Abu dhabi: Space42 and Viasat, Inc., a leader in satellite and secure communications, announced their plan to form Equatys, a jointly held entity aimed at enabling global Direct-to-Device (D2D) services. This initiative will evolve existing and planned Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) into a 5G network environment.
According to Emirates News Agency, Equatys is set to integrate satellite and terrestrial networks by utilizing a 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Release compliant platform. This platform will be accessible to standard smartphones and IoT devices, aiming to extend service to billions of people and devices globally.
Anticipated to support over 100 MHz of harmonised MSS spectrum allocated across more than 160 markets, the venture is expected to lay the groundwork for reliable global communications with a commercial rollout targeted within three years.
Karim Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, and Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services, Space42, stated that Equatys will combine the scale of terrestrial networks with the efficiency of space, making the promise of universal connectivity a reality. Backed by global spectrum and proven technology, Equatys aims to transform economies worldwide.
Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, highlighted that Equatys will facilitate a shared multi-orbit network of scale with standards-based open architecture. This network will address the D2D and next-generation MSS market opportunities by leveraging high-performance satellite architectures and shared infrastructure.
Equatys will operate as a lean infrastructure provider using a shared multi-tenant model, reducing redundant investments while delivering cost-efficient capacity to ecosystem participants. This approach is designed to complement terrestrial networks and foster sustainable growth across the industry.
The venture aims to create a win-win playing field for all stakeholders. By offering shared multi-orbit infrastructure, participants will benefit from scale advantages while minimizing individual investment risk.
The platform is envisioned to enable operators to grow profitably, allow governments to maintain national data sovereignty through infrastructure ownership, and encourage local space industries to engage in technology development and manufacturing.
The 5G open architecture platform will align with the 3GPP framework. Equatys will operate as a neutral 'space tower' company, providing low-cost space and ground infrastructure that licensed operators can share, enabling multiple independent operators to utilize the spectrum blocks on a single global system.