Starlink border restrictions risk creating UK mobile blackspots

SpaceX’s Starlink, the satellite broadband provider backed by Elon Musk, has warned that millions of UK residents could face new mobile signal blackspots due to regulatory measures designed to protect France and Ireland from signal interference. Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, is set to introduce limits that require satellite operators to reduce signal strength near borders and coastlines adjoining other countries. The move aims to prevent disruption to mobile networks operating in neighbouring states.

The forthcoming direct to device service is designed to extend mobile connectivity into regions overlooked by conventional cellular infrastructure. Such technology could sharply reduce the incidence of so-called notspots, bringing connectivity to rural and coastal areas that currently experience patchy coverage. However, SpaceX argued that Ofcom’s proposed power flux density limits go beyond current international agreements and risk excluding millions of people from accessing these vital services, particularly in south east England and Northern Ireland.

According to Starlink, border regions with historically poor terrestrial coverage stand to lose out most. The company stressed that stringent restrictions would result in thousands, if not millions, of citizens being denied access to potentially life-saving mobile connectivity on UK-licensed spectrum. The areas under threat are often those most in need of improved communication infrastructure, making the impact of these rules especially acute.

Virgin Media O2 has also voiced concerns, stating that a more relaxed regulatory approach could yield broader and more effective coverage. The operator recently announced a partnership with Starlink allowing O2 customers to send messages and access maps via satellite when conventional mobile signals are unavailable. This service, set for launch next year, will leverage existing handsets rather than requiring specialist equipment, with users paying a premium for satellite connectivity on top of their standard mobile fees. Initially, only text and basic data services will be available.

Other telecoms operators are also exploring satellite solutions. Vodafone, for example, is working with AST SpaceMobile to develop similar direct to device capabilities. Across the UK, Starlink’s existing home broadband service already counts more than 90000 subscribers who rely on satellite dishes for connectivity in areas underserved by traditional internet providers.

Ofcom emphasises that the UK remains at the forefront of enabling direct to device connections in standard mobile bands. The regulator expects the new technology will reach the vast majority of the UK, including border regions which currently face poor coverage, with only a small number of exceptions. Ofcom maintains that users’ existing mobile services will remain unaffected by these changes