UK smartphone users will be able to make phone calls and send messages from previous mobile blackspots under proposals from telecoms regulator Ofcom to approve the use of satellite signals.
The watchdog today said mobile networks should be allowed to use mobile airwaves from satellite companies such as the Starlink network run by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
While mobile satellite services from space have mainly been available to maritime and aircraft customers using specialist handsets, Ofcom said making the service more widely available would improve connectivity for remote rural locations and provide vital back-up options during mobile signal outages.
The proposals had the potential to "extend outdoor mobile coverage to 100% of the UK landmass", it said.
Starlink offers near-total coverage across the UK, with the exception of the northernmost parts of Scotland, while rival satellite broadband services are offered by OneWeb/Eutelsat and Amazon's Project Kuiper.
Starlink's service was reported late last year to be at capacity in south-east England.
Ofcom approved an application for satellite broadband from Amazon's Kuiper platform last month.