^BARCELONA, Spain, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Space42
(https://space42.ai/en), which is based in the United Arab Emirates
AI-powered SpaceTech companies, and Viasat, Inc. (https://www.viasat.com/),
a global leader in satellite communications, they report
week as part of a jointly organized program at Mobile World
Congress in Barcelona about the latest progress of their planned direct-to-
Device (D2D) infrastructure. They also provide a first insight into the
Priorities of Equatys, the future joint venture between the two companies. The
Program marks the first public presentation of the technical direction
and the commercial vision of Equatys and clarifies the goal
Accelerate global adoption of D2D. The event brings
policymakers, regulators and industry leaders
together to discuss competition, resilience and sovereignty
can be promoted equally – and new business models at the same time
arise so that space-based mobility becomes a common one
Becomes a success story for everyone.
Space42 and Viasat, Inc. are the co-founders of Equatys and together bring
over 60 years of experience in the field of mobile satellite services. Equatys is
designed as an independent, neutral infrastructure platform operated by several
shared between participants to provide 3GPP-based connectivity for
Providing billions of people with access to terrestrial networks
have so far been inadequately achieved. Since the announcement of Equatys in
In September 2025, the co-founders extended the program by founding the
company, technical development and initial commercial contacts
mobile network operators (MNOs) – and thus tangible progress
for a gradual introduction.
Mark Dankberg, CEO and Chairman of Viasat, stated:?Space-based
Mobility forms the basis for global, seamless connectivity. With Equatys
we create a platform that connects nations, network operators and innovators
enables secure, affordable and 3GPP compliant satellite connectivity
for billions of people. This scalable global model
ensures that the entire ecosystem of participants from lower
Barriers to entry, greater supplier diversity, economies of scale and one
stronger competitive dynamics along the entire value chain
benefits. Our goal is to provide a smooth end user experience with seamless
To offer handover and at the same time give network operators more options
open. “
Karim Michel Sabbagh, CEO of Space42, said:
“Equatys shows the disciplined implementation of a clear goal: reach
to combine terrestrial networks with the efficiency of space. The
Collaboration follows Space42’s strategy to position itself as a global leader
To establish providers of non-terrestrial networks, and already has important
technical milestones reached: subscription contracts were prepared,
Mobile network operators won and international applications were submitted.
Equatys demonstrates how space-based mobility can transform traditional mobile
Modernize satellite services, terrestrial networks in underserved areas
and make new services available in different markets.”
Meanwhile, Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, said:?Equatys
is based on the principle that shared infrastructure benefits everyone. The
Spectrum access model allows nations to exercise their sovereign autonomy and the
Maintain control over licenses while maintaining satellite capacity
significant cost savings. In connection with one
standardized architecture that provides seamless and automatic transitions between
terrestrial and satellite networks, we want space-based ones
Expand connectivity for those who are out of reach
traditional networks.”
Constellation architecture and frequency strategy
The system will initially be used in the globally harmonized L- and S-band MSS
Frequency range operated and offers the technical capability over 100
MHz of globally allocated and coordinated MSS spectrum. Through
Compliance with 3GPP standards will make the platform terrestrial and
Seamlessly integrate satellite networks and ensure an automatic transition
enable when terrestrial services are not available – without the
Freedom of choice for operators within the terrestrial network
restrict.
Equatys follows a Tower Co. model that aims to provide the lowest
Unit costs for satellite capacity and at the same time
To protect frequency rights and the sovereign interests of each partner. The
Model is designed to include additional co-founders, satellite operators and
Spectrum holders are welcome as the ecosystem grows. Efficient
Payload and ground technologies minimize mass in orbit and
enable long-term scalability and capital efficiency.
Equatys’ shared multi-tenant infrastructure is supported by up to
2,800 satellites in 60 orbits over three altitudes supported by
Viasat, Inc. and Space42 are used. The architecture enables one
Densification without fundamental redesign, so that the ecosystem
grow in a market-oriented manner and potentially generate billions as demand increases
can serve users.
Commercial dynamics
Space42 has announced partnerships to deliver Equatys-based D2D
Connectivity together with e& UAE, the flagship telecommunications arm of the
global technology group e&, as well as with PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia, the
Indonesia’s national satellite operator.
These agreements reflect the operators’ interest in providing coverage
through integrated satellite-based and terrestrial architectures
expand, compatible with national regulatory frameworks and 3GPP standards
are.
The project is still subject to final agreements,
regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The companies
plan to release more details once the official formation of
Equatys is coming.
Mobile World Congress
Moderate as part of the joint MWC program (http://www.equatys.com/mwc).
Mark Dankberg, CEO and Chairman of Viasat, Inc., and Karim Sabbagh,
Managing Director of Space42, a panel discussion. In this they discuss opportunities
and strategies that will shape space-based mobility in the future. The
Program highlights how the next generation of space-based connectivity
can be developed in such a way that competition is maintained
Services are created, government priorities are taken into account and
At the same time, resilience and choice are strengthened
be expanded.
Those interested can [hier
(https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/agenda/sessions/5993-space-enabled-mobility-
unlocking-a-competitive-resilient-and-sovereign-future)] for the discussion group and
Register for further jointly organized panel discussions.
About Space42
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a United Arab Emirates-based company
based, AI-powered SpaceTech company that provides satellite communications,
Geospatial data analysis and artificial intelligence combined to understand the Earth
Observing space. Space42 was created in 2024 from the successful merger of
Bayanat and Yahsat and uses its global reach to quickly address the
the changing requirements of local governments, companies and municipalities
react. The company is divided into two business areas: Space
Services and Smart Solutions. Space Services focuses on the upstream
Satellite operations for fixed and mobile satellite services. Smart solutions
integrates the collection and processing of geodata with AI
to support decision-making processes, improve situational awareness and the
increase operational efficiency. The main shareholders include G42, Mubadala
and IHC.
For more information, visit www.space42.ai (http://www.space42.ai/).
Please also follow us on X: @space42ai.
Via Viasat
Viasat, Inc. is a global communications company that believes
People and devices can be connected worldwide. With
Viasat organizes communications and networking with branches in 24 countries
by consumers, businesses, governments and militaries worldwide. The
Company is developing a global communications network that provides high-quality,
reliable, secure, affordable and fast connections that enable
have a positive impact on people’s lives everywhere – whether in the country or in the world
Air or sea – and at the same time a sustainable future in space
promotes. In May 2023, Viasat, Inc. acquired Inmarsat and combined the teams,
Technologies and resources of both companies, creating a new, global
established communication partner was created. Further information can be found
at www.viasat.com (http://www.viasat.com/), in the Viasat News Room or on
our social media channels: LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads
and YouTube.
Copyright © 2026 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo
and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the USA and other countries
by Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned serve
for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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