Virgin Media O2 has announced a “landmark” partnership with Elon Musk’s satellite company aimed at improving rural mobile network coverage.
The deal with Starlink Direct to Cell is said to be the first of its kind to utilise the billionaire’s company position as the world’s largest satellite-to-mobile constellation.
The service is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026, making it the first British operator to use Starlink’s more than 650 satellites to connect to compatible customer handsets.
The new product, O2 Satellite, will allow customers to use messaging and data services in more rural areas. Initially, voice and video calls will not be available.
Lutz Schüler, the chief executive of Virgin Media O2, 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 £700m 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.”
The 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.”
Earlier this year the Guardian reported that some subscribers had vented their frustrations over Musk’s political machinations. In the UK, Starlink is used mainly by people and businesses in rural areas who have poor broadband access, although there is also a minority of “preppers” and people who buy the tech as fans of Musk.
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PA Media contributed to this report