Virgin Media O2 to Partner with Starlink for Rural Coverage

Virgin Media O2 has announced its latest partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell.

The multi-year landmark collaboration is a UK-first initiative to help better customer experience by improving rural mobile network coverage.

Starlink, the satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, is one of the world's largest and only satellites-to-mobile constellations with more than 650 satellites on Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

In 2024, Virgin Media O2 took an innovative step by turning to Starlink’s satellite network to deliver mobile backhaul in some of the UK’s most hard-to-reach areas, advancing its Shared Rural Network (SRN) rollout. 

The initiative leverages Starlink’s broadband constellation, distinct from the company’s emerging Direct-to-Cell network.

First of its kind partnership in the UK

Virgin Media O2 is the first operator in the UK to utilise Starlink's position.

Using a segment of O2's licensed mobile spectrum, LEO will deliver connectivity directly to devices.

The partnership will launch the new product under the name O2 Satellite and will begin by delivering messaging and data services, with future plans to implement improvements and applications across a range of headsets.

Application support is a main focus and will develop over time. The companies will look towards supporting the most sought after apps at the launch including maps, primarily messaging and location services.

Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2, says: “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 (US$919.16m) 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.” 

Boosting connectivity in rural areas

O2 Satellite will provide customers with handset connectivity in rural areas like Land's End and Inverness. 

“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,” says UK 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.”

The service will work complimentary to O2’s existing mobile network and will work in areas that typically have no mobile coverage, known better as not spots.

The collaboration will provide support to expand Virgin Media O2’s landmass coverage to more than 95% within the UK following 12 months after the launch. 

Coverage is expected to increase on a wider scale when next-gen Starlink satellites are deployed.

Mike Nicolls, Starlink VP of Engineering, says: “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.”

O2 Satellite is in the process of undertaking internal trials of the satellite-enabled service. The operators hope for the first customer rollout to be in early 2026.