US EditionFirst UK phones to get satellite connectivity in signal blackspots announced
O2 will offer satellite connectivity in rural UK areas lacking mobile signals, enabling apps but not calls initially, with service launching in early 2026.
- Virgin Media O2 plans to launch an optional satellite-switching service in the first half of 2026 that automatically moves phones to satellite in UK signal blackspots.
- Ofcom changed rules in September to allow satellite connectivity directly to smartphones, replacing prior limits to emergency SOS texting on newer handsets.
- O2 has partnered with Elon Musk's Starlink to provide satellite coverage, while rival Vodafone demonstrated a live call using AST, which has six satellites and targets 60 by 2026.
- The initial service supports messaging, maps and location apps, but customers cannot make traditional phone calls; O2 will trial WhatsApp calling as a possible workaround.
- Analysts say satellites will effectively act like phone masts in the sky, extending coverage where terrestrial networks cannot reach and closing gaps across mountains and rural areas.
6 Articles
6 Articles
Virgin Media O2 and Starlink race to fix London's connectivity crisis
Virgin Media O2 has switched on its first ‘giga site’ in central London, a move aimed at improving mobile connectivity across the UK. The site, which combines low-mid and high-band spectrum with Nokia’s technology, can deliver speeds of more than 10Gbps, enough to support 2,000 simultaneous HD video streams. The move is part of the telecom giant’s plan to install up to 1,000 giga sites across the UK next year, and will make use of newly acquired…
advanced-television.com
TV Tech Industry NewsVMO2, Starlink DTC partnership
UK multiplay operator Virgin Media O2 has announced a new multi-year landmark partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell, marking a UK-first initiative to enhance rural mobile network coverage and improve customer experience. The operator is the first in the UK to utilise Starlink’s position as the world’s largest and only satellite-to-mobile constellation with 650+ satellites […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
