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In a joint press release distributed via GlobeNewswire, Space42 and Viasat detailed the signing of a binding agreement at World Space Business Week in Paris to formally establish Equatys as a shared space and ground infrastructure platform for global direct-to-device and advanced mobile satellite services connectivity. The companies will commit up to $1 billion in initial equity as co-founders, with the funding intended to accelerate development of an initial satellite constellation. Upon formation of Equatys, Viasat is expected to be appointed as the prime technology contractor, according to the announcement.
The release built on collaboration that began with funded technical and commercial studies of shared non-terrestrial network infrastructure in March 2025 followed by an announcement of the partners’ intention to form Equatys in September 2025. Equatys will operate as an independent neutral multi-participant platform that extends mobile coverage and overlay where terrestrial networks cannot reach including in coverage gaps within populated metropolitan areas. This structure is designed to deliver a foundation for operator choice interoperability and scalable growth that can accommodate additional strategic and financial partners.
Space42 will provide an initial equity contribution of $400 million with plans for an additional $200 million in a future funding round while Viasat will commit $400 million bringing the combined total to $1 billion at establishment the announcement specified. The partners together maintain commercial relationships with more than 400 mobile operators worldwide and hold access to more than 100 megahertz of globally coordinated mobile satellite spectrum available for direct-to-device deployment. Equatys aims to connect smartphones Internet of Things devices and other terminals directly to satellites while evolving existing mobile satellite services toward a 5G network environment using standards-based open architecture.
Space42 the Abu Dhabi-listed AI-powered SpaceTech company that was formed in 2024 through the merger of Yahsat and Bayanat positions the venture as a core element of its non-terrestrial networks strategy. Viasat the Nasdaq-listed global leader in satellite and secure communications contributes expertise in multi-orbit networks and high-performance transparent satellite architectures. The announcement highlighted how the combined capabilities will address accelerating global demand for satellite-enabled mobile connectivity across consumer enterprise and safety applications.
Development will proceed in phases with the initial tranche of the constellation awarded following Equatys formation the companies indicated. The platform will function as an industry-first space tower company implementing a shared multi-tenant model that lowers capital costs and improves spectrum utilization for all participants. This model draws parallels to terrestrial tower operators while facilitating seamless handover between satellite and terrestrial networks for mobile operators.
Funding for Equatys is expected to draw from the founders’ equity along with potential third-party equity and debt financing as the system expands the release stated. The partners emphasized that the initiative creates a uniquely scalable foundation built on proven technology and extensive spectrum holdings. Equatys will support a range of uses from voice text and data services in underserved regions to specialized applications in maritime aviation and remote operations.
