Virgin Media O2 began offering Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite-to-smartphone connectivity in the UK on Feb. 26, marking the first commercial deployment of SpaceX's D2C service in Europe. When terrestrial 4G is unavailable, subscribers on the network will automatically route calls and data via Starlink satellites.
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Briefing
The rollout leverages the UK’s new regulatory framework for satellite direct-to-device use, clearing spectrum and licensing hurdles that enable commercial handset-to-satellite services (Ofcom’s regulatory framework) — source:66c62e94-dbee-46d7-9e41-0baee9d3341a
This is the first European commercial D2C deployment following operator pilots and deals elsewhere, validating a commercial pathway after recent trials in Spain and operator partnerships in Africa (Spain trial) (Airtel Africa deal) — source:da3abe00-7b19-4817-9e64-119157861200 source:5919e935-26b4-41bf-94e4-a1d98543abf6
Automatic satellite fallback for subscribers changes network resilience and coverage planning and reinforces Starlink's market influence in LEO broadband measurements (Starlink's dominant position) — source:7ff40ce6-73c7-47ad-b4b3-af2f6b1ba6d2
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