Key Takeaways
- O2 Satellite service uses Starlink satellites as a backup for mobile networks.
- The service costs £3 per month and is available to eligible O2 customers in the UK.
- Google Maps works but with slower performance over satellite connections.
Satellite connectivity can now keep smartphones online when cellular coverage disappears, according to a hands-on test by Tom’s Guide. The service uses Starlink satellites and is offered as an optional add-on for eligible O2 customers in the UK.
O2 Satellite operates alongside the normal mobile network and is intended for areas where regular O2 coverage is unavailable. A phone will normally use cellular service or Wi-Fi when either is available, with satellite connectivity becoming the fallback when those connections disappear.
During testing, a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra was able to maintain a satellite connection even from inside a car without a sunroof, showing one out of three bars in the vehicle. Outside, the signal improved to two bars after about a minute but never reached full strength despite open surroundings.
The service performed best outdoors with a clear view of the sky, as O2 notes that it is most effective under such conditions. However, moving inside a 350-year-old pub with a thatched roof caused the connection to disappear, highlighting its limitations indoors.
Google Maps remained usable over satellite connections but warned users about slower loading times. Inside the car, it took around 30 to 60 seconds for the map to fully load. Performance improved when the phone was moved outside, though it still remained noticeably slower than regular 4G and 5G.
The biggest limitation is that satellite data does not currently behave like a normal unrestricted mobile connection. O2 says its service supports functions including messaging, WhatsApp, Messenger, maps, location sharing, and weather information. During the test, apps such as Google Maps, Google Find Hub, Messages, and weather services worked over satellite.
However, web browsers, social media, and streaming apps did not function properly, behaving as if the phone was offline. GPS can continue working without mobile data, but users may still need previously downloaded maps or other information if an app cannot access satellite data.
Overall, O2 Satellite is a useful backup for navigation and location-based services in remote areas where regular cellular coverage is unavailable. While it offers some functionality, it is not intended as a full replacement for 4G or 5G.
