Ofcom approves VMO2’s request to provide satellite connectivity to UK smartphones

Ofcom has  approved Telefonica UK's (VMO2) request to vary its licence to allow it to provide satellite connectivity to standard smartphones in the UK.

This is the first licence variation of its kind to be approved by Ofcom. We have also made the final regulations to support the rollout of new services powered by ‘direct to device' (D2D) technology.

D2D services involve satellites in space beaming down signals to smartphones on earth, enabling people to  stay connected in coverage ‘not-spots' - including in hard-to-reach rural areas and mountainous regions.

Having received and approved the first licence variation request from VMO2 under the new authorisation framework, we have now inserted the frequencies on which the company is allowed to provide D2D services and formally made the regulations that allow existing handsets to use the service.

These regulations are intended to come into effect on 25 February 2026.