined vehicles rely on real-time connectivity for over-the-air updates, a demand satellite technology is uniquely positioned to meet. “Satellite is the only technology that can truly close the coverage gap across mountains, oceans and rural areas,” Pearce added.

The Race to Space-Based Connectivity

Virgin Media O2’s announcement follows Vodafone’s earlier satellite test, a successful live video call from a mountain in Wales using AST’s satellite network. Vodafone, however, has yet to confirm a commercial rollout.

Starlink, by contrast, already operates over 650 low-earth orbit satellites and has launched similar services in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and Japan. UK regulator Ofcom recently updated its rules to enable direct satellite-to-smartphone connections, paving the way for wider adoption.

Despite concerns from astronomers about light pollution and its impact on sky visibility, satellite-to-device communication looks set to play a central role in the UK’s next phase of mobile evolution.

For users looking to stay connected wherever they go, now might be the perfect time to explore our range of mobile SIMs and prepare for the future of truly borderless coverage.

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