Virgin Media O2 Expands Satellite Connectivity to iPhone Users Across the UK

Millions More Users Gain Access to Europe’s First Direct-to-Device Satellite Mobile Service

Virgin Media O2 is significantly expanding access to its groundbreaking satellite connectivity service, bringing direct-to-device satellite communications to compatible iPhone users across the UK starting tomorrow.

The move marks a major milestone for the company’s O2 Satellite service — the first commercially launched direct-to-device satellite offering in Europe — enabling millions more consumers to stay connected in rural, coastal, and remote regions where traditional cellular coverage remains unavailable.

The service allows compatible iPhones to automatically connect to satellites whenever terrestrial mobile coverage drops out completely. Users can continue accessing messaging, navigation, and essential data services through widely used applications including Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Messenger, Apple Maps, Google Maps, and weather platforms.

By integrating satellite communications directly into consumer smartphones, Virgin Media O2 is helping bridge long-standing mobile coverage gaps across the UK. According to the company, the rollout increases its total UK landmass coverage to approximately 95%, representing an expansion area equivalent to nearly two-thirds the size of Wales.

Beyond extending coverage into remote regions, O2 Satellite is also positioned as a resilience solution for emergency situations, natural disasters, and rare cellular network outages, offering an additional layer of communications continuity when conventional infrastructure becomes unavailable.

Chris Bournes, Commercial Director at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the significance of the expansion:

“Earlier this year, we made history with the switch on of O2 Satellite. Expanding the service to iPhone users is a major step forward in making this new, groundbreaking technology accessible to more customers. Whether you’re hiking, travelling or in a remote part of the UK, O2 Satellite helps ensure you can stay connected when you need it most.”

The service is available as a £3-per-month Bolt On for O2 Pay Monthly customers, while subscribers on O2 Ultimate Plans will receive satellite connectivity at no additional charge.

Compatible iPhone Models

O2 Satellite will support the following Apple devices:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max, 17 Pro, 17, 17e

• iPhone Air

• iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16, 16e

• iPhone 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Plus, 15

• iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14

• iPhone 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13, 13 mini

Supported Applications

The service supports messaging, navigation, weather, and location services across apps including:

• Apple Messages

• Apple Maps

• Google Maps

• WhatsApp

• Messenger

• Apple Weather

• BBC Weather

• AccuWeather

• Apple Compass

• AllTrails

• X

• Yahoo Mail

• Apple Music

• Apple Fitness

The expansion reflects a broader industry trend toward hybrid terrestrial-satellite connectivity, where mobile operators increasingly leverage low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite infrastructure to eliminate coverage blind spots and strengthen network resilience. As direct-to-device satellite ecosystems mature globally, Virgin Media O2’s early deployment positions the operator at the forefront of Europe’s next-generation mobile connectivity landscape.