VodafoneThree gets green light for direct-to-smartphone satellite internet in the UK

Ofcom announced on Wednesday 15 April that it has approved VodafoneThree’s request to use satellite technology to provide connectivity to its customer’s smartphones in the UK.

This will allow VodafoneThree customers to make and receive calls and messages, as well as use mobile data, via a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit.

The communications regulator approved a request from the mobile operator to amend one of its spectrum licences so that it can provide ‘direct-to-device’ satellite connectivity services.

This will allow VodafoneThree to offer satellite-based data and cellular services straight to smartphones where there is no coverage from mobile masts on the ground.

The technology requires no specialised equipment, and once it is available, users will be able to connect to satellite services with their standard smartphones.

This makes VodafoneThree the second customer to receive approval to launch a satellite mobile connectivity service in the UK. Ofcom previously approved a similar licence variation for Virgin Media O2 in February.

Ofcom added that it is consulting on proposed changes to its regulations to reflect this variation in licensing, and it plans to publish its decision after 18 May 2026.

Last month, VodafoneThree announced it would start customer trials of its satellite service in Summer 2026.

These trials will leverage the connectivity provided by Satellite Connect Europe, a service provider of open-access direct-to-device satellite connectivity.

Satellite Connect Europe is a joint venture between Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile, and will drive the deployment of five Europe-based ground stations.

Once these trials are completed, it is expected that VodafoneThree will begin rolling out direct-to-device satellite connectivity to its customers in the UK.

“This partnership with Satellite Connect Europe supports our ambition to deliver direct-to-device satellite connectivity capable of data, voice, and SMS to our customers, leading to the elimination of coverage gaps in hard-to-reach and remote areas, as well as supporting the closing of the digital divide,” said VodafoneThree Chief Network Officer Andrea Dona.

“At VodafoneThree, we are absolutely committed to connecting our customers in every nation, in every community, and in every corner of the UK.”

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