Virgin Media O2 has announced a landmark partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to bring satellite-powered mobile coverage to rural areas across the U.K., marking a major milestone in the country’s connectivity roadmap. The new service, called O2 Satellite, will leverage Starlink’s Direct to Cell technology to deliver messaging and data coverage in areas with little or no signal when it launches in early 2026.
Virgin Media O2 is the first mobile operator in the U.K. to adopt Starlink’s Direct to Cell network — the world’s largest and only satellite-to-mobile constellation, currently operating with more than 650 satellites in Low Earth Orbit. Using a portion of O2’s licensed mobile spectrum, O2 Satellite will initially support text messaging and data services, with app compatibility expanding over time to include the most-used applications such as maps, location sharing, and messaging apps.
“This UK-first partnership is another example of Virgin Media O2 innovating to provide a better experience and peace of mind for our customers on top of the £700 million we are already investing in our mobile network this year,” said Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2. “Starlink is a clear leader in this space, operating the world’s most advanced satellite constellation, which makes it the right partner to complement our existing coverage and support Virgin Media O2’s ambition to deliver reliable mobile connectivity across the UK.”
Mike Nicolls, Starlink’s VP of Engineering, added: “We’re excited to bring a satellite-to-mobile network to the UK with Virgin Media O2. This partnership underscores the importance of Starlink Direct to Cell’s mission to end mobile dead zones and deliver connectivity in remote areas where it wasn’t possible before. Whether it’s checking real-time weather updates, sharing a video with friends, or simply sending a text, people can stay connected when they need it most.”
Starlink Direct to Cell service has already rolled out in the U.S. through T-Mobile’s T-Satellite offering, which launched nationwide in July after months of beta testing. T-Mobile’s service initially supported SMS and MMS messaging along with location sharing, but recently expanded to include data connectivity as well. In Canada, Rogers is also running pilot programs using Starlink’s Direct to Cell network to support satellite-based texting across the country.
Meanwhile, SpaceX is preparing to test Direct to Cell on its own wireless spectrum starting in 2026, following a $17 billion deal to acquire frequencies from EchoStar. The company recently asked the FCC for approval to launch up to 15,000 next-generation satellites to expand coverage and capacity as Direct to Cell service rolls out across the globe.
O2 Satellite aims to achieve more than 95% U.K. landmass coverage within 12 months of launch, complementing the carrier’s existing network to eliminate “not-spots” from Land’s End to Inverness.
