Satellite Networks

Space42, Viasat form Equatys JV for MSS-based D2D 5G service

Space42, Viasat form Equatys JV for MSS-based D2D 5G service

UAE-based satellite player Space42 and global satellite operator Viasat announced on Monday they plan to form a joint venture called Equatys that will offer global direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services whilst also promising to evolve mobile satellite services (MSS) to a 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) environment.

Equatys will offer D2D satellite services for smartphones and IoT devices that are compliant with 3GPP NTN standards for 5G. Equatys will also leverage 100 MHz of harmonized MSS spectrum already allocated across more than 160 markets to offer the service.

This approach differs from D2D offerings from operators like Starlink, Lynk Global and AST Spacemobile that use existing terrestrial mobile network spectrum and handsets. While this approach widens the scope of handsets that can be used for D2D connectivity, Viasat and Space42 say it also faces challenges such as local regulatory hurdles and interference mitigation.

Equatys will operate as a lean infrastructure provider using a shared multi-tenant model that the companies say will reduce redundant investments while delivering cost-efficient capacity to ecosystem participants. Viasat and Space42 also said this approach complements terrestrial networks and creates sustainable growth opportunities across the industry.

The multi-tenant model will be based on an 5G open architecture platform aligned with the 3GPP framework that Viasat and Space42 have been developing under an agreement signed in March this year. The platform will be capable of supporting L-band, S-band and terrestrial spectrum to enable global roaming among regional network operators.

Viasat chairman and CEO Mark Dankberg said Equatys will operate and manage as a neutral “space tower” company providing the lowest-cost space and ground infrastructure that licensed operators can share, allowing multiple independent operators to utilize on a single global system the spectrum blocks that are currently used on separate satellite systems.

"Equatys will uniquely make possible a shared multi-orbit network of scale with standards-based open architecture to address the significant D2D and next-generation MSS market opportunity," Dankberg said in a statement. "By leveraging high performance transparent satellite architectures and shared infrastructure, the network will deliver cost efficient capacity and use 5G New Radio standards evolving the existing deployed MSS services including, for example, the safety of air, land, and sea."



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