Viasat and UAE-based Space42 kick started a joint venture in an effort to expand both company’s direct-to-device (D2D) services, and build out a 100+ MHz network across 160 markets.
Viasat and Space42 signed an MOU in March, agreeing to research how they could find common ground and secure as much of the growing D2D market as possible. Hence, the joint venture—dubbed Equatys—was born.
Win-win: The aim of the new joint venture is to combine terrestrial networks with multi-orbit satcom infrastructure to provide global connectivity at the lowest possible cost to network operators.
At a time when spectrum licenses have become increasingly competitive—and in some cases have been sold from one operator to another for tens of billions of dollars—Equatys is taking a different approach to benefit from economies of scale.
Essentially, Equatys wants to operate as a “space tower,” offering network operators a single global network to utilize spectrum blocks that would otherwise be held by separate satellite networks.
The JV will also work towards developing a 5G open architecture platform that will allow commercial operators to maximize their profits, by sharing usage of the low-cost space and ground infrastructure.
Expansion plans: The new network is expected to roll out commercially by 2028. In the meantime, Equatys has opened the door for more partners to join in on the network’s development and financing.
On the development front, Equatys has said it will allow governments around the world to own and operate parts of the infrastructure to maintain satcom sovereignty. At the same time, the JV expects to lean on local space industries to develop and manufacture the space and ground technology involved in the new network.
On the financing front, Equatys expects to offer phased equity offerings to allow future partners to join in on the fun as the system comes online.
