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Virgin Media O2 has announced plans to offer customers in the UK automatic connectivity through satellite technology in areas where traditional phone signal is inaccessible. The innovative service, known as O2 Satellite, is expected to be launched in the first half of 2026, thanks to a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite company.
While the cost of the service has not been disclosed, it will be an optional add-on for customers to pay for on a monthly basis. Enabled smartphones will seamlessly switch to satellite coverage in regions with poor terrestrial signal like rural areas. However, initially, users will not be able to make phone calls via satellite.
The service will prioritize messaging, maps, and location-based apps due to the current limitations of Starlink’s satellites, which do not support calls. O2 plans to test the ability to make calls via WhatsApp, which uses data rather than traditional phone signal, before the official launch. Analysts describe the satellites as essentially functioning as “phone masts in the sky,” allowing for constant connectivity when traditional networks fall short.
This move comes after Vodafone’s successful live video call via satellite, marking a UK milestone. Vodafone utilized AST satellites for the demonstration, and while no official plans have been announced, the success highlighted the growing potential of satellite-to-device services. With Starlink already operational in several countries, the partnership with O2 signifies a broader trend towards utilizing satellite technology for mobile communication solutions
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