Space42 and Viasat have shared new details about their planned direct-to-device (D2D) satellite infrastructure and the strategic priorities of Equatys, their forthcoming joint venture, during a joint programme at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The session marked the first public presentation of the technical roadmap and commercial vision for Equatys, highlighting the partners’ ambition to accelerate the global adoption of D2D connectivity.
Space42 and Viasat, which together bring more than six decades of experience in mobile satellite services, are cofounders of Equatys. The venture is designed as an independent and neutral infrastructure platform that will extend standards-based connectivity to areas where terrestrial networks remain limited. Since the project was first announced in September 2025, the partners have advanced several stages of development, including the formation of the venture, engineering progress and early commercial engagement with mobile network operators.
Mark Dankberg, CEO and Chairman of Viasat, said: “Space-enabled mobility is a foundational layer for global, seamless connectivity. With Equatys, we are building a platform that empowers nations, operators, and innovators to extend secure, affordable, 3GPP-aligned satellite connectivity to billions. This scalable global model ensures the full ecosystem of participants can benefit from lower barriers to entry, expanded supplier diversity and economies of scale, and stronger competitive dynamics across the value chain. We are committed to delivering a frictionless end-user experience with seamless handover enabling choice for the carriers. ”
Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, added: “Equatys reflects disciplined execution against a clear objective: combining the scale of terrestrial networks with the efficiency of space. The collaboration is rooted in Space42’s strategy to become a global leader in Non-Terrestrial Networks, and to date has achieved significant engineering milestones, with subscription agreements underway, mobile network operators engaged, and international filings submitted. Equatys demonstrates how space-enabled mobility can modernize legacy Mobile Satellite Services, augment terrestrial networks in lacking areas, and unlock new services across markets.”
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, commented: “Equatys is being built on the principle that shared infrastructure benefits all. The spectrum access model allows nations to retain their sovereign autonomy and licensee control, while advancing satellite capacity with significant cost savings. Combined with a standards-based architecture designed to allow seamless, automatic transition between terrestrial and satellite networks, we intend to scale space-enabled connectivity to those beyond traditional network reach.”
The system is expected to operate initially in globally harmonized L- and S-band MSS spectrum, with technical capability to operate across over 100 MHz of globally allocated and coordinated MSS spectrum. By aligning with 3GPP standards, the platform will integrate terrestrial and satellite networks, enabling seamless transition when terrestrial service becomes unavailable. This will be done while preserving operators’ choice within the -Terrestrial Network ecosystem.
Operating on a Tower Co. model, Equatys intends to deliver the lowest unit cost of satellite capacity while preserving each partner’s spectrum rights and sovereign interests. The model is designed to welcome additional cofounders, satellite operators, and spectrum holders as the ecosystem takes shape. Efficient payload and ground technologies are intended to minimize mass-to-orbit requirements while supporting long-term scalability and capital efficiency.
Equatys’ shared multi-tenant infrastructure will be supported by up to 2,800 satellites across 60 orbital planes and three altitude layers, deployed by Viasat and Space42. The architecture is intended to densify without fundamental redesign, enabling ecosystem growth at a market-responsive pace and catering to billions of potential users as demand scales.
Space42 has announced partnerships to explore Equatys-enabled D2D connectivity with e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&, and with PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat), Indonesia’s national satellite operator.
These engagements reflect operator interest in extending coverage through integrated satellite-terrestrial architectures, aligned with national regulatory frameworks and 3GPP standards.
The venture remains subject to definitive agreements, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions. The companies intend to provide further updates as Equatys progresses toward formal establishment.
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