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UK mobile operator Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) says the satellite communications constellation has brought mobile coverage to the village of Craster in Northumberland for the first time
VMO2 is making good use of SpaceX’s Starlink this week, leveraging the satellite technology to enable connectivity to the previously unconnected village of Craster.
Starlink is providing satellite backhaul for a new mobile tower that has been deployed to serve the village. The new mast will provide reliable mobile signal to the area, which is an important tourist destination attracting more than 250,000 visitors every year.
“As part of our commitment to improving rural connectivity, we’re using innovative satellite connectivity to bring mobile coverage to Craster for the first time,” said Steven Verigotta, Director of Mobile Delivery at VMO2 in a press release.
“Our investment to deliver reliable connectivity in this beautiful area will be a boon for the many visitors that come here each year, transforming their experience and improving opportunities for local businesses and residents,” he continued.
SpaceX and VMO2 announced a partnership in April last year to boost mobile services in the UK’s most remote areas. Since then, the network operator has been exploring the use of Starlink’s constellation of over 5,000 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to support backhaul services across the country.
By leveraging Starlink, VMO2 is able establish reliable backhaul connections to remote masts without needing to deploy expensive terrestrial network infrastructure, like fibre or microwave technology .
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