Equatys: Why a 'Cell Tower' Model in Orbit Could Redefine Connectivity

PARIS, France – September 14, 2026 – In a move that signals a fundamental shift in how we think about global connectivity, UAE-based Space42 and American satellite giant Viasat today announced a binding agreement to co-found Equatys. Backed by an initial commitment of up to $1 billion, the new venture aims to build the world's first shared space and ground infrastructure platform, designed to connect standard mobile phones and devices directly to satellites from anywhere on Earth.

The initiative isn't just another satellite constellation in an increasingly crowded sky. At its core is a strategy that has proven transformative on the ground: the 'Tower Company' model. By creating a neutral, shared network that any mobile operator can use, Equatys is betting it can solve the economic puzzle that has long hindered ubiquitous satellite service, making a tangible difference for billions who remain on the wrong side of the digital divide.

A New Blueprint for Space: The 'Tower Company' Model

For decades, the terrestrial mobile industry has relied on a simple but powerful idea. Instead of every mobile carrier building its own physical cell towers, independent tower companies build and maintain the infrastructure, leasing space to multiple carriers. This shared model slashed costs, accelerated network rollouts, and fostered competition. Equatys plans to apply this exact principle to orbit.

Equatys will build and operate a 'space tower'—a constellation of satellites and ground stations—that mobile network operators (MNOs) and other service providers can lease access to. This approach allows participants to extend their coverage into remote areas or fill in terrestrial gaps without the colossal capital expenditure of launching their own satellite fleet. By sharing infrastructure rather than duplicating it, the model promises to dramatically lower the cost barrier for providing Direct-to-Device (D2D) services.

"For the first time, the satellite industry is building infrastructure the way the mobile industry thinks: shared, interoperable, standards-based, and designed for billions of devices rather than millions of subscribers," said Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42. "Space42 and Viasat have each brought what the other could not, and together we have assembled a differentiated capabilities system unique to the space industry."

Under the agreement, Viasat, a global leader in satellite technology, is expected to serve as the prime technology contractor, lending its extensive engineering expertise to build out the ambitious network.

Fueling the Race for Universal Connectivity

The timing for Equatys is critical. The market for D2D satellite connectivity is projected to explode, with estimates reaching between $30 billion and $70 billion by 2040. This growth is driven by a crucial technological development: the integration of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards into the 3GPP cellular framework. In simple terms, new and future smartphones will be able to talk to satellites out of the box, without any special hardware. This opens a potential market of billions of devices that no previous satellite generation could realistically serve.

This opportunity has ignited a fierce race. SpaceX's Starlink is partnering with T-Mobile, AST SpaceMobile has demonstrated 5G from space to unmodified phones, and Lynk Global is already signing commercial contracts. Equatys is differentiating itself not by building another proprietary network, but by creating an open foundation for all.

Its most compelling asset is its neutral-host model, combined with access to over 100 MHz of globally coordinated Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum held by its founders. This vast and harmonized spectrum is a strategic advantage, enabling high capacity and seamless service across more than 160 countries. By offering this as a shared resource, Equatys could democratize access and prevent the market from fragmenting into walled gardens.

"We are creating a new infrastructure category for global D2D and advanced MSS connectivity, backed by unique spectrum assets, significant committed capital, and a business model proven to scale the mobile industry," stated Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat. He emphasized the venture's potential to "deliver meaningful growth opportunities with attractive returns for investors and partners."

The Power Players Behind the Platform

The partnership itself is a story of complementary strengths. Space42, formed in 2024 from the merger of UAE's Bayanat and Yahsat, is an AI-powered SpaceTech powerhouse with deep ties to government and enterprise clients, extensive geospatial analytics capabilities, and commercial relationships with mobile operators across its global footprint.

On the other side is Viasat, an American satellite communications pioneer recently bolstered by its $7.3 billion acquisition of Inmarsat. The deal combined Viasat's strength in Ka-band broadband with Inmarsat's leadership in L-band mobile safety and connectivity services, creating a multi-faceted industry titan. Together, the founders provide Equatys with technical prowess, established market access to over 400 mobile operators worldwide, and the financial credibility to undertake such a massive project.

The financial structure is designed for growth. The initial $1 billion commitment from the founders is just the beginning. The plan includes phased equity offerings to attract additional strategic and financial partners, with the venture aiming to provide stable, long-term "infrastructure-grade returns" typically associated with essential utilities.

From Blueprint to Billions of Devices: The Road Ahead

The vision is ambitious, and the path is complex. The initial phase involves procuring the first satellite constellation and related ground network. The long-term architecture is designed to scale to an immense 2,800 satellites across 60 orbital planes and three altitude layers, allowing the network to densify as demand grows without requiring a complete redesign.

Executing this plan requires navigating significant hurdles. International regulatory approval from bodies like the ITU is paramount for coordinating satellite orbits and spectrum use. National licenses will be required in every country of operation, a process fraught with administrative and political challenges. Furthermore, managing a constellation of thousands of satellites involves unprecedented logistical complexity, from launch and deployment to collision avoidance and end-of-life de-orbiting.

Yet, the potential impact is what drives this monumental effort. By creating a foundational layer for space-based connectivity, Equatys isn't just building a business; it's building a tool with the potential to close communication gaps for emergency services, enable economic activity in unconnected regions, and ensure that a person's location no longer determines their ability to connect. The focus on results over rhetoric is clear, as the venture now moves from agreement to the tangible work of building an infrastructure platform for a truly connected planet.