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Britons residing in areas without mobile signal have received an unexpected boost – fromElon Musk. 

Virgin MediaO2 has partnered with Starlink – the satellite internet service created by Musk’sSpaceX– regarding a new product named O2 Satellite.

Scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026, O2 Satellite aims to offer connectivity to individuals in remote regions throughout the UK.

As per Virgin Media O2, this implies you can stay connected across 95% of the UK, ranging from Land’s End to Inverness.

‘We’re thrilled to introduce a satellite-to-mobile network in the UK through Virgin Media O2,’ said Mike Nicolls, Starlink’s Vice President of Engineering.

This collaboration highlights the significance of Starlink Direct to Cell’s goal of eliminating mobile dead zones and providing internet access in remote locations that were previously unreachable.

Whether it’s accessing live weather information, sharing a video with companions, or just sending a message, individuals can remain connected when it matters the most.

Although satellite internet has existed for some time, it has faced issues with high latency and unstable connections.

Starlink stands apart. SpaceX has stated its objective is to deliver fast, low-latency internet globally—particularly to isolated regions—at an affordable price.

To date, SpaceXhas deployed more than 10,000 Starlink satellites into orbit, althoughMusk ultimately aims to deploy up to 42,000 satellites in his so-called ‘megaconstellation’.

The service is already accessible globally, including in the UK.

Nevertheless, this is the first instance of a UK company collaborating with Starlink.

“This pioneering collaboration in the UK is yet another instance of Virgin Media O2 driving innovation to enhance customer experience and offer greater reassurance, in addition to the £700 million we are already allocating to our mobile network this year,” said Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2.

Starlink stands at the forefront of this field, managing the world’s most sophisticated satellite network, making it an ideal collaborator to enhance our current coverage and aid Virgin Media O2’s goal of providing dependable mobile connectivity throughout the UK.

At first, the O2 satellite will provide messaging and data services, although Virgin Media O2 mentions that ‘additional enhancements and applications’ are expected in the future.

“This collaboration highlights precisely how innovation from the private sector can bring tangible advantages to individuals throughout the UK, aiding our goal to promote development and make sure no area is overlooked,” said Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd.

Whether you’re managing a farm in Cumbria or trekking through the Cairngorms, you’ll soon experience the assurance of dependable connectivity.

Virgin Media O2 is currently testing the satellite-based service internally, with plans to introduce it to customers in early 2026.

The cost is still not specified, although the company mentions ‘more information is to come’.

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