US UAE Direct-To-Device Satellite Connectivity Venture: Equatys

 US UAE Direct-To-Device Satellite Connectivity Venture: The $1B Equatys Infrastructure Shift 

The emergence of direct-to-device satellite connectivity marks a structural transformation in telecommunications. Rather than relying on isolated proprietary constellations, space-based networks are shifting toward shared, standards-compliant infrastructure capable of bridging global coverage gaps.

US-based Viasat and UAE-based Space42 have signed a binding establishment agreement for the Equatys shared satellite infrastructure platform, committing up to $1 billion in equity. As reported by Reuters, the founders will each contribute an initial $400 million, with Space42 potentially providing another $200 million in a future funding round to support the Viasat Space42 $1 billion satellite venture. Official program updates published directly by Viasat explain that the scalable constellation design targets up to 2,800 satellites across 60 orbital planes and three altitude layers, utilizing more than 100 MHz of globally coordinated MSS spectrum. Meanwhile, detailed coverage from Khaleej Times highlights that Equatys operates on a neutral "Tower Company" model. This framework enables mobile network operators to deliver voice, text, and data directly to standard smartphones without requiring individual operators to fund independent hardware systems.

By anchoring operations in 3GPP NTN direct-to-device connectivity standards—specifically Release 17—Equatys turns satellite assets into wholesale multi-tenant infrastructure. This open architecture capitalizes on projections that the direct-to-device market will reach $30–70 billion by 2040, providing infrastructure-grade returns while allowing participating operators to retain their spectrum rights and customer relationships.

Will shared space infrastructure become the primary model for expanding global mobile coverage?

FAQs

What is the main goal of the Equatys joint venture? 

Equatys aims to provide shared space and ground infrastructure to enable direct satellite connections for standard smartphones and IoT devices in unserved regions.

How does the Tower Company model benefit mobile network operators? 

It lowers capital expenditure by eliminating duplicate satellite deployments, letting multiple operators share capacity while maintaining their commercial independence.