BARCELONA, Spain -
Thursday, 02. April 2026
(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, and Viasat, Inc.,
a global leader in satellite communications, will discuss continued
progress toward their planned direct-to-device (D2D) infrastructure and
offer an early look at the priorities for Equatys, the companies'
forthcoming joint entity, during a co-hosted program at Mobile World
Congress in Barcelona this week. The program marks the first public
showcase of Equatys' technical direction and commercial vision,
reflecting its ambition to accelerate global D2D adoption. This event
brings together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to
explore how competition, resilience, and sovereignty can be advanced
simultaneously, along with enabling new business cases, turning
space-enabled mobility into a shared success story for all.
Space42 and Viasat are the cofounders of
Equatys, bringing together over 60 years of combined mobile satellite
services experience. Equatys is designed as an independent, neutral,
multi-participant shared infrastructure platform to extend 3GPP-based
connectivity to the billions underserved by terrestrial networks. Since
announcing Equatys in September 2025, the cofounders have advanced the
program across initiation of venture formation, engineering development,
and initial commercial engagement with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs),
marking concrete progress toward phased deployment.
Mark Dankberg, CEO and Chairman of Viasat, said:
"Space-enabled mobility is a foundational layer for global, seamless
connectivity. With Equatys, we are building a platform that empowers
nations, operators, and innovators to extend secure, affordable,
3GPP-aligned satellite connectivity to billions. This scalable global
model ensures the full ecosystem of participants can benefit from lower
barriers to entry, expanded supplier diversity and economies of scale,
and stronger competitive dynamics across the value chain. We are
committed to delivering a frictionless end-user experience with seamless
handover enabling choice for the carriers. "
Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42,
said: "Equatys reflects disciplined execution against a clear
objective: combining the scale of terrestrial networks with the
efficiency of space. The collaboration is rooted in Space42's strategy
to become a global leader in Non-Terrestrial Networks, and to date has
achieved significant engineering milestones, with subscription
agreements underway, mobile network operators engaged, and international
filings submitted. Equatys demonstrates how space-enabled mobility can
modernize legacy Mobile Satellite Services, augment terrestrial networks
in lacking areas, and unlock new services across markets."
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42,
commented: "Equatys is being built on the principle that shared
infrastructure benefits all. The spectrum access model allows nations to
retain their sovereign autonomy and licensee control, while advancing
satellite capacity with significant cost savings. Combined with a
standards-based architecture designed to allow seamless, automatic
transition between terrestrial and satellite networks, we intend to
scale space-enabled connectivity to those beyond traditional network
reach."
Constellation Architecture and Spectrum Strategy
The system is expected to operate
initially in globally harmonized L- and S-band MSS spectrum, with
technical capability to operate across over 100 MHz of globally
allocated and coordinated MSS spectrum. By aligning with 3GPP standards,
the platform will integrate terrestrial and satellite networks,
enabling seamless transition when terrestrial service becomes
unavailable. This will be done while preserving operators’ choice within
the -Terrestrial Network ecosystem.
Operating on a Tower Co. model, Equatys
intends to deliver the lowest unit cost of satellite capacity while
preserving each partner's spectrum rights and sovereign interests. The
model is designed to welcome additional cofounders, satellite operators,
and spectrum holders as the ecosystem takes shape. Efficient payload
and ground technologies are intended to minimize mass-to-orbit
requirements while supporting long-term scalability and capital
efficiency.
Equatys' shared multi-tenant
infrastructure will be supported by up to 2,800 satellites across 60
orbital planes and three altitude layers, deployed by Viasat and
Space42. The architecture is intended to densify without fundamental
redesign, enabling ecosystem growth at a market-responsive pace and
catering to billions of potential users as demand scales.
Commercial Momentum
Space42 has announced partnerships to
explore Equatys-enabled D2D connectivity with e& UAE, the flagship
telecom arm of global technology group e&, and with PT Telkom
Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat), Indonesia's national satellite operator.
These engagements reflect operator
interest in extending coverage through integrated satellite-terrestrial
architectures, aligned with national regulatory frameworks and 3GPP
standards.
The venture remains subject to
definitive agreements, regulatory approvals, and customary closing
conditions. The companies intend to provide further updates as Equatys
progresses toward formal establishment.
Mobile World Congress
As part of the co-hosted MWC program,
Viasat CEO and Chairman Mark Dankberg and Space42 Managing Director
Karim Sabbagh will conduct a Fireside Chat to discuss the opportunities
and policies shaping the future of space-enabled mobility. The program
will explore how the next generation of space-enabled connectivity can
be designed to preserve competition, unlock new service capabilities,
and align with sovereign priorities, while strengthening resilience and
expanding choice.
Attendees can register for the Fireside Chat and other co-hosted panels [here].
About Space42
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based
AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications,
geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to
enlighten the Earth from space. Formed in 2024 by the successful merger
of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42's global reach allows it to address the
rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and
communities. Space42 comprises two business units: Space Services and
Smart Solutions. Space Services focuses on upstream satellite operations
for both fixed and mobility satellite services. Smart Solutions
integrates geospatial data acquisition and processing with AI to inform
decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational
efficiency. Major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
For more information, visit: www.space42.ai; follow us on X: @space42ai
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications
company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be
connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission
shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the
world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global
communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure,
affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives
anywhere they are, on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a
sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its
acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources
of the two companies to create a new global communications partner.
Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.
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Contacts :
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