Space42 and Viasat Inc. have announced they will form a joint venture called Equatys to offer global direct-to-device (D2D) services and evolve mobile satellite services (MSS) into a 5G network environment.
Equatys will combine satellite and terrestrial networks using a 3GPP non-terrestrial network (NTN) compliant platform that standard smartphones and IoT devices can access. The venture will use more than 100 MHz of harmonised MSS spectrum already allocated in over 160 markets. Commercial deployment is targeted within three years.
The business model will be a shared multi-tenant infrastructure provider, which Space42 and Viasat aim to operate as a “space tower company.” The model aims to reduce costs by sharing space and ground non-terrestrial network infrastructure, thereby improving spectrum utilisation.
Space42 was formed in 2024 by merging Bayanat and Al Yah Satellite Communications. Its major shareholders include G42, Mubadala and IHC. Viasat acquired Inmarsat in 2023.
Equatys was formed after a memorandum of understanding between Space42 and Viasat earlier in 2025. The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
