Space42 and Viasat Launch Equatys for Global 5G Connectivity
Space42 and Viasat have announced plans to form Equatys, a joint venture designed to deliver global Direct-to-Device (D2D) services and evolve Mobile Satellite Services into a 5G environment. Equatys will merge satellite and terrestrial networks using a 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Release–compliant platform, accessible through standard smartphones and IoT devices. With more than 100 MHz of harmonized spectrum already allocated across 160 markets, the venture aims to extend connectivity to billions of people and devices worldwide.
Karim Sabbagh and Ali Al Hashemi emphasized, “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 added, “Equatys will uniquely make possible a shared multi-orbit network of scale with standards-based open architecture to address the significant D2D and next-generation MSS market opportunity. 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.”
Infrastructure Designed for Shared Growth
Equatys will introduce a new “space tower” company model, operating as a lean infrastructure provider through a shared multi-tenant system. This model reduces redundant investments while increasing cost efficiency for participants. By complementing terrestrial networks, it creates a sustainable pathway for growth across the broader ecosystem.
The approach ensures governments can maintain data sovereignty while still collaborating in global networks. At the same time, local space industries will have opportunities to participate in developing space and ground technologies. The 5G open architecture platform will align with the 3GPP framework, allowing multiple independent operators to share a single global system. This structure eliminates the need for each operator to build separate satellite systems, lowering costs and maximizing spectrum utilization.
Rather than adopting a winner-takes-all stance, the model establishes a balanced environment where all stakeholders benefit. Operators gain profitable growth opportunities, governments secure national interests, and manufacturers expand their role in global space industries.
Investment and Sustainability for the Future
From an investment perspective, Equatys is structured to attract financial and strategic partners. Agreements will make 5G New Radio–capable infrastructure available at the lowest possible cost to licensed operators globally. Investors are expected to see infrastructure-grade returns and equity appreciation, while phased equity offerings will enable broader participation as the system grows.
Equatys also integrates principles of sustainability. The platform is being designed to minimize orbital footprint while maximizing efficient use of space resources. Nations will benefit from secure, standards-based infrastructure compatible with existing systems, along with options for sovereign deployment.
This initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier in March 2025. Moving beyond technical and commercial studies, the new agreement sets the foundation for a jointly owned company prepared to lead the next stage of global satellite-enabled connectivity.
