The UAE’s Space42 and American satellite communications powerhouse Viasat have officially entered into a binding agreement to launch Equatys, a massive infrastructure platform dedicated to closing global connectivity gaps. By committing an initial $1 billion in equity, the two companies aim to provide seamless satellite-to-phone coverage, allowing standard smartphones and IoT devices to access network services in remote areas or locations with poor cellular reception. Operating on a “Tower Company” model, Equatys will allow multiple operators to share the same infrastructure, mirroring the collaborative approach that has historically helped terrestrial mobile networks scale efficiently.

This ambitious project is designed to leverage 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards, which enable ordinary devices to connect to satellite constellations without requiring specialized hardware. The venture plans to eventually scale to a network of 2,800 satellites across various orbital layers, utilizing an extensive portfolio of L-band and S-band spectrum. By positioning itself as a shared, interoperable hub, Equatys intends to tap into a rapidly expanding direct-to-device market that is projected to be worth billions by 2040. While the partnership is still subject to regulatory approvals, both firms view this as a transformative step in making high-quality, satellite-based connectivity as common as traditional mobile service.