Space42 and Viasat Launch Equatys: Pioneering Global Direct-to-Device Connectivity with World’s Largest Spectrum Block

Staff Correspondent
Sep 15
2 min read

Space42 and Viasat have unveiled plans to form Equatys, a joint venture that aims to reshape mobile communications by enabling Direct-to-Device (D2D) services on a global scale.

The venture will operate on what is being described as the world’s largest coordinated spectrum block for D2D, giving smartphones and IoT devices direct access to satellite connectivity where terrestrial networks are absent. The goal is to extend reliable coverage to billions of people and devices worldwide, while evolving Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) into a 5G-ready environment.

Equatys will adopt an industry-first “space tower” model—a shared Non-Terrestrial-Network (NTN) infrastructure designed to cut capital costs, reduce duplication, and maximize spectrum efficiency. Much like terrestrial tower companies, this neutral platform will allow multiple operators to share the same infrastructure and spectrum, unlocking scale without forcing a winner-takes-all scenario.

Commercial rollout is targeted within three years, leveraging more than 100 MHz of harmonized MSS spectrum already allocated across 160+ markets.

Karim Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, and Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, emphasized the transformative nature of the project: “Equatys will achieve what the satellite industry has pursued for decades—combining the reach of terrestrial networks with the efficiency of space. Universal connectivity is no longer just a vision.”

Viasat’s Chairman and CEO, Mark Dankberg, highlighted Equatys’ standards-based approach: “By creating a shared, multi-orbit network with open architecture, Equatys can deliver cost-efficient capacity and bring 5G New Radio standards to next-generation MSS. This includes vital applications across air, land, and sea.”

Why Equatys Matters

First-of-its-kind “Space Tower” model: By applying the terrestrial tower company model to space, Equatys lowers infrastructure costs and enables operators to share spectrum and satellites, boosting efficiency.
Scale through harmonized spectrum: With access to 100+ MHz across 160+ markets, Equatys could become the backbone of global Direct-to-Device connectivity.
Bridge to 5G NTN: The venture accelerates the evolution of Mobile Satellite Services into 3GPP-compliant 5G networks, ensuring compatibility with standard smartphones and IoT devices.
Strategic play for governments and investors: Governments gain data sovereignty options, while investors get exposure to infrastructure-grade returns in a rapidly expanding D2D market.
Sustainability-driven growth: Designed with a smaller orbital footprint, the initiative aligns with global pressure for responsible satellite deployment.

Investment & Sovereignty

Equatys is structured to attract infrastructure-grade investment by offering operators access to advanced 5G NR space and ground systems at lower cost. Governments will retain options for sovereign deployment, while local industries can participate in the development and manufacturing of space and ground technologies.