- Virgin Media O2 has launched Europe’s first direct-to-cell satellite mobile data service, connecting previously unreachable “not-spots.”
- O2 Satellite, powered by Starlink, supports messaging and mobile data apps like WhatsApp and Google Maps, while also acting as a backup during network outages.
- The service is available as a £3 monthly bolt-on (and will be free for Ultimate Plan customers in the near future), initially supporting select Samsung devices – see list below, with broader device and app compatibility planned.
The UK has become the first country in Europe to go live with Direct to Cell satellite mobile data connectivity, as Virgin Media O2 switches on O2 Satellite for its customers.
Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2, has commented:
“This is a defining moment for UK mobile connectivity and a statement of our intent to keep innovating and ensure our customers can stay connected no matter where they are. By launching O2 Satellite, we’ve become the first operator in Europe to launch a space-based mobile data service that, overnight, has brought new mobile coverage to an area around two thirds the size of Wales for the first time. We already have the UK’s largest 5G+ footprint and we’re not standing still, investing heavily this year in our mobile network to give O2 customers a brilliant, reliable service that they can depend on.”
O2 Satellite is powered by Starlink Direct to Cell, making Virgin Media O2 the first operator in the UK and Europe to launch satellite powered data services, enabling customers to stay connected in areas with no traditional mobile coverage, known as ‘not-spots’.
The service boosts Virgin Media O2’s UK landmass coverage from 89% to 95%, delivering a coverage uplift equivalent to an area around two thirds the size of Wales.
Helping hikers, climbers and water enthusiasts
O2 Satellite has been designed to complement O2’s existing mobile network and customers will connect automatically when traditional cellular coverage is unavailable. This will help people stay connected when travelling or taking part in activities such as hiking, climbing, water sports and sailing, offering greater peace of mind in rural, coastal and other remote locations.
As well as extending coverage into not-spots, O2 Satellite provides more resilience and acts as a back-up, helping customers retain connectivity in the rare event of a local cellular network outage where coverage is completely unavailable.
Stephanie Bednarek, VP of Starlink Commercial Sales comments:
“Delivering Starlink Direct to Cell in partnership with Virgin Media O2 underscores the importance of keeping people connected no matter where they are. For the first time, millions of people across the UK will have access to data, voice and video through apps, and messaging in remote areas where terrestrial coverage isn’t available.”
At launch, O2 Satellite supports text messaging and data across apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Google Maps and more, providing an additional layer of reassurance when customers move beyond terrestrial mobile networks.
Compatible apps at launch are AccuWeather, AllTrails, BBC Weather, Facebook Messenger, Google Find Hub, Google Maps, Google Messages, Google Personal Safety, Samsung Weather, WhatsApp, X and Yahoo Mail.
Samsung latest smartphones to benefit first
The service is initially available to customers with the latest Samsung smartphones, with support for other devices, manufacturers and apps to be introduced soon.
Compatible Samsung devices at launch are Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
Launch Offer
At launch, O2 Satellite is available as a £3-per-month bolt-on and will be included at no extra cost for all Ultimate Plan customers in the near future.
