First UK phones to get satellite connectivity in signal blackspots announced

Virgin Media O2 is ready to develop into the primary cellular community operator to supply UK prospects automated connectivity by way of satellite tv for pc in locations with out telephone sign.

O2 Satellite tv for pc will likely be an non-obligatory service resulting from launch within the first half of 2026, following a partnership with Elon Musk’s satellite tv for pc enterprise Starlink to supply the service.

The agency has not but revealed how a lot it would value, however it is going to be a further payment to pay every month.

Enabled smartphones will mechanically change to satellite tv for pc protection in components of the UK the place no terrestrial sign is on the market – similar to rural areas – however those that join won’t be able to make telephone calls by way of satellite tv for pc to start with.

The service will solely work with messaging, maps and placement apps. O2 says it is because Starlink’s present satellites don’t assist calls, though the subsequent era of them will.

Calls made by way of WhatsApp, which makes use of knowledge reasonably than telephone sign, may match although. O2 intends to trial this earlier than the service launches to the general public.

The satellites will successfully act like “telephone masts within the sky”, mentioned Luke Pearce from analyst CCS Perception.

“In right now’s world, connectivity is now not non-obligatory,” he mentioned.

“Whether or not it is emergency SOS in life-saving conditions or maintaining a software-defined automobile on-line, individuals now anticipate fixed entry.”

Software program-defined autos can obtain over-the-air updates to enhance their efficiency and options, however want web connections to have the ability to accomplish that.

“Satellite tv for pc is the one expertise that may actually shut the protection hole throughout mountains, oceans and rural areas,” Mr Pearce added.

O2’s transfer comes a number of months after rival Vodafone carried out a profitable live video call via satellite from a mountain in Wales the place there was no different sign.

It claimed this was a UK first, nevertheless it has not but revealed any plans to roll out satellite-to-device companies to prospects.

Vodafone’s tech labored with the satellite tv for pc agency AST, which at the moment has six satellites in orbit and goals to have as much as 60 by the top of 2026.

Starlink, in the meantime, has greater than 650 satellites and has already launched comparable companies with telephone networks in different international locations together with Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and Japan.

Within the UK, Ofcom tweaked its laws in September to allow satellite tv for pc connectivity on to smartphone units.

At present it is just attainable to make use of it to textual content emergency companies from newer iPhone and Android handsets.

However the usage of low-earth orbit satellites for cellular communications has been criticised by astronomers, who say they pollute the evening sky and make it harder to identify potential hazards similar to asteroids.