Space42 and Viasat Launch Equatys Venture
UAE-based Space42 and US satellite communications company Viasat have signed a binding agreement to formally establish Equatys. The venture will build a shared space and ground infrastructure platform for direct-to-device connectivity.
The companies will commit up to $1 billion in combined equity. Therefore, the agreement accelerates development of Equatys’ initial satellite constellation and ground infrastructure.
The companies signed the agreement during World Space Business Week in Paris. For Space42, the deal also strengthens the UAE’s position in the emerging non-terrestrial network market.
Equatys Targets Direct-to-Device Connectivity
Equatys will connect smartphones, IoT devices and other terminals directly to satellites. As a result, mobile operators could extend voice, text and data services into areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
The platform will use 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network standards. As a result, compatible everyday devices can access satellite connectivity without specialized satellite hardware.
The initial architecture is designed to scale to 2,800 satellites. The constellation could also operate across 60 orbital planes and three altitude layers.
The system will operate through a shared infrastructure model. As a result, multiple satellite operators and spectrum licensees can use shared space and ground assets while retaining their own customers and commercial relationships.
Equatys will also follow what the companies call a “Tower Company” model. This approach aims to reduce duplicated infrastructure costs and improve network availability as participation grows.
Space42 and Viasat Commit Initial Funding
Space42 and Viasat will each contribute $400 million when Equatys forms. Meanwhile, Space42 expects to provide another $200 million through a future funding round open to third-party investors.
The combined founder commitment can therefore reach $1 billion. However, the venture remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Viasat is expected to become Equatys’ prime technology contractor. In addition, the initial constellation procurement process will accelerate alongside the increased funding commitment.
The companies also bring significant existing market access. Together, they have commercial relationships with more than 400 mobile operators worldwide and access to more than 100 MHz of globally coordinated MSS spectrum.
Space42 contributes coordinated L-band spectrum rights across more than 160 markets. Meanwhile, Viasat holds coordinated MSS spectrum rights across the L-band globally and the S-band in Europe.
UAE Gains Larger Role in Satellite Connectivity
The Equatys initiative builds on work that Space42 and Viasat began in March 2025. The companies later announced their intention to establish the venture in September 2025.
Space42 has also pursued relationships with mobile operators interested in direct-to-device connectivity. Earlier this year, the company announced engagements involving e& UAE and Indonesia’s Telkomsat.
For the UAE, Equatys strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role in developing next-generation satellite communications. Moreover, direct-to-device technology could expand connectivity for remote communities, transport networks and other areas beyond reliable terrestrial coverage.
The companies estimate that the global D2D satellite connectivity market could reach $30 billion to $70 billion by 2040. The growth will initially benefit from NTN capabilities embedded in 3GPP Release 17.
Equatys is therefore targeting a market that connects terrestrial mobile networks with satellite infrastructure. At the same time, its shared model could allow additional spectrum holders and satellite operators to participate without duplicating entire constellations.
However, Equatys still needs regulatory approvals and to complete its definitive agreements. Consequently, the $1 billion commitment and constellation deployment remain subject to those conditions before the venture reaches full operational scale.
