Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, and Viasat have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore ecosystem partnership options for developing a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) initiative. This collaboration between Space42 and Viasat is a major step towards expanding global satellite connectivity, enabling both companies to address the growing opportunities in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications to smartphones, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and existing and next-generation MSS services.
Independent research studies project the size of the satellite segment of the D2D market to reach US$50bn in 2032, in addition to more traditional enterprise and government MSS market segments that also hold substantial growth potential.
During the first phase of this partnership, Space42 and Viasat will conduct a series of partner-funded technical and commercial studies to develop a shared, or multi-tenant, multi-orbit 5G NTN infrastructure employing a standards-based open architecture. The infrastructure is intended to support using a broad range of L-band, S-band, and terrestrial spectrum to enable global roaming among regional network operators. The companies are exploring new technologies and sustainable system designs to make satellite networks more efficient and ready for 5G models and ensure compliance with the varying telecommunications regulatory frameworks of nations worldwide. The collaboration follows the industry’s best practices and guidelines developed by the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), leveraging licensed MSS satellite spectrum and open, interoperable architectures based on 3GPP standards to ensure seamless integration with global telecommunications networks.
Commenting on the deal, Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services, Space42, said: “Our collaboration with Viasat marks a transformative step in advancing global satellite connectivity through an open and scalable architecture. We are unlocking new possibilities in direct-to-device (D2D), IoT, and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) by fostering an ecosystem built on shared innovation, interoperability, and open standards. This partnership accelerates time to market, drives cost efficiency, and ensures seamless integration with existing and future networks. We are building an inclusive, future-ready infrastructure that empowers industries, governments, and communities worldwide.”
Mark Dankberg, CEO and Chairman of Viasat, added: “We firmly believe that the benefits of space are for the many, and not just the few. Our announcement today with Space42 is an important step in our capital-efficient growth strategy to build a powerful ecosystem of partners dedicated to future innovation in space based on open 5G standards and scalable architecture. In parallel with our recent agreement with ESA, our partnership with Space42 will further enable work on a next-generation infrastructure leveraging innovative designs based on 5G NTN standards, all while building on a growing coalition of public and private sector partners dedicated to keeping space secure, open and accessible for all.”
A key goal of this partnership is to develop a scalable open-architecture space system that fosters global collaboration across public and private sector partners and taps into significant global growth opportunities in the global satellite market. Both Space42 and Viasat are actively engaging with potential strategic investment partnerships across the value chain.
The announcement also builds on Viasat’s new alliance with the European Space Agency (ESA) to further accelerate the development and deployment of NTN D2D systems using the MSS spectrum to serve Europe and the world.
As members of MSSA, they are part of a growing coalition of leaders across the ecosystem, dedicated to advancing global mobile connectivity for D2D and IoT services based on the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial network services to deliver scalable, sustainable and affordable connectivity to any device, anytime, anywhere.
