Viasat and Space42 form Equatys, commit up to $1b for satellite-to-phone service

California-based Viasat and UAE satellite operator Space42 have agreed to set up Equatys, a direct-to-device platform connecting smartphones and IoT devices to satellites. The two companies committed up to $1 billion in equity, with each putting in an initial $400 million and Space42 expected to add $200 million later. The venture, first unveiled in March 2025, aims to let mobile operators offer voice, text and data where cellular coverage is limited or absent.