O2 Satellite

O2 Satellite is a new satellite-to-mobile service that sits alongside our main mobile network, providing coverage in areas the O2 network previously didn’t reach. It works with compatible smartphones without the need for extra hardware or apps.

O2 Satellite provides coverage in areas the O2 network previously didn’t reach – meaning you can stay connected with services like text messages and location sharing, and apps that matter like WhatsApp, maps and Messenger.

Standard voice calls, including emergency calls, aren’t supported on O2 Satellite. Emergency calls might go through if another mobile network is available nearby, but O2 Satellite shouldn’t be relied on for contacting emergency services.

The apps below are currently supported on O2 Satellite - and more will become available over time:

Android apps

• AccuWeather

• AllTrails

• BBC Weather

• Messenger

• Google Find Hub

• Google Maps

• Google Messages

• Google Personal Safety

• Samsung Weather

• WhatsApp

• X

• Yahoo Mail

Emergency calls aren’t supported when connected to O2 Satellite. Emergency calls might go through if another mobile network is available nearby, but O2 Satellite shouldn’t be relied on for contacting emergency services.

O2 Satellite works in areas not covered by the main O2 mobile network and performs best in open, outdoor environments with a clear view of the sky. There will be some areas that aren’t covered by O2 Satellite.

You can see a map of the areas covered by O2 Satellite on our coverage checker.

You can see a list of supported phones below. We’re working to expand on this as quickly as possible.

• Samsung Galaxy S25

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

• Samsung Galaxy S26

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE

O2 Satellite will work from the get-go with compatible phones – no extra hardware or apps needed. Make sure you’re using the most up-to-date operating system. If you want to use the service straight after purchase, you might need to restart your phone. You’ll also need to make sure you haven’t barred any roaming services. You can view this in the ‘Manage your Sim’ section in the My O2 app.

You’ll see your network name change to ‘O2 Satellite’ when you’re connected, and your device might show a satellite indicator.

O2 Satellite will only work with compatible phones for now.

O2 Satellite provides coverage in areas the O2 network previously didn’t reach, meaning you can stay connected with services like text messages and location sharing, and apps that matter like WhatsApp, maps and Messenger. You’ll see the network name ‘O2 Satellite’ appear when connected to O2 Satellite.

You’ll find more info on Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite service on the Apple website.

O2 Satellite is available as a Bolt On for an additional £3 a month if you’ve got a Pay Monthly contract with us and a compatible phone. You can get O2 Satellite by signing in to My O2, visiting an O2 store or by giving us a call.

Make sure you add O2 Satellite before you go into satellite coverage, and remember to check you have a compatible phone and the latest updates are installed on your device.

Yes. We’ll show you the list of supported devices so you can check before adding the service.

Yes, it renews every month until you remove it. If you add or remove it mid-billing month, we’ll adjust the charge, so you only pay for the days it was active.

If you transfer an existing Plan to another of the same type (e.g. a Plus Plan transferred to another Plus Plan), then the O2 Satellite Bolt On will remain active.

If you transfer an existing Plan to another Plan of a different type (e.g., a Classic Plan to a Plus Plan), the O2 Satellite Bolt On will be removed. Don’t worry, though – you’ll be able to re-add the Bolt On to your new plan as part of your upgrade or downgrade following your Plan transfer.

As long as the new phone is on our list of supported phones, and the O2 Satellite Bolt On is activated, O2 Satellite will transfer over automatically.

After the initial 30-day contract period, the O2 Satellite Bolt On can be removed at any point. Once you request cancellation, we’ll remove the Bolt On instantly. If you request cancellation mid-billing month, you’ll receive a pro rata refund for the remaining period.

If you cancel O2 Satellite within the first 14 days of purchase or upgrade, as part of your ‘cooling off’ rights, the Bolt On will be removed straight away, and you’ll be refunded in full.

Yes. You’ll get a welcome text when your phone connects to O2 Satellite, but not every time. We’ll send it no more than once every two months.

You’ll see the network name ‘O2 Satellite’ appear when connected to the satellite network.

Yes, your phone should switch back to the main O2 network automatically when coverage returns.

You’ll need to remove the roaming bar first. You can do this in the ‘Manage your Sim’ section in the My O2 app, or by calling us or visiting an O2 store. O2 Satellite won’t work if roaming is blocked.

Your phone will only connect to the satellite network when our main network isn’t available and where there is satellite coverage.

O2 Satellite is only available in the UK for now.

No, O2 Satellite doesn’t work in flight mode.

Yes, O2 Satellite can be used when your phone is in low-power or power-saver mode.

No, you can use your device as you normally would.

Normal calls aren’t supported yet.

Text messages are typically sent straight away, though some might take a few minutes due to factors such as your location in the UK and the position of satellites in space.

A growing number of apps are compatible with O2 Satellite – see our current list above. Your experience using apps might vary depending on factors such as your location in the UK and the position of satellites in space. Make sure the latest updates are installed on your phone and remember to download, update and log in to compatible apps.

Yes, but speeds are limited and experience will depend on location. Calls may momentarily drop as satellites pass overhead.

Data will be unavailable on unsupported apps, so functionality that requires a connection won’t work.

Yes, though you’ll need to register your device with the UK’s EmergencySMS service first.

Yes, your phone will be able to receive government agency emergency alerts.

With the launch of O2 Satellite, now’s the perfect time to get your app fully ready for satellite connectivity. With a few small adjustments, it can stay usable even when customers have no traditional signal, keeping them connected when it matters most.

Enabling satellite support is simple. Most apps already work with minimal changes, as long as they handle low-bandwidth, intermittent connectivity. Once you've checked that your app behaves correctly in constrained network conditions, you can certify it using the official tools provided by Apple and Google.

If you need support, want help testing your app or would like to let us know it's satellite-ready, email us at O2SatelliteApp@virginmedia.co.uk

Read our terms here.