UAE-based satellite firm Space42 announced at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai on Tuesday it has signed an MoU with e& UAE to explore collaboration in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity via Space42’s Equatys venture with Viasat.

Space42 and Viasat formed the Equatys JV last month to 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 180 markets to offer the service.

Under the MoU, e& and Space42 will leverage Equatys to collaborate on D2D connectivity across technical, commercial, regulatory, and strategic domains, to include terrestrial and satellite network infrastructure alignment, jointly developing new 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities, and R&D initiatives such as joint innovation labs and pilot programs.

Space42 and e& will also coordinate licensing, spectrum allocation, and data privacy to meet regional and international standards, as well as develop joint product road map and infrastructure investment programs within e&’s regional footprint.

The deal makes e& the first mobile operator to join Equatys. Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, said that D2D over 5G NTN is a natural extension of its network strategy, particularly in terms of extending coverage across deserts, mountains and offshore environments.

“This work complements our 3GPP-based roadmap for network evolution, and positions e& UAE to bring hybrid connectivity to customers at scale,” he said in a statement.