Equatys D2D Satellite Network Plan Unveiled by Viasat

Viasat and Space42 have pulled back the curtain on their joint venture Equatys, presenting a detailed roadmap for what the companies call an industry-first "space tower company" designed to bring direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity to billions of underserved users worldwide. The cofounders showcased the venture's technical architecture and commercial traction at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.

A Space Tower Company Model

First announced in September 2025, Equatys is structured as a neutral, multi-tenant infrastructure platform - essentially a cell tower operator in space. The model allows multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) to share a single global satellite system while retaining their own spectrum rights and sovereign interests.

The planned constellation is ambitious: up to 2,800 satellites deployed across 60 orbital planes and three altitude layers. The system will initially operate in harmonized L- and S-band mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum, with the ability to leverage over 100 MHz of allocated and coordinated spectrum across more than 160 markets.

"Space-enabled mobility is a foundational layer for global, seamless connectivity. With Equatys, we are building a platform that empowers nations, operators, and innovators to extend secure, affordable, 3GPP-aligned satellite connectivity to billions." - Mark Dankberg, Viasat CEO

Shared Infrastructure, Lower Costs

The core value proposition is economic efficiency through shared infrastructure. By pooling satellite capacity that currently operates on separate systems, Equatys aims to deliver the lowest unit cost of satellite capacity in the industry. Viasat CEO Mark Dankberg emphasized that sharing infrastructure drives down overall costs while generating capacity "at substantial cost savings."

The platform is built on 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards, meaning it will be compatible with standard smartphones and IoT devices without requiring specialized hardware. This standards-based approach positions Equatys to bridge the gap between terrestrial and satellite networks seamlessly.

"Equatys reflects disciplined execution against a clear objective: combining the scale of terrestrial networks with the efficiency of space." - Karim Michel Sabbagh, Space42 Managing Director

Early Commercial Traction

Since the September 2025 announcement, the cofounders have moved quickly on multiple fronts:

• Venture formation initiated with regulatory filings submitted internationally
• Engineering development advancing on system architecture
• e& UAE signed on to explore Equatys-enabled D2D connectivity
• PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat), Indonesia's national satellite operator, engaged as an early partner
• Active commercial engagement with additional MNOs underway

These early partnerships signal strong demand from operators in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, regions where terrestrial coverage gaps remain significant.

Competitive Landscape

Equatys differentiates itself through its neutral platform approach. Rather than competing directly as a connectivity provider, it positions itself as shared infrastructure that any licensed operator can use - preserving national sovereignty over spectrum while delivering the scale economics typically associated with mega-constellations.

The venture remains subject to definitive agreements, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions, with phased deployment expected to begin within three years. If Viasat and Space42 can execute on their vision, Equatys could reshape how the satellite industry approaches direct-to-device connectivity - not as a race to launch the most satellites, but as a shared infrastructure play that brings costs down for everyone.