"Virgin Media O2 is set to become the first UK mobile network to offer customers automatic satellite connectivity in areas with no phone signal, after striking a deal with Elon Musk's Starlink. The new service, O2 Satellite, will launch in the first half of 2026, giving users coverage in rural and remote regions where terrestrial masts are unavailable. The company said smartphones compatible with the technology would automatically connect to satellites when no mobile signal is detected."
"While Virgin Media O2 has yet to reveal pricing, the service will be offered as an optional monthly add-on rather than a standard feature. Initially, O2 Satellite will only support messaging, maps and location apps. Phone calls made via normal mobile networks will not work over the satellite connection, as Starlink's current generation of satellites does not support voice. However, WhatsApp calls and other data-based communication apps may function, with O2 confirming it will run trials before the public rollout."
"Luke Pearce, a telecoms analyst at CCS Insight, said the technology could prove transformative for consumers and businesses. "In today's world, connectivity is no longer optional," he said. "Whether it's emergency SOS in life-saving situations or keeping software-defined vehicles online, people now expect constant access. Satellite is the only technology that can truly close the coverage gap across mountains, oceans and rural areas.""
Virgin Media O2 will provide automatic satellite connectivity via Starlink for compatible smartphones when no terrestrial mobile signal is available, launching O2 Satellite in the first half of 2026. The service targets rural and remote regions without masts and will be sold as an optional monthly add-on. Initial capabilities will cover messaging, maps and location apps, while traditional voice calls will not be supported by the current Starlink satellite generation. Data-based apps such as WhatsApp calls may work and trials will take place before public rollout. Competitors and multiple satellite operators are already testing or deploying similar services globally.
Read at Business Matters
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]