Space42 and Viasat Launch Global D2D & Satellite 5G Venture

Space42 and Viasat have announced the launch of Equatys, a jointly owned venture designed to deliver global direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services. The company will leverage more than 100 MHz of harmonized MSS spectrum across 160+ markets, creating what is expected to be the world’s largest coordinated spectrum block for mobile satellite connectivity.

Equatys will operate on a 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial network (NTN) platform, extending 5G services to standard smartphones and IoT devices without the need for specialist hardware. Commercial rollout is targeted within three years.

A key feature of the initiative is its neutral infrastructure model. Equatys will function as a shared “space tower” operator, offering multi-orbit capacity through a multi-tenant system. This is designed to:

• reduce duplication of capital investment,

• allow licensed operators and governments to integrate infrastructure within national frameworks, and

• support space sustainability by minimizing orbital footprint.

For operators, the model promises cost-efficient access to satellite-enabled 5G that complements terrestrial networks and accelerates time-to-market. For governments, it provides a path to secure and sovereign deployment of space-based communications.

By combining terrestrial scale with space-based reach, Equatys aims to create the infrastructure layer that underpins both advanced MSS services and next-generation D2D connectivity.

SOURCE: https://www.space42.ai/en/press-release/2025/space42-equatys-launch