O2 Satellite goes live and Samsung phones get first dibs
O2 Satellite is now live. It'll kick on when signal drops off. It's initially available on Samsung Galaxy phones.
UK mobile network O2 has announced it has switched on satellite connectivity, enabling users of the latest Samsung Galaxy S-series phones access to improved mobile data in remote areas.
The new feature boosts O2’s UK landmass coverage to an impressive 95% by extending coverage to an area two thirds the size of the country of Wales.
The satellite connectivity will automatically kick-in when the signal drops off. It’ll be powerful enough to send text and make calls, and find your way out of the not-spot with access to mapping apps. You won’t be binging Netflix using this service, but O2 says it “delivers connectivity for the things you need to explore further: text messaging and essential apps like WhatsApp, maps, location sharing and weather.”
It means freedom to roam while retaining the ability to keep in touch and contact necessary folks if something has not gone to plan. O2 says no additional gear is required and users will experience peace of mind when going beyond the “invisible boundary where the signal stops.”
O2 likens the breakthrough to the advent of carphones, mobile phones, text messaging, video calls and more. The company says it is “changing the rules of what a mobile network can do” with the pioneering satellite-to-mobile connectivity.
The £3 a month Bolt On is available now for Pay Monthly customers and coming soon at no extra cost for those on the Ultimate Plan. It’ll only be available on select devices with the Samsung Galaxy S25 and brand new Galaxy S26 devices kicking us off. Other devices are yet to be announced.
The apps supported at launch are:
- AccuWeather
- AllTrails
- BBC Weather
- Facebook Messenger
- Google Find Hub
- Google Maps
- Google Messages
- Google Personal Safety
- Samsung Weather
- X
- Yahoo Mail
Chris Smith
