Virgin Media O2 Launches First European Starlink Direct-to-Cell Service

British Samsung Galaxy owners can be the first to take advantage of a Starlink-powered Direct-to-Cell satellite internet service in Europe, thanks to the debut of the service by mobile operator Virgin Media O2. The service offers voice and messaging support, as well as access to Google Maps, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, and other apps.

The Starlink Direct-to-Cell service is designed to expand internet connectivity to devices that fall outside the usual coverage of cellular data connections like 4G and 5G. It's angled to be useful in extremely rural locations—like Starlink internet dishes themselves—and in emergency situations where standard data services are unavailable.

Regulatory approval for Direct-to-Cell internet connectivity was granted in the UK earlier in February, allowing Virgin Media O2 to push ahead with its deployment. British telecoms regulator OfCom has finalized the rules for such a service in the UK and has opened the option for other ...