Space42 And Viasat Collaborate To Launch Equatys For Global Direct-to-Device Connectivity

Space42 and Viasat, Inc., a prominent name in satellite and secure communications, have announced their intention to form Equatys. This new entity aims to offer global Direct-to-Device (D2D) services and transition current and future Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) into a 5G network environment. The collaboration seeks to merge satellite and terrestrial networks using a 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Release compliant platform.

The initiative is expected to extend service accessibility to standard smartphones and IoT devices, reaching billions globally. It plans to support over 100 MHz of harmonised MSS spectrum already allocated across more than 160 markets. The commercial rollout is anticipated within three years, establishing a foundation for reliable worldwide communications.

Karim Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, and Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, expressed their vision for Equatys. They stated, "Equatys will achieve what the satellite industry has pursued for decades: combining the scale of terrestrial networks with the efficiency of space. The promise of universal connectivity is now becoming a reality. Backed by global spectrum, proven technology, and strong partners, Equatys represents infrastructure built to power societies and transform economies worldwide."

Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, highlighted the unique capabilities of Equatys. He said it would enable a shared multi-orbit network with standards-based open architecture. This approach addresses significant D2D and next-generation MSS market opportunities by leveraging high-performance transparent satellite architectures.

Equatys will function as a lean infrastructure provider using a shared multi-tenant model. This model reduces redundant investments while delivering cost-efficient capacity to ecosystem participants. By complementing terrestrial networks, it creates sustainable growth opportunities across the industry.

The venture aims to create an inclusive environment for all stakeholders rather than a winner-takes-all scenario. Through shared multi-orbit infrastructure, participants can benefit from scale advantages while minimising individual investment risks.

Empowering Global Communication

The platform is designed to enable operators to grow profitably while allowing governments to maintain national data sovereignty through ownership and operation of infrastructure. It also encourages local space industries to engage in space and ground technology development and manufacturing.

The 5G open architecture platform will align with the 3GPP framework. Equatys will operate as a neutral "space tower" company providing low-cost space and ground infrastructure that licensed operators can share.

This setup allows multiple independent operators to utilise spectrum blocks on a single global system currently used on separate satellite systems.

Equatys represents an innovative step towards integrating satellite and terrestrial networks for enhanced global communication capabilities. With its strategic approach, it promises significant advancements in connectivity solutions worldwide.

With inputs from WAM