UK's O2 launches Europe's first smartphone satellite service

By Paul Sandle

LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Britain's Virgin Media O2 launched Europe's first satellite-to-mobile service on Thursday, bringing text messages, WhatsApp and Google Maps to customers using regular smartphones in locations with no network connection for three pounds ($4.06) a month.

The company, owned by Telefonica TEF.MC and Liberty Global LBYA.O, said O2 Satellite, which uses SpaceX's Starlink network, would increase its coverage of Britain's landmass from 89% to 95%.

Compatible handsets will automatically connect to satellites where there is no terrestrial network, it said, providing messaging and apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and weather and location-based services.

The service, which will initially work on Samsung's latest devices, will enable people to stay connected when travelling or taking part in hiking, climbing and water sports.

U.S. carrier T-Mobile TMUS.O launched a similar satellite-to-cell service in July for $10 a month.

Virgin Media O2 chief executive Lutz Schuler said it was a defining moment for British mobile connectivity.

"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," he said.

O2's British rival Vodafone made the first-ever video call over satellite from an area with no terrestrial mobile coverage using a regular smartphone in January 2025.

It plans to launch a full satellite-to-mobile service with its partner AST SpaceMobile ASTS.O, but it has not yet set a date.

($1 = 0.7382 pounds)