UAE-based space technology company Space42 and California-based Viasat have agreed to establish a satellite communications platform named Equatys. This project, with an investment of $1 billion, is aimed at improving communications in areas lacking mobile coverage.
Details of the Equatys Project
The Equatys platform is designed to connect smartphones and other devices directly to low Earth orbit satellites. This connection enables mobile network operators to provide services in areas where access to the internet or mobile networks is limited. Space42's CEO, Karim Sabbagh, stated that the services of this platform are expected to be available starting in 2029.
Read more: CrowdStrike: The top choice for AI security, can it maintain this trend?
Benefits of Equatys for Mobile Operators
Sabbagh explained that Equatys could be an ideal complement to terrestrial technologies and the business model of mobile network operators. According to him, users should be able to have a similar experience to their everyday use of their phones for voice and data communications, even in areas where terrestrial network coverage is absent or inaccessible due to congestion.
With a $1 billion investment, the Equatys project is firmly established from day one. Sabbagh noted that work on satellite internet technology began a year ago and has now reached the rapid development and production stage. He also mentioned that Space42 has had 400 relationships with mobile network operators worldwide from the very beginning.
This allows Space42 to engage and collaborate with mobile network operators in 160 countries. Sabbagh stated that Equatys can be seamlessly integrated into the services of these operators, thereby enhancing service levels.
Read more: Elon Musk and Sam Altman agree with Anthropic CEO to slow down AI development · UAE's €40 billion investment in Germany; the start of a strategic partnership
