O2 launched its satellite connectivity service on 26 February 2026, becoming the first mobile network in Europe to offer direct-to-device satellite coverage that includes data. The service is called O2 Satellite and is available as a bolt-on to existing Pay Monthly SIM-only plans, or included free with O2's Ultimate Plan.
What is O2 Satellite and how does it work?
O2 Satellite extends mobile connectivity into areas where O2's standard terrestrial network does not reach. It works by connecting compatible smartphones directly to Starlink's low-earth orbit satellites when no ground-based signal is available. There is no extra hardware to buy, no separate app to download, and no manual switching required. The phone connects automatically when it moves out of terrestrial coverage.
The service boosts O2's UK landmass coverage from 89% to 95%. In practice, this means remote countryside, upland areas, and coastal stretches that previously had no signal at all can now receive a connection. O2 says the additional area now covered is roughly two thirds the size of Wales.
It is worth being clear on what the service is and is not. O2 Satellite is not a full mobile data connection. It is designed for communication and safety use in not-spots. Speeds are limited, standard voice calls and SMS are not supported over satellite, and the connection works best in open outdoor environments with a clear view of the sky.
What apps and services does it support?
At launch, O2 Satellite supports a specific set of apps. These include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Maps, AccuWeather, and BBC Weather. O2 has said it expects more apps to be added over time.
Standard text messaging is not currently supported over satellite, which is worth noting given how the service is being marketed. WhatsApp messaging works, but SMS does not. Emergency calls are also not supported when connected to O2 Satellite, and texts to 999 will not go through. O2 advises that the service should not be relied on for contacting emergency services.
Government emergency alerts will also not be received while connected to O2 Satellite. For a service that is partly positioned as a safety net for people in remote areas, these are significant limitations that are not prominent in O2's advertising.
How much does O2 Satellite cost?
O2 Satellite is available as a £3 per month bolt-on for Pay Monthly O2 SIM-only customers with a compatible device. It operates on a 30-day rolling basis and can be turned on and off as needed. If you add or remove it mid-billing month, O2 will adjust the charge to cover only the days it was active.
It is also included at no extra cost with O2's Ultimate Plan. The Ultimate Plan bundles satellite alongside a range of other perks including streaming extras, international roaming, and McAfee security. If you are already considering an Ultimate Plan, satellite connectivity comes with it at no additional charge.
If you are on a standard Pay Monthly plan, O2's April 2026 price rise may affect your bill. For a full picture of how mid-contract price rises work across UK networks, our guide sets out what you need to know before signing up.
Which phones are compatible?
This is the most significant limitation of the service at launch. O2 Satellite currently works only with four Samsung Galaxy S25 models:
- Samsung Galaxy S25
- Samsung Galaxy S25+
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
No other phones are supported at launch. This includes the full iPhone range (models 14 through 17), all Samsung Galaxy S21 to S24 models, and all Google Pixel devices. The limitation is not down to the hardware in those phones (many have the technical capability). The restriction comes down to modem firmware support, which requires O2 and device manufacturers to reach specific agreements before a phone can be enabled.
O2 has confirmed it is working with device partners to expand the compatible device list and states it fully expects iPhone to be supported. No date has been confirmed for iPhone or any other device.
For most SIM-only customers right now, O2 Satellite is not accessible regardless of plan. If you are considering switching to O2 specifically for satellite coverage, check whether your phone is on the compatible list before signing up.
What does this mean for O2 SIM-only customers?
O2 Satellite is a genuinely new capability: no other UK network currently offers direct-to-device satellite connectivity that includes data. For customers who regularly spend time in rural, coastal, or remote UK locations, the service provides a practical connectivity safety net at a low additional cost.
That said, the launch has clear limitations. The device list is narrow, SMS does not work over satellite, and emergency calls are not supported. The TV advertising campaign has been prominent, but the reality at this stage is that the service applies to a small number of compatible handsets.
The picture is likely to look different by the end of 2026 as more devices are added. If you own a Samsung Galaxy S25 and spend time in areas with poor coverage, adding O2 Satellite at £3 per month is straightforward. For everyone else, it is worth keeping an eye on compatibility updates before making any decisions based on this feature.
If you are thinking about switching to O2, you will need a PAC code to transfer your existing number. The process completes within one working day.
Written by Phil Brown, founder of SIM Only Finder. Phil previously worked in UK mobile retail at Three UK, advising customers on SIM plans, contracts, and network choices. He has spent over a decade running consumer comparison platforms and reviews networks and SIM-only deals based on that hands-on industry background. About the author
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