Virgin Media has announced a multi-year partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell, marking a UK-first initiative to enhance rural mobile coverage and improve connectivity for customers across the country.

Through this partnership, Virgin Media O2 becomes the first UK operator to use Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology, which operates the world’s largest low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite with more than 650 satellites. The collaboration will enable connectivity directly to standard mobile devices using part of O2’s licensed spectrum.

The new service, branded O2 Satellite, will initially offer messaging and data services, with additional capabilities and app integrations to follow. Support will focus first on high-demand applications such as messaging, maps, and location services, before expanding to a broader range of functions.

Powered by Starlink’s Direct to Cell technology, O2 Satellite will seamlessly complement Virgin Media O2’s existing network, automatically activating in areas without a traditional mobile signal.

Responding to the news, Kadams Radhakrishnan, Chief Technical Director, Lyca Mobile, commented: “Satellite-to-mobile technology is redefining what we mean by coverage. At Lyca Mobile, we see this not as a threat but a chance to evolve. 

Our offering is focused on affordable connectivity for all, and satellite-based mobile connectivity will allow us to reach customers and communities that traditional networks have never fully served.”

He added: “The key will be smart partnerships, flexible wholesale models and a focus on reliability rather than just price. Those who move early can turn satellite access into true differentiation. 

While satellite connectivity won’t transform the MVNO market overnight, it does mark the beginning of a new competitive phase. At Lyca Mobile, we see it as the next step in creating seamless, borderless connectivity for our customers.”