Virgin Media O2 Partners with Starlink to Bring Satellite-to-Mobile Coverage Nationwide Across the UK

Virgin Media O2 has announced a landmark multi-year partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in the United Kingdom to enhance rural mobile connectivity and improve customer experience through satellite technology.

Under the agreement, Virgin Media O2 will leverage Starlink’s global satellite-to-mobile network, currently consisting of over 650 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, to deliver connectivity directly to standard mobile devices using a portion of O2’s licensed spectrum.

The new service, called O2 Satellite, will initially offer messaging and data services, with broader functionality and application support expected to roll out over time. The first phase will prioritize essential mobile applications such as messaging, maps, and location services.

“O2 Satellite” will provide customers with reliable mobile coverage in remote areas—from Land’s End to Inverness—ensuring they can stay connected while traveling, hiking, camping, or sailing in coastal regions. The service builds on Virgin Media O2’s ongoing Shared Rural Network (SRN) rollout and aims to boost the operator’s UK landmass coverage to over 95% within 12 months of launch. Coverage is expected to improve further as next-generation Starlink satellites come online, expanding both performance and use cases.

Virgin Media O2 is currently conducting internal trials of the technology, with a commercial launch planned for early 2026. Details regarding pricing and customer plans will be announced closer to launch. Interested customers can register their interest at: https://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 deliver a better experience and peace of mind for our customers—on top of the £700 million we’re investing in our mobile network this year. Starlink is the clear leader in satellite connectivity, and this collaboration will help us bring reliable mobile coverage to even the most remote parts of the UK.”

Liz Lloyd, UK Telecoms Minister, commented: “This partnership shows how private sector innovation can deliver tangible benefits for people across the UK. 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 Vice President of Engineering, added: “We’re excited to bring satellite-to-mobile connectivity to the UK with Virgin Media O2. Our mission at Starlink Direct to Cell is to eliminate mobile dead zones and ensure people can stay connected wherever they are, whether it’s checking the weather, sharing a video, or simply sending a message.”

This collaboration follows Virgin Media O2’s previous use of Starlink’s satellite broadband constellation to support mobile backhaul for remote sites as part of its Shared Rural Network rollout, helping accelerate connectivity in underserved regions across the country.