- O2 has launched O2 Satellite, a direct-to-device mobile service in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink network for £3/month, boosting UK coverage claims to 95%.
- Initial compatibility is limited to a handful of Samsung Galaxy S25 models and selected apps—sparking debate over practicality and real-world benefits.
What Happened
British operator Virgin Media O2 has switched on its O2 Satellite service, a satellite-to-mobile offering that aims to extend connectivity beyond traditional terrestrial coverage. Using SpaceX’s Starlink low Earth orbit satellites, the service will automatically connect compatible handsets when users are outside normal mobile signal areas, enabling messaging and data for certain applications.
O2 positions this as a UK and European first for direct-to-device mobile data, available as a £3 a month add-on for Pay Monthly customers, with plans to include it within higher-tier tariffs at no additional cost in the near future. The operator claims this boosts its UK landmass coverage from 89% to 95%, equivalent to adding coverage across an area roughly two-thirds the size of Wales.
At launch, only four iterations of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series are supported, and app compatibility is initially limited to services such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, X, and Yahoo Mail, plus weather and mapping applications.
Also Read: https://btw.media/all/news/vodafone-under-pressure-as-o2-inks-starlink-deal/
Why It’s Important
Expanding connectivity into traditional “not-spots” has been a long-standing industry goal. Satellite-to-mobile technology promises to fill gaps where terrestrial networks struggle, benefiting outdoor enthusiasts and travelers and offering a backup in case of local network outages.
However, the launch highlights several caveats. The narrow list of compatible devices and restricted app set could limit adoption, especially when compared to broader ecosystem support seen in other markets such as the US, where T-Mobile’s satellite service supports a wider range of functions (though not standard voice over satellite). Pricing and the balance of value for occasional use also merit scrutiny: at £3 per month, customers in rural areas may question whether the service meets their actual connectivity needs versus incremental terrestrial improvements.
Ultimately, while O2’s satellite rollout is a notable milestone in European mobile infrastructure, its early restrictions prompt questions about consumer appeal, competitive response from rivals like Vodafone, and how rapidly the service can scale to deliver genuine parity with terrestrial mobile experience.
Also Read: https://btw.media/all/news/virgin-media-o2-trials-open-ran-at-twickenham-stadium/
