VMO2 partners with Starlink to launch UK’s first satellite-to-mobile service

In a bid to boost rural mobile coverage and improve customer experience, the telecoms giant will be the first UK operator to use Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile network, which includes over 650 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, to connect directly to phones using part of O2’s licensed spectrum.

The new service, called O2 Satellite, will launch with messaging and data features and later expand to support more apps like messaging, maps and location services.

Powered by Starlink, O2 Satellite will let customers stay connected in rural and remote areas, helping them stay connected while travelling, hiking, camping or sailing.

The service will work alongside O2’s current network and automatically connect in areas with no signal (not spots), with the company aiming to reach over 95% UK landmass coverage within a year of launch, with further improvements as next-generation Starlink satellites go live.

Trials are currently underway, with a customer rollout planned for early 2026.

VMO2 CEO, Lutz Schüler, said: “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.

“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.”

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said: “This partnership demonstrates exactly how private sector innovation can deliver real benefits for people across the UK, supporting our mission to drive growth and ensure no community is left behind. 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.”

Starlink VP of engineering, Mike Nicolls, said: “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.”

Commenting on the move, Assembly Research said the partnership “mirrors” those telecom operators-Starlink arrangements that already have “lift-off in several countries, including Japan and New Zealand.”

“It marks an important milestone in Ofcom’s push to enable direct-to-device (D2D) services in spectrum bands below 3GHz that are currently licensed to operators, while reflecting the regulator’s heightened focus on mobile coverage over the past year,” it said.

“For now, we consider satellite an important part of the connectivity puzzle and a pragmatic, complementary way to improve coverage (especially in the hardest to reach areas), rather than as a direct threat to traditional mobile operators, with expectations that big tech might further encroach upon the sector so far failing to materialise.

“As would be the case with many operators around the world, Virgin Media O2 will require a change to its licence terms, which have traditionally not authorised transmissions via satellite. It will also need to proactively monitor and prevent the risk of interference with other spectrum users – something that would likely be hardwired into any licence variation.”

Meanwhile, the partnership comes as VMO2 is reportedly in talks to acquire the UK’s fourth-largest broadband network provider, Netomnia in a deal that could be worth $2 billion.

In a move that represents a significant step toward consolidation within the country’s telecoms sector.

As a result, the move will combine Netomnia’s network with VMO2’s existing infrastructure and that of Nexfibre, a joint venture between VMO2 shareholders Liberty Global and Telefónica, along with InfraVia Capital, creating a combined fibre network that could cover eight million homes, one source told The Financial Times.

If successful, the move would position VMO2 as the main broadband rival to BT’s Openreach.

CityFibre has also held discussions with Netomnia about a possible merger, according to a number of people familiar with the matter, claiming a deal involving both cash and equity remains under consideration.

SES completes $3.1bn acquisition of Intelsat: What it means for Starlink, Viasat & the industry