- Virgin Media O2 and Starlink join forces to tackle mobile black spots
- New O2 Satellite service looks set to boost coverage
- Will use Starlink’s network of 650 LEO satellites to provide connectivity
Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) is working with Elon Musk’s Starlink as it looks to eradicate black spots in mobile coverage across the UK.
The two companies will work together in a new partnership which will increase VMO2’s mobile coverage using Starlink satellite technology, with a new service offering improved connectivity to rural users.
The new O2 Satellite product will offer data and messaging services to those in remote areas, with plans to expand in the future as VMO2 looks to increase its coverage.
O2 satellite
The partnership will see VMO2 work with Starlink Direct to Cell, a “constellation” of more than 650 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that deliver voice, data and messaging to around 7 million customers worldwide.
VMO2 hopes the launch will help it achieve its goal of expanding land mass coverage in the UK to more than 95% within 12 months of launch.
“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,” said Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2.
“Starlink is a clear leader in this space and operates the world’s most advanced satellite constellation, making it the right partner to complement our existing coverage and support Virgin Media O2’s ambition to deliver reliable mobile connections across the UK.”
VMO2 had already worked with Starlink and announced in 2024 that it would use the latter’s technology to improve mobile backhaul as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) rollout.
The company says it is conducting internal trials of the new service now, with a customer rollout set for early 2026.
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