Millions of O2 customers receive free mobile connection boost using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites

O2 customers are to receive a free connection boost from Elon Musk's network of Starlink satellites.

There are roughly 5,400 Musk-owned satellites currently in orbit that are actively providing Wi-Fi and mobile connection services in over 70 countries.

Now Virgin Media O2 customers will become the latest to get a slice of Starlink satellite services.

Starlink’s network of satellites are designed to provide internet and mobile coverage to some of most remote locations in the world - including further-flung corners of the UK.

It's the same critical tech that was rushed to Ukraine as the country fought to stay connected during the ongoing war against Russia.

Satellites have been deployed to sites in the Scottish Highlands where phone signal is notoriously patchy due to difficulties connecting to standard fibre or microwave connections.

Typically, an iPhone or Android would connect to a mobile phone mast to carry out calls, send texts and use data.

But that is not viable in extremely remote locations.

These locations, therefore, have to rely on a network of low-earth orbit satellites to support a phone's ability to connect to the masts.

“We’re leaving no stone unturned when it comes to improving rural connectivity and are continuously looking for new ways to boost signal in remote areas," Jeanie York, chief technology officer at Virgin Media O2, said.

"By constantly finding new ways to deliver for our customers, we are bringing reliable mobile coverage to rural communities faster and helping to close the UK’s digital divide.”

The move follows a recent trial in northern Scotland.

Starlink broadband

Beyond mobile services, Starlink also provides homes with Wi-Fi.

Satellite broadband is a promising alternative to getting internet in your home - especially if mainstream providers are letting you down.

"Because it doesn’t rely on a network of cables going into every home, it’s expected to become a favourable option for people living in rural areas in the years to come," USwitch explains.

"Just like satellite TV, it’s beamed all the way from a telecoms satellite in space to a satellite dish installed on your property.

"It then gets hooked up to a Wi-Fi router just like normal broadband."

The only snag is that the satellite-based alternative is very expensive compared to traditional broadband providers.

Currently, you have to pay £75 / $120 USD per month for the Standard plan.

But a cheap new plan currently available in New Zealand spells hope for homeowners elsewhere wanting to make the switch.