Through their Equatys venture, the UAE and US companies are developing a shared satellite network designed to extend mobile connectivity beyond traditional coverage, backed by equity commitments of up to $1 billion.
Mobile connectivity could be entering a new phase in which smartphones communicate directly with satellites when conventional networks are unavailable. UAE-based Space42 and US satellite communications company Viasat are advancing that possibility through Equatys, a planned global infrastructure platform designed to support direct-to-device satellite connectivity. Backed by potential equity commitments of up to $1 billion, the venture aims to connect smartphones and other devices to satellite networks, creating opportunities for telecommunications operators while expanding access to communications in underserved areas.
The project has gained momentum following a binding agreement signed in September 2026 and a new partnership initiative announced in October. Its development reflects a wider transformation in the satellite industry, where shared infrastructure, international cooperation and mobile technology standards are becoming increasingly important.
Can Smartphones Connect Directly to Satellites?
Traditional mobile communications rely primarily on terrestrial networks, including towers and base stations that transmit signals between devices and telecommunications infrastructure.
Direct-to-device (D2D) technology introduces another connection pathway, allowing compatible smartphones and connected devices to communicate with satellites without relying on a nearby cell tower for that link.
Equatys is being developed around 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards, which are designed to support interoperability between satellite systems and conventional mobile networks.
The platform aims to enable mobile operators to offer messaging, voice and data services in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable or limited.
Potential applications extend from remote communities to maritime operations, logistics, emergency response and other activities that depend on reliable connectivity.
However, the service is still under development. Its eventual availability will depend on compatible devices, network integration, spectrum authorisations and regulatory approvals.
Space42 and Viasat Commit Up to $1 Billion to Equatys
Space42 and Viasat signed a binding agreement on September 14, 2026, to establish Equatys as an independent, shared satellite and ground infrastructure platform.
Under the announced financing framework, each company is expected to contribute an initial $400 million in equity upon the venture’s formation.
Space42 is also expected to contribute up to an additional $200 million in a future financing round, bringing the founders’ combined potential equity commitments to $1 billion.
These amounts represent commitments under the planned investment structure, rather than confirmation that the full amount has already been invested.
The venture’s formation and satellite procurement remain subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
The two companies bring an established international presence to the project, with commercial relationships involving more than 400 mobile network operators worldwide and access to over 100 MHz of globally coordinated mobile satellite spectrum.
A Shared Infrastructure Model for the Satellite Economy
Equatys introduces a business model inspired by telecommunications tower companies, which allow multiple operators to share infrastructure instead of building separate networks.
Applied to satellite communications, this approach could enable different providers to use common space and ground infrastructure while maintaining their own customers, commercial relationships and spectrum rights.
The objective is to reduce duplicated investment, improve the efficiency of satellite capacity and make network expansion more economically viable.
For telecommunications companies, shared infrastructure could offer access to wider coverage without requiring them to develop an independent global satellite constellation.
For investors, the model creates an emerging infrastructure category linked to growing demand for connectivity.
Space42 and Viasat estimate that the global direct-to-device satellite connectivity market could reach between $30 billion and $70 billion by 2040. This is a long-term market projection presented by the companies, not an achieved market value or guaranteed revenue.
Canada Partnership Expands Equatys’ International Ambitions
The development of Equatys took another step forward on October 28, 2026, when Space42, Viasat and Canada’s Terrestar Solutions signed a memorandum of understanding.
The agreement explores technical interoperability between Equatys and Terrestar’s planned CaStar low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation.
Under the proposed framework, the Canadian operator would retain control over its satellites, ground infrastructure, licences and customer relationships while potentially benefiting from shared international capabilities.
This approach seeks to balance global network integration with national control over communications infrastructure and data.
The agreement represents a framework for future cooperation rather than confirmation that the satellite systems have already been connected or entered commercial operation.
When Could Satellite-to-Phone Services Become Available?
Equatys is pursuing a phased development programme, with commercial services targeted from 2029, according to Space42’s managing director, Karim Michel Sabbagh.
The company is already active in satellite communications through its Thuraya network, including the Thuraya-4 satellite, which entered commercial service in 2025.
Space42 has also reported successful testing of direct-to-device messaging and emergency services using standard devices through Thuraya-4, with commercial rollout previously targeted for late 2026.
That programme is separate from the planned global Equatys infrastructure and should not be confused with its future commercial launch.
Equatys is intended to complement existing mobile networks rather than replace cell towers entirely. The goal is to extend connectivity to places and situations where conventional infrastructure cannot provide sufficient coverage.
Why Satellite Connectivity Matters for the UAE Economy
For the UAE, Equatys represents more than an investment in communications technology. It illustrates the growing role of Emirati companies in international infrastructure partnerships and emerging technology markets.
Space42 combines satellite communications, geospatial capabilities and artificial intelligence, aligning its international expansion with Abu Dhabi’s broader technology and AI ambitions.
The project also fits within the UAE’s increasingly diversified business and investment landscape, where companies are developing capabilities across sectors with global demand.
The commercial opportunity is significant, but the transition from technical plans to widespread service will depend on satellite deployment, regulatory cooperation, device compatibility and effective partnerships with mobile operators.
If those conditions are met, Equatys could help redefine the boundaries of mobile coverage, making satellite connectivity a more integrated part of the global telecommunications industry.
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