O2 Satellite Unlocks Potentially Life-Saving Feature Of iPhones

InnovationConsumer TechO2 Satellite Unlocks Potentially Life-Saving Feature Of iPhonesByAndrew Williams,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about fitness, health and wearable techFollow AuthorMay 27, 2026, 10:06am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.O2 Satellite logoVirgin Media O2O2 Satellite has launched for Apple iPhone-owning Virgin Media O2 customers in the UK, significantly increasing communications coverage when adventuring in the more remote parts of the country.It is notable as the first service of its kind to bring this sort of “direct to device” service to Europe. O2 Satellite uses Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite network, which is a subsidiary of SpaceX, and will be available from 28 May. The concept is fairly simple. When an iPhone user is an area that doesn’t have any conventional cellular coverage, O2 Satellite can take over. Virgin Media O2 claims this boosts the network’s UK landmass coverage to 95 per cent, up from 89 per cent. Typical locations where this kind of satellite communication will be useful include high up mountains, where you’ll often struggle to get any signal at all, let alone 5G. Reality TV star Spencer Matthews took part in a six-ascent run of Snowdon as part of the service’s launch marketing, completing the six ascents and descents in 22 hours and 41 minutes. EDITORIAL USE ONLY Spencer Matthews climbs Mount Snowdon in Wales during an endurance challenge with O2 Satellite, attempting to cover a 92km route across Mount Snowdon in Wales through repeated ascents and descents within 24 hours. Picture date: Friday May 22, 2026. PA Photo. The challenge uses O2’s new satellite connectivity service, providing coverage across remote sections of the mountain where traditional mobile signal can drop out. Photo credit should read: James Speakman/PA Media AssignmentsPAMORE FOR YOUHow O2 Satellite Wor...