Space42, Viasat form joint venture to launch D2D 5G mobile satellite services | Computer Weekly

"In a move that the parties said will create an industry-first space tower company model, implementing shared space and ground non-terrestrial-network (NTN) infrastructure, lowering capital costs and improving spectrum utilisation for all those involved in it, Space42 and Viasat are to launch jointly held entity Equatys Venture. The launch is aimed at enabling global direct-to-device (D2D) services, as well as evolving existing and planned mobile satellite services (MSS) to a 5G network environment."

"Formed in 2024 by the successful merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, UAE-based AI-powered space technology company Space42 integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to provide comms links. The company believes that its reach allows it to address "the rapidly evolving needs" of its customers in governments, enterprises and communities. The company comprises two business units: space services and smart solutions. Space services focuses on upstream satellite operations for both fixed and mobility satellite services."

"Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. Completing its acquisition of Inmarsat in May 2023, Viasat has offices in 24 countries around the world addressing the comms and connectivity needs of consumers, businesses, governments and militaries. In May 2025, the enterprise business division of its communication services segment launched a connectivity service to deliver two-way messaging connectivity across the globe, even in the most remote and challenging environments."

Space42 and Viasat are launching a jointly held entity, Equatys Venture, to create an industry-first space tower company model with shared space and ground non-terrestrial-network (NTN) infrastructure. The model aims to lower capital costs and improve spectrum utilisation for participants. Equatys targets enabling global direct-to-device (D2D) services and evolving existing and planned mobile satellite services (MSS) into a 5G network environment. Space42, formed in 2024 by the Bayanat and Yahsat merger, combines satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence across space services and smart solutions units. Viasat, after acquiring Inmarsat, maintains global operations and recently launched a two-way global messaging connectivity service. Equatys intends a 3GPP NTN Release-compliant platform accessible to standard smartphones and IoT devices.

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