Space42 And PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia Explore Partnership To Enhance Global 5G Direct-to-Device Connectivity

Space42, a UAE-based company specialising in AI-driven SpaceTech, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat). This partnership aims to explore Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity. Equatys, a joint venture between Space42 and Viasat, facilitates this collaboration by enabling seamless 5G connectivity across satellite and terrestrial networks.

The MoU outlines several areas for potential collaboration between Telkomsat and Space42. These include technical integration, regulatory compliance, research and development, and strategic initiatives for future growth. The companies will assess the feasibility of integrating D2D and satellite-enabled communication services. They aim to ensure seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite systems without additional hardware.

The technical integration exploration will involve evaluating commercial and regulatory cooperation related to D2D services. This includes setting service benchmarks for latency, bandwidth, and reliability. The goal is to develop new 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities that align with existing infrastructure.

Equatys plans to bridge connectivity gaps using a 3GPP Release 17+ NTN framework. It supports over 100 MHz of harmonised global Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum. This allows standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly to satellites, extending 5G access across more than 180 markets worldwide.

The collaboration will also focus on ensuring compliance with local legislation. This involves coordinating licensing and spectrum allocation while maintaining data privacy standards regionally and internationally. Such measures are crucial for the successful implementation of D2D connectivity solutions.

Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, stated, "Equatys represents the future of global connectivity, tackling existing gaps that leave billions unserved by terrestrial networks. By partnering with Telkomsat, we continue to expand our ecosystem and advance our shared vision of universal connectivity."

Research and Development Initiatives

Joint innovation labs and pilot programs will be established as part of the research and development efforts. These initiatives aim to test new technologies, enhance service capabilities, conduct field trials, and assess interoperability with existing 4G and 5G networks.

Lukman Hakim Abd Rauf, CEO of Telkomsat, emphasised the importance of satellite-based connectivity in Indonesia’s national network architecture. He said it ensures reliable communications in remote areas while meeting the country’s strategic needs.

Strategic Growth Plans

The partnership includes strategic initiatives such as joint product roadmaps and infrastructure investment programs within Telkomsat’s expansive footprint as Equatys scales globally. This approach supports Telkomsat's market position as a technology provider by offering enhanced user experiences through a unique value proposition.

Operating under a shared "space tower" model, Equatys applies a multi-tenant TowerCo approach that reduces redundant capital expenditure while delivering cost-efficient capacity to multiple operators. Its architecture serves three market segments: D2D, IoT, and MSS.

By integrating scalable infrastructure with Telkomsat's accessible markets, Equatys aims to transition from concept to commercialisation. The companies seek to deliver hybrid connectivity that supports digital economies, enterprise innovation, and inclusive growth opportunities globally.

With inputs from WAM