O2 confirms major mobile signal boost - but you will have to pay extra

Virgin Media O2, owner of the nationwide O2 mobile network, has become the first UK operator to announce its plans to offer customers satellite connectivity in a move designed to combat areas with poor mobile signal.

The firm has teamed up with Elon Musk's Starlink satellite firm to launch O2 Satellite, a service set to be offered as a paid service to O2 customers in the first half of 2026. It comes after O2 announced it would hit all its pay monthly customers with a £2.50 yearly increase in bills each April from 2026, after previously indicating prices would only increase annually by £1.80.

Using Starlink's low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, O2 Satellite will automatically connect compatible smartphone handsets when they are searching for signal in so-called 'not spot' areas.

If you struggle to get a mobile signal where you live, you'll all too well know how annoying it can be. Using Starlink's Direct to Cell product, O2 is promising messaging and data services in areas you previously may have been out of luck.

O2 said app support will "grow over time, with a focus on targeting support for the most asked-for applications at launch, primarily messaging, maps and location services."

This means initially the service won't work for voice calls using the phone app on iPhone and Android devices, but it is possible calls could be made using data services in supported messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, though compatible apps are yet to be confirmed.

"The O2 Satellite service will complement O2's existing mobile network and work automatically in areas with no traditional mobile coverage, known as 'not spots', with the aim to expand Virgin Media O2's landmass coverage in the UK to more than 95% within 12 months of launch," Virgin Media O2 said.

"This coverage is set to increase even further when next-generation Starlink satellites are deployed, alongside further enhancements in performance, application use and an expansion of use cases."

Virgin Media O2 said it is currently running trials of the service, with pricing details to be announced before the public launch.

Compatible smartphones have yet to be confirmed. All iPhones since the 2023's iPhone 14 are capable of using Apple's own satellite communications systems, and some newer high-end Android phones also have the technology built in.

"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," said Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd. "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."