Space42 and Viasat have announced the formation of Equatys, a new venture aimed at integrating satellite and terrestrial networks to provide global direct-to-device services. The initiative is expected to use a 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Release compliant platform that will be accessible to standard smartphones and IoT devices, with the goal of extending connectivity to billions of users and devices worldwide. Equatys is projected to support over 100 MHz of harmonized mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum already allocated in more than 160 markets, with commercial operations planned within three years.
Karim Sabbagh, Managing Director at Space42, and Ali Al Hashemi, CEO Space Services at Space42, stated: “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, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, said: “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.”
The company plans to operate as an infrastructure provider using a shared multi-tenant model intended to reduce redundant investments while delivering cost-efficient capacity. This approach is designed to complement terrestrial networks while creating growth opportunities across the telecommunications industry.
The venture’s business model seeks to create collaborative opportunities among stakeholders rather than fostering competition for dominance. Through its shared multi-orbit infrastructure proposition, operators are expected to benefit from economies of scale while reducing individual investment risks. The platform aims to help operators expand profitably; governments can own or operate infrastructure for national data sovereignty; local space industries may participate in both technology development and manufacturing.
The platform’s architecture will follow 3GPP standards for open interoperability. Equatys intends to function as a neutral “space tower” company offering low-cost space and ground infrastructure that multiple licensed operators can share globally.
On investment strategy, Equatys expects agreements that enable access to capital-intensive 5G New Radio-capable space and ground systems at reduced costs for regional and global operators. Financial investors may see returns typical of infrastructure investments along with equity appreciation potential as phased offerings allow more strategic partners over time.
In terms of governance and sustainability goals, Equatys says it will offer secure infrastructures compatible with nations’ existing systems while supporting sovereign deployment options. Design principles include minimizing orbital footprint in line with sustainable use of space resources.
This announcement comes after Space42 and Viasat signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2025 outlining plans for this jointly-owned infrastructure company.
