Space42与Viasat签署约束性协议共建Equatys

Space42 and Viasat confirm Equatys plans - Details - Category: Satellite Networks - 2591 views Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, and satcoms giant Viasat have signed a binding agreement to co-found Equatys, creating the first shared space and ground infrastructure platform for global direct-to-device and advanced MSS connectivity. Equatys will offer a platform that will support the extension of mobile coverage and overlay in the places terrestrial networks cannot serve, including in coverage gaps in populated metro areas. The agreement was signed at World Space Business Week, a gathering for space and satellite business leaders taking place this week in Paris. Upon the formation of Equatys, Space42 and Viasat will commit to an initial equity contribution of up to US$1 billion. This is the latest stage in a process that has been going on for some while. In fact the announcement of Equatys as a joint venture took place this time last year. The company is being established as global demand for satellite-enabled mobile connectivity accelerates. Together, Viasat and Space42 say they bring unmatched global reach through commercial relationships with more than 400 mobile operators worldwide and access to the largest amount (more than 100MHz) of globally coordinated MSS spectrum available for D2D deployment, creating a uniquely scalable foundation for growth. Equatys is designed to support the connection of smartphones, IoT devices, and other devices and terminals directly to satellites, giving mobile operators a way to offer voice, text, and data where cellular networks are otherwise unavailable or have low density. The agreement builds on work by Space42 and Viasat on the technical design and manufacture of the satellites, along with ecosystem progress in seamless terrestrial network integration, interoperability standards and feedback from a number of mobile network operators and ecosystem participants. Equatys will provide a neutral, shared layer of both satellites and ground infrastructure; by sharing infrastructure rather than duplicating it, ecosystem participants can reduce capital requirements, accelerate deployment, increase service availability, and maintain customer and commercial independence. Participating operating licensees sharing infrastructure can realise greater cost efficiency than is likely to be possible within their own geographic coverage area and/or spectrum authorisations. Multiple operators can use the same platform w…