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

Sept 14 (Reuters) - California-based ‌Viasat and UAE ​satellite ​operator Space42 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)

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