Space42 and Viasat Sign Agreement to Co-found ‘Equatys’
Faizan Hashmi | September 14, 2026
PARIS (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 14th Sep, 2026) – Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, and Viasat, Inc., a global leader in satellite and secure communications, have announced the signing of an agreement at World Space Business Week in Paris. The partnership formally establishes Equatys, a shared space and ground infrastructure platform designed to extend mobile coverage where terrestrial networks fail, including in densely populated urban areas.
Upon its formation, Space42 and Viasat will contribute an initial equity investment of up to US$1 billion. The agreement also outlines joint funding for the development of the initial constellation, with Viasat expected to be appointed as the company’s primary technology contractor.
Equatys aims to address the growing demand for satellite-enabled mobile connectivity. With 3GPP NTN standards allowing everyday smartphones and connected devices to access satellite networks, the Direct-to-Device (D2D) and advanced MSS market is projected to expand significantly in the coming decades. Together, Viasat and Space42 offer unparalleled global reach through partnerships with over 400 mobile operators worldwide and extensive access to coordinated MSS spectrum for D2D deployment.
The platform will enable smartphones, IoT devices, and other equipment to connect directly to satellites, providing mobile network operators with a solution for offering voice, text, and data services in areas where cellular networks are unavailable or sparse.
This agreement builds upon the successful technical design and manufacturing work by Space42 and Viasat on the satellite systems, coupled with progress within the ecosystem regarding seamless terrestrial network integration, interoperability standards, and feedback from several mobile operators and participants.
Equatys, first announced in March 2025, follows the successful funding studies conducted by Space42 and Viasat into shared non-terrestrial network (NTN) infrastructure in September 2025.
The company operates under a Tower Company model, a proven strategy that helped the terrestrial mobile industry scale efficiently by sharing standardized and/or common infrastructure among multiple operators. By sharing infrastructure, Equatys aims to reduce capital expenditure, accelerate deployment, enhance service availability, and preserve operator independence.
