O2 has become the first mobile network in the UK to switch on user access to satellites, meaning that people living in rural areas with no signal may now be able to connect to mobile data.
The new connection should bring coverage to an area around two-thirds of the size of Wales, according to O2.
When traditional services like 4G aren’t available, customers on the network will now automatically connect to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites.
Starlink is a network of satellites in low-earth orbit that are designed to offer an alternative to traditional data coverage.
Starlink satellites visible in the sky over Hungary. File pic: AP
However, one consumer tech expert told Sky News that it would be “a while” before O2 customers felt the benefit of the new service.
“Reliable signal is the lifeblood of any mobile network, yet our latest survey found that many customers experience inconsistent coverage with O2, awarding it just two stars out of five for connectivity,” said Lisa Barber, Which? tech editor.
“Given this poor rating, improving network reliability is rightly a priority. However, it’ll be a while before the benefits of O2’s new Starlink service will be widely felt by consumers, with the service only available to a limited pool of customers at launch.
“For now, compatibility is restricted to selected Samsung Galaxy devices, meaning many customers will have to wait. Those hoping it will solve their coverage issues may also be disappointed to learn that in most cases, O2 Satellite will come at an additional monthly cost – news that may be hard to swallow on top of upcoming April price hikes.”
According to Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report, around 12% of the UK’s landmass doesn’t have access to a “good” outdoor data connection.
Baroness Lloyd, minister for the digital economy, said it is a “major achievement” for the UK and demonstrates leadership in next-generation connectivity.
“Being the first in Europe to launch direct-to-device satellite data services puts the UK firmly at the forefront of mobile innovation.”
Customers on O2’s monthly package will have to pay an additional £3 a month for the service and at the moment, only the Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge are compatible.
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A limited number of apps will work on the satellite connection, including Facebook Messenger, Google Maps, WhatsApp and Elon Musk’s X.
Lutz Schuler, chief executive of Virgin Media O2, called it a “defining moment”.
“By launching O2 Satellite, we’ve become the first operator in Europe to launch a space-based mobile data service.”
Earlier this month, during a debate in the Commons, the MP for North Shropshire, Helen Morgan, described the “frustrations” of living in a rural community with little access to data.
She described her constituents’ experiences, saying “elderly residents in sheltered accommodation are forced into digital isolation, out of contact with their families”.
“Others have forked out for the privilege of playing provider bingo.”
