Partnership to extend coverage via low-Earth orbit satellites

Virgin Media O2 has entered into a multi-year agreement with Starlink Direct to Cell aimed at closing coverage gaps in sparsely populated regions across the UK through low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. The timing is noteworthy, particularly given that EE had reportedly been in talks with Starlink about a comparable arrangement for at least a year, possibly longer.

The offering, marketed as O2 Satellite, will roll out messaging and data services beginning in the first half of 2026, with complete nationwide deployment targeted within a year of launch. The service will seamlessly transition to satellite connectivity when subscribers leave areas served by traditional ground networks, potentially reaching more than 95% of the UK's land surface.

Virgin Media O2 becomes the first UK operator to deploy Starlink's satellite-to-mobile infrastructure, which currently operates a constellation exceeding 650 satellites capable of direct-to-device communication using a portion of O2's existing mobile spectrum allocation. According to the operator, the service will provide customers with "reassurance and peace of mind when in remote areas". The company is simultaneously leveraging Starlink's broadband satellite system to accelerate deployment of its Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative.

CEO Lutz Schüler stated: "Starlink is a clear leader in this space, operating the world's most advanced satellite constellation, which makes it the right partner to complement our existing coverage and support Virgin Media O2's ambition to deliver reliable mobile connectivity across the UK."

A notable aspect of satellite-to-mobile services is that carriers can extend access to subscribers on rival networks. T-Mobile US, KDDI and One New Zealand have already implemented such arrangements. For customers with unlocked phones supporting eSIM technology, this creates additional flexibility.

Ofcom grants temporary E band spectrum for satellite gateways

Ofcom has authorised Starlink to operate temporary gateway earth stations in the 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz E band frequencies at three locations: Morn Hill in Hampshire, Wherstead in Suffolk, and Woodwalton in Cambridgeshire. These gateways serve as connection points between the satellite network and terrestrial internet infrastructure for Starlink's non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) system.

The temporary licences, valid until 31 December 2028, are intended to reduce capacity bottlenecks and enhance service performance for UK users, according to Ofcom. The regulator highlighted that the E band, conventionally deployed for fixed wireless connections, delivers "high capacity and low latency" characteristics suited to emerging satellite platforms.

To safeguard existing spectrum users, Ofcom has established coordination zones extending up to 25 km around each gateway location and imposed stringent technical constraints to minimise interference with fixed wireless services and passive Earth observation applications in neighbouring frequency bands.

Although these E band authorisations are time-limited, Ofcom indicated plans to develop a permanent licensing structure for satellite gateways following the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), noting that the current temporary arrangement "does not prejudge" future decisions. Nevertheless, with licences extending through the end of 2028 and Starlink now integrated into UK infrastructure strategy via its Virgin Media O2 partnership, the regulatory direction appears evident.

Source: Mobile Europe