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Highlights

  • Equatys to deploy shared Non-Terrestrial-Network infrastructure with 100+ MHz MSS spectrum coverage
  • Platform to support standard smartphones and IoT devices with global 5G connectivity
  • Commercial rollout targeted within three years, pending regulatory approvals and market coordination

Space42 (ADX:SPACE42) and Viasat (NASDAQ:VSAT) have announced the formation of Equatys, a joint venture designed to enable global Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity and advance Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) into a 5G-ready network environment. The partnership aims to deliver the world’s largest coordinated spectrum block for D2D services across more than 160 markets.

Equatys will operate as a “space tower company,” building shared space and ground Non-Terrestrial-Network (NTN) infrastructure that integrates with terrestrial networks. The venture’s platform will support over 100 MHz of harmonized MSS spectrum, allowing connectivity on standard smartphones and IoT devices without requiring specialized terminals.

According to the companies, the platform will follow a shared, multi-tenant model designed to minimize redundant investments and optimize spectrum utilization. It will be aligned with the 3GPP framework for 5G open architecture, enabling compatibility for mobile network operators, device manufacturers, and service providers to access space-based connectivity in a coordinated manner.

In a joint statement, the companies said, “Equatys represents a significant step forward in the convergence of space and terrestrial networks, creating a shared infrastructure that can scale globally and support a broad ecosystem.”

The venture targets commercial service rollout within three years, subject to regulatory approvals and market readiness. The companies expect the platform to open opportunities for mobile operators seeking cost-efficient global coverage, particularly in underserved or remote areas.

The partnership highlights several potential advantages, including access to a globally harmonized spectrum block, reduced capital requirements through shared infrastructure, and a framework that supports long-term expansion of D2D services. The companies also emphasized that the Equatys model is designed to deliver infrastructure-grade returns while offering participants equity appreciation potential.

However, the timeline for rollout indicates that material revenue generation may not occur until after the initial three-year development phase. In addition, the venture remains subject to customary closing conditions, and the complexity of coordinating multiple stakeholders across 160 markets may present execution challenges.