O2 Satellite – FAQs

O2 Satellite is a new satellite-to-mobile service that sits alongside our main mobile network, enabling coverage in areas our traditional network doesn’t reach.

It works with compatible smartphones, without the need for extra hardware or apps – enabling you to stay connected with services like text messaging and location sharing, and apps like WhatsApp and maps, in more places than ever.

You can stay connected with services like text messaging and location sharing, and apps like WhatsApp, Messenger and maps, in more places than ever.

Standard voice calls, including emergency calls, aren’t supported on O2 Satellite. Emergency calls might go through if another mobile network is available nearby, but O2 Satellite shouldn’t be relied on for contacting emergency services.

The apps below are supported on O2 Satellite, and more will become available over time.

Supported apps:

Emergency calls aren’t supported when connected to O2 Satellite. Emergency calls might go through if another mobile network is available nearby, but O2 Satellite shouldn’t be relied on for contacting emergency services.

O2 Satellite works in areas not covered by our main mobile network and performs best in open, outdoor environments wherever you can see the sky. There will be some areas that aren’t covered by the satellite.

You can see a map of the areas covered on our coverage checker.

You don’t need any extra hardware or apps to use O2 Satellite. Instead, it works with your compatible smartphone, so you can stay connected in more places than ever before.
You may need a free SIM card upgrade to access the service. If so, we’ll be in touch after purchase to arrange this.

The devices below are all supported:

Not sure which model your phone is? Check in your device settings menu.

O2 Satellite will only work with compatible phones for now.

Apple’s Emergency SOS would work well alongside O2 Satellite capabilities, but they have very different capabilities.

Apple’s Emergency SOS enables you to point your phone (iPhone 14 or later) at a satellite in order to notify pre-established emergency contacts. You’ll find more info on Apple’s Emergency SOS service on the Apple website.

O2 Satellite meanwhile enables use of apps, including weather, maps, location sharing, WhatsApp, Messenger, and texting, in areas our mobile network doesn’t otherwise reach – enabling remote and lone workers to go further with greater confidence in staying connected with the people and apps they need.

O2 Satellite is included with any Ultimate Business Plan at no additional cost.

It’s also available as a bolt-on for our Classic Business Plan and Plus Business Plan, for an additional £2.50 (ex VAT) per month.

You can get O2 Satellite by contacting your Account Manager, visiting our online shop, or giving us a call.

O2 Satellite works with compatible phones, with no extra hardware or apps needed.

However, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the most up-to-date operating system.

If you want to use the service straight after purchase, you might need to restart your phone.
You’ll also need to make sure you haven’t barred any roaming services, which you can check in MyAccount.

Some customers may need a free SIM upgrade before the satellite will work. If that applies to you, we’ll contact you shortly after purchase to help you switch to a new eSIM or physical SIM.

Yes, if you’ve chosen O2 Satellite as a bolt-on, it renews every month until you remove it.

After the initial 30-day contract period, the O2 Satellite bolt-on can be removed at any point.

Once you request cancellation, we’ll remove the bolt-on instantly. If you add or remove it mid-billing month, we’ll adjust the charge so you only pay for the days it was active.

If you transfer an existing plan to another of the same type (eg a Plus Plan transferred to another Plus Plan), then the O2 Satellite bolt-on will remain active.

If you transfer an existing plan to another plan of a different type (eg a Classic Plan to a Plus Plan), the O2 Satellite bolt-on will be removed. Don’t worry though – you’ll be able to re-add the bolt-on to your new plan as part of your upgrade or downgrade following your transfer.

Yes, as long as the new phone is on our list of supported phones.

How will I know when I’m using O2 Satellite rather than the main O2 network?

Yes, your phone should switch back to the main O2 network automatically when coverage returns.

You’ll need to remove the roaming bar first, as O2 Satellite won’t work if roaming is blocked. You can do this in MyAccount, or by giving us a call.

O2 Satellite is only available in the UK (not abroad).

Your phone will only connect to the satellite network when our main network isn’t available and where there is satellite coverage.

No, O2 Satellite doesn’t work in flight mode.

Yes, O2 Satellite can be used when your phone is in battery saver (low-power or power-saver) mode.

No, you can use your device as you normally would.

Normal calls aren’t currently supported.

Text messages are typically sent straight away, though some might take a few minutes due to factors such as your location and the position of satellites in space.

A growing number of apps are compatible with O2 Satellite (listed earlier on this page). Your experience using apps might vary depending on factors such as your location in the UK and the position of satellites in space. Make sure the latest updates are installed on your phone and remember to download, update and log in to compatible apps.

Yes, but speeds are limited and experience will depend on location. Calls may momentarily drop as satellites pass overhead.

Data will be unavailable on unsupported apps, so functionality that requires a connection won’t work.

Yes, though you’ll need to register your device with the UK’s Emergency SMS service first.

No, your phone will not be able to receive government agency emergency alerts.

With the launch of O2 Satellite, now’s the perfect time to get your apps ready for satellite connectivity. With a few small adjustments, your apps can stay usable even when customers have no traditional signal, keeping them connected when it matters most.

Enabling satellite support is simple. Most apps already work with minimal changes, as long as they handle low-bandwidth, intermittent connectivity. Once you’ve checked that your app behaves correctly in constrained network conditions, you can certify it using the official tools provided by Apple and Google.

Click here to view the O2 Satellite terms and conditions.