Virgin Media O2 announced a multi-year partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell, marking the first initiative of its kind in the UK aimed at extending mobile coverage to rural areas and improving customer connectivity.
Through the collaboration, Virgin Media O2 became the first UK operator to use Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile constellation, which currently consists of more than 650 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The service will operate using a portion of O2’s licensed mobile spectrum, enabling direct connectivity to devices without the need for additional hardware.
The new service, branded as O2 Satellite, will initially support messaging and data services, with future plans to expand to a wider range of handsets and applications. Early app support will prioritise key functions such as messaging, maps, and location services, with additional features to be introduced over time.
Powered by Starlink’s LEO satellite network, O2 Satellite will extend mobile access to hard-to-reach locations across the UK, from Land’s End to Inverness. The initiative is intended to give customers greater confidence when travelling or engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or sailing, and builds on Virgin Media O2’s ongoing Shared Rural Network programme.
The service is designed to operate seamlessly alongside O2’s existing mobile network, automatically connecting users in so-called ‘not spots’ where traditional coverage is unavailable. Within a year of launch, Virgin Media O2 expects to expand its UK landmass coverage to over 95%. Coverage and performance are set to improve further as Starlink introduces next-generation satellites and new capabilities.
Internal trials of the satellite-enabled service are currently underway, with a customer launch scheduled for early 2026. Details on pricing and availability will be announced closer to rollout. Interested customers can register their interest at www.o2.co.uk/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. Starlink is a clear leader in this space, operating the world’s most advanced satellite constellation, which makes it the right partner to complement our existing coverage and support Virgin Media O2’s ambition to deliver reliable mobile connectivity across the UK.”
Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said: “This partnership demonstrates exactly how private sector innovation can deliver real benefits for people across the UK, supporting our mission to drive growth and ensure no community is left behind. 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: “We’re excited to bring a satellite-to-mobile network to the UK with Virgin Media O2. This partnership underscores the importance of Starlink Direct to Cell’s mission to end mobile dead zones and deliver connectivity in remote areas where it wasn’t possible before. 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.”
Virgin Media O2 had previously partnered with Starlink to provide mobile backhaul to remote parts of the UK using a separate broadband satellite constellation, supporting its Shared Rural Network rollout and accelerating connectivity in isolated communities.
