Paris: Space42, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based artificial intelligence (AI)-powered SpaceTech company, and Viasat Inc have signed an agreement to formally establish Equatys, a shared space and ground infrastructure platform, with the two companies to make an initial equity contribution of up to US$1 billion. (US$1 = RM4.06)
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Equatys was announced at World Space Business Week in Paris and aims to extend mobile coverage to areas that terrestrial networks cannot serve, including coverage gaps in populated metropolitan areas. Viasat, a global leader in satellite and secure communications, is expected to be appointed as Equatys' prime technology contractor.
Space42 and Viasat have commercial relationships with over 400 mobile operators worldwide and access to more than 100 megahertz (MHz) of globally coordinated Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum for Direct-to-Device (D2D) deployment, creating a scalable foundation for the venture.
Equatys will enable the connection of smartphones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and other terminals directly to satellites, allowing mobile operators to provide voice, text, and data services in areas where cellular networks are unavailable or underdeveloped.
The agreement builds on the collaborative work by Space42 and Viasat on technical design and satellite manufacture, as well as progress in terrestrial network integration, interoperability standards, and engagement with mobile network operators and other ecosystem participants.
Built on a Tower Company model, which facilitated the scaling of the terrestrial mobile industry by sharing standardized and common infrastructure among operators, Equatys will offer a neutral, shared layer of satellite and ground infrastructure.
By sharing infrastructure rather than duplicating it, ecosystem participants can reduce capital requirements, accelerate deployment, enhance service availability, and maintain customer and commercial independence. Multiple operators will be able to utilize the same platform while retaining their own spectrum licensing rights, customers, and commercial relationships. The model is also designed to accommodate additional spectrum licensees and satellite operators as the system expands.