Space42, US-based Viasat to form JV for global direct-to-device services

Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes

UAE-based Space42 and US satellite operator Viasat said they plan to launch a joint venture, Equatys, aimed at delivering global direct-to-device (D2D) services and upgrading existing mobile satellite services to a 5G environment.

The venture will combine satellite and terrestrial networks using a 3GPP non-terrestrial network compliant platform that can be accessed by standard smartphones and IoT devices.

It is expected to support more than 100 MHz of harmonised mobile satellite spectrum allocated across over 160 markets.

Commercial rollout is targeted within three years.

Introducing Equatys: Enabling Mobility Everywhere.​
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Space42 and @viasat partnered to launch Equatys with one common goal; to enable Direct-to-Device (D2D) services across the globe. By deploying united space-based infrastructure, Equatys will extend 5G coverage to more than 180… pic.twitter.com/hZOa9n7zgl

— Space42 (@space42ai) September 15, 2025

Space42-Viasat JV operating model

Equatys will adopt what the partners called a “space tower company” model, offering shared multi-orbit space and ground infrastructure to lower capital costs and improve spectrum utilisation. The design is intended to complement terrestrial networks and reduce duplicate investments across the industry.

“Equatys will achieve what the satellite industry has pursued for decades: combining the scale of terrestrial networks with the efficiency of space,” said Karim Sabbagh, managing director of Space42, and Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, in a joint statement.

“The promise of universal connectivity is now becoming a reality.”

Mark Dankberg, Viasat’s chairman and CEO, said the venture would create a shared, multi-orbit network with standards-based architecture.

“By leveraging high-performance transparent satellite architectures and shared infrastructure, the network will deliver cost-efficient capacity and use 5G New Radio standards evolving the existing deployed MSS services including, for example, the safety of air, land, and sea,” he said.

Space42 was formed in 2024 through the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat.

Shareholders include G42, Mubadala and IHC. Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat in 2023.

The companies said the new entity will operate as a neutral infrastructure provider, with phased equity offerings expected to allow additional investors to join as the system scales.

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