Table of Contents
- O2 Satellite Introduction
- Service Details
- Partnership and Coverage
- Cost and Competition
- Government Response
O2 has announced that customers will be able to stay connected via satellite, helping to eliminate frustrating signal “not spots” affecting certain areas of the country.
The major network provider is poised to become the UK’s first to introduce such a service after forming a partnership with SpaceX .
O2 will utilize hundreds of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellitesCredit: AP
The new service will be accessible to O2 customers next yearCredit: Getty
The new service, named O2 Satellite, is set to launch in the first half of 2026.
Initially, it will provide messaging and data services.
Plans are in place for “further enhancements” to be introduced later, ultimately enabling voice calls.
O2 aims to achieve landmass coverage in the UK exceeding 95 percent within 12 months following the launch.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX , is the world’s largest satellite internet constellation, boasting over 650 satellites in low-Earth orbit for mobile connectivity.
The company has already partnered with networks in other countries, including Australia and the United States.
“Starlink is a clear leader in this sector, operating the world’s most advanced satellite constellation, making it the ideal partner to enhance our existing coverage and support Virgin Media O2’s goal of providing reliable mobile connectivity throughout the UK,” stated Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2.
However, O2 Satellite will not be free.
A monthly fee will be charged for those who wish to utilize the service, as reported by BBC News.
Competitor Vodafone has also announced that it is working on providing satellite connectivity to its customers.
Boss Margherita Della Valle demonstrated the technology by making a call to an engineer in a remote mountain area that “had never had a phone signal” back in January.
The company – which – invested in AST SpaceMobile in 2018.
Currently, it has only six satellites in orbit, with plans to increase that number to between 45 and 60 by 2026.
Commenting on the O2 announcement, Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd remarked: “This partnership illustrates how private sector innovation can yield tangible benefits for individuals across the UK, supporting our mission to foster growth and ensure no community is overlooked.
“Whether you’re managing a farm in Cumbria or trekking in the Cairngorms, you’ll soon have the reassurance that comes with dependable coverage.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is O2 Satellite?
O2 Satellite is a new service that allows customers to stay connected via satellite, providing messaging and data services, with plans for voice calls in the future.
When will O2 Satellite launch?
O2 Satellite is set to launch in the first half of 2026.
Will there be a cost for O2 Satellite?
Yes, there will be a monthly fee for customers who wish to use the O2 Satellite service.
How does O2 Satellite improve connectivity?
O2 Satellite aims to eliminate signal “not spots” by providing satellite connectivity, ensuring reliable coverage in previously underserved areas.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
