O2 switches on Starlink satellite service for Samsung Galaxy S25 and S26 in UK first

Virgin Media O2 has announced they have launched O2 Satellite, its direct-to-device service using Starlink to improve mobile coverage in the UK. This is the first service to launch in the UK, albeit on a limited basis, not supporting standard voice calls (WhatsApp calls should work). Several networks have been running services in other countries (T-Mobile in the US launched in July 2025, for example), but O2 is the first to launch a service in Europe.

O2 have said the service is only available on Samsung Galaxy S25 devices, and currently excludes all other compatible devices, such as iPhone 14+, Samsung Galaxy S21-S24 and Google Pixel 9 and 10 Devices. Presumably the Samsung Galaxy S26, which was announced yesterday and launches on 11th March, will also be included in the compatible devices. O2 say that their network coverage for those with a compatible device will increase from 89% to 95% of the UK landmass, and it can be used to connect when terrestrial mobile coverage is not available, albeit offering a limited service.

There is a specific list of apps which are supported, with the service seemingly aimed at messaging, navigation, location sharing and weather services. O2 specifically states “O2 Satellite shouldn’t be relied on for contacting emergency services“, so it’s not really a not-spot killer if one of the key benefits of filling in not-spots cannot be realised. The list of supported apps is:

• AccuWeather 
• AllTrails 
• BBC Weather 
• Facebook Messenger 
• Google Find Hub 
• Google Maps 
• Google Messages 
• Google Personal Safety 
• Samsung Weather 
• WhatsApp 
• X 
• Yahoo Mail 

The company advised that other applications will become available in due course.

“This is a defining moment for UK mobile connectivity and a statement of our intent to keep innovating and ensure our customers can stay connected no matter where they are. By launching O2 Satellite, we’ve become the first operator in Europe to launch a space-based mobile data service that, overnight, has brought new mobile coverage to an area around two thirds the size of Wales for the first time. 

We already have the UK’s largest 5G+ footprint and we’re not standing still, investing heavily this year in our mobile network to give O2 customers a brilliant, reliable service that they can depend on.”

Lutz Schüler, CEO, Virgin Media O2

The service is not automatically available, but is currently offered as a £3/month add on to O2 Pay Monthly customers, and the company will be enabling it for ‘Ultimate’ plan customers at no extra cost in due course. The O2 Satellite Bolt On can be turned on and off as required with a 30-day rolling contract.

It’s not clear what kind of speeds will be available across the service, but around 4Mbps per user is estimated to be the maximum (think 3G-type speeds). SpaceX did testing back in March 2024 on an unmodified Samsung device and achieved a peak of 17Mbps, although this used a dedicated beam from the satellite. The handsets are capable of faster speeds; the limitation is at the Satellite end, and could also be a commercial limitation depending on VMO2’s contract with Starlink. If you are interested in Satellite Broadband or Direct-to-Device services, then check out our Satellite Broadband Guide.