O2 Satellite expands to Google Pixel phones across the UK
Key Points
- O2 Satellite now works on compatible Google Pixel phones, following Apple support added last month
- The service connects everyday smartphones directly to satellites with no specialist equipment needed
- O2 Satellite is £3 per month as a Bolt On, or free for Ultimate Plan customers
- The service has lifted Virgin Media O2's UK landmass coverage to 95%
- It is the UK's only direct-to-device satellite service, aimed at remote areas and network outages
Virgin Media O2 has expanded its O2 Satellite service to compatible Google Pixel phones, extending the UK’s only direct-to-device satellite connectivity to more handsets.
The expansion means more customers can access satellite-powered connectivity in areas beyond the reach of the traditional mobile network, helping them stay connected when travelling through remote locations or during unexpected outages.
The service lets customers connect directly to satellites using everyday smartphones, without specialist equipment.
O2 Satellite launched earlier this year and was initially available on selected devices, with Virgin Media O2 widening availability to more handsets in recent weeks.
Support for Google Pixel follows the introduction of Apple compatibility last month.
The service has boosted Virgin Media O2’s UK landmass coverage to 95%, a coverage uplift equivalent to an area around two-thirds the size of Wales.
It is available as a £3-per-month Bolt On on standard pay monthly plans and included at no extra cost for Ultimate Plan customers, and is already helping tens of thousands of customers stay connected in remote areas.
Chris Bournes, Commercial Director at Virgin Media O2, said the company wanted to make satellite connectivity available on the devices customers already use every day.
“The addition of Google Pixel devices is another important step forward and means even more customers can benefit from the reassurance of staying connected in places where traditional mobile coverage isn’t available,” he said.
Bournes added that the company is looking to keep expanding access as satellite technology evolves.
Francois Mahieu, UK and Ireland General Manager for Devices and Services at Google, said the company was pleased to partner with Virgin Media O2 to bring O2 Satellite to Pixel users.
“Pixel phones are designed to be helpful and reliable devices and those using O2 Satellite have the reassurance of staying connected, even in the most remote parts of the UK,” he said.
Mahieu described the move as a step forward in making next-generation connectivity accessible.
