Viasat, Space42 commit up to $1 billion to direct-to-device venture (updated)

ViaSat

14/09/2026 07:35

Recasts to adds details and background
Sept 14 (Reuters) - California-based Viasat VSAT.O and UAE satellite operator Space42 SPACE42.AD said on Monday they had agreed to establish Equatys, a direct-to-device platform aimed at connecting smartphones and other devices to satellites.
The companies also committed up to $1 billion in equity to the venture, with each contributing an initial $400 million and Space42 expected to invest an additional $200 million in a future funding round.
    
Here are some details:
Satellite communications firm Viasat is expected to be Equatys' primary technology contractor once the joint venture is formed.
The companies said Equatys will integrate satellite and terrestrial networks through a non-terrestrial network platform accessible via standard smartphones and other Internet-of-Things devices.
The platform will enable mobile operators to provide voice, text and data services in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
Equatys will also operate a shared satellite and ground network for multiple telecom and satellite operators, and is likely to help lower costs, speed up deployment and expand coverage without requiring separate infrastructure. 
The venture is expected to be funded through a mix of founders' equity, third-party equity and debt.
Space42 and Viasat unveiled the venture in March 2025 and began technical and commercial studies of shared non-terrestrial network infrastructure.
    


 (Reporting by Harishankar Manoj in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
 ((Harishankar.Manoj@thomsonreuters.com))