Photo: Virgin Media O2

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), one of the largest wireless operators in the U.K. is now a step closer to bringing direct-to-device (D2D) services to its U.K. customer base. Ofcom, the U.K. telecoms regulator, has now given formal approval for VMO2 to provide these D2D services in the U.K. Ofcom announced the approval, Feb. 17.

“We have now approved a request from Telefonica UK (commonly known as VMO2) to vary its relevant Wireless Telegraphy licence in order to provide D2D services in the U.K. We have therefore inserted the frequencies on which Telefonica UK is authorised to provide the D2D services and made the regulations,” Ofcom said in a statement.

This comes after Ofcom approved a framework for this type of D2D service late last year, to allow mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide D2D services by working with satellite operators and using mobile spectrum.

VMO2 is a significant player in the U.K. communications market. At the end of 2025, it had around 46.7 million mobile connections in the U.K. These included contract, prepaid and IoT.

In October last year, VMO2 announced plans to work with Starlink to offer direct-to-cell services to its customers in a new offering called O2 Satellite. Under the deal announced last year, O2 Satellite will use O2’s licensed mobile spectrum and Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell constellation to provide services to customers in areas without mobile coverage. The service will initially offer messaging and data services and later expand to certain applications.