Viasat and Space42 Form Joint Venture to Create Largest Coordinated Block of D2D Frequencies

Summary (TL;DR)

Viasat and Space42 have announced a joint venture, Equatys, aiming to create the world"s largest coordinated block of direct-to-device (D2D) frequencies by pooling over 100 megahertz of L- and S-band spectrum. This move is seen as a significant development in the aerospace industry, offering a sovereignty-friendly alternative to existing solutions.

December 6, 2025Hype Rating: 55/100
SpaceXViasatSpace42NASA
News

In a recent announcement, Viasat and Space42 revealed their joint venture, Equatys, which seeks to establish the world"s largest coordinated block of D2D frequencies. This initiative aims to pool over 100 megahertz of L- and S-band spectrum, working through existing national spectrum allocations to achieve this goal. The joint venture will operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), a critical region for satellite communications.

From a technical standpoint, the creation of a large coordinated block of D2D frequencies is a complex task. D2D, or direct-to-device, refers to the ability of satellites to communicate directly with devices on the ground, such as smartphones or tablets, without the need for intermediate infrastructure. This requires a significant amount of spectrum, which is typically allocated by national regulatory bodies. By pooling their resources, Viasat and Space42 aim to create a contiguous block of spectrum that can be used for D2D communications, enabling seamless connections between devices.

The context behind this joint venture is rooted in the growing demand for satellite-based communications services. As the number of devices requiring connectivity continues to increase, the need for reliable and efficient communication systems becomes more pressing. The LEO region, where Equatys will operate, is particularly important due to its proximity to Earth and relatively low latency compared to higher orbits. This makes it an attractive location for satellite constellations like Starlink, which are designed to provide global internet coverage.

The significance of this development extends beyond the technical aspects, as it also has implications for the broader aerospace industry. The creation of a large coordinated block of D2D frequencies offers a sovereignty-friendly alternative to existing solutions, such as those provided by SpaceX. This is because Equatys will work through existing national spectrum allocations, rather than relying on a single company"s allocation. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Equatys demonstrate the importance of collaboration and cooperation in achieving common goals.

In conclusion, the formation of Equatys represents a significant step forward in the development of satellite-based communications services. By creating the world"s largest coordinated block of D2D frequencies, Viasat and Space42 are poised to play a major role in shaping the future of the aerospace industry. As the demand for reliable and efficient communication systems continues to grow, initiatives like Equatys will be critical in meeting this demand and enabling seamless connections between devices around the world.

Why It Matters

The joint venture between Viasat and Space42 to create the largest coordinated block of direct-to-device (D2D) frequencies is a significant development with far-reaching implications for the space industry. One of the primary domains where this development matters is in the economic and commercial space sector. By pooling over 100 megahertz of L- and S-band spectrum, Equatys aims to provide a sovereignty-friendly alternative to existing solutions, which could potentially disrupt the current market dynamics. This move could lead to increased competition, driving innovation and reducing costs for satellite-based services such as communication, navigation, and remote sensing.

The creation of a large coordinated block of D2D frequencies also has significant implications for mission architecture and infrastructure. With the increasing demand for global connectivity and the rising number of satellites in orbit, the need for efficient and reliable communication systems is becoming more pressing. The Equatys joint venture could provide a solution to this challenge by enabling the development of more advanced and integrated satellite constellations. This, in turn, could lead to improved performance, reduced latency, and increased capacity for a wide range of applications, from telecommunications to Earth observation. Furthermore, the use of L- and S-band spectrum could enable the creation of more robust and resilient communication systems, better suited to support critical infrastructure and services.

In terms of geopolitical dynamics, the Equatys joint venture is also noteworthy. The development of a sovereignty-friendly alternative to existing solutions could have significant implications for international relations and global governance in space. By providing a viable alternative to dominant players in the market, Equatys could help to promote greater diversity and competition in the space industry, reducing dependence on any single entity or nation-state. This could lead to a more equitable and stable global space environment, where multiple stakeholders have a voice and can contribute to the development of norms and standards. Additionally, the joint venture could also facilitate cooperation and collaboration between nations, promoting a more peaceful and cooperative use of space.

The long-term significance of this development should not be underestimated. As the space industry continues to evolve and grow, the need for advanced communication systems and infrastructure will only increase. The Equatys joint venture has the potential to play a key role in shaping the future of the industry, enabling the development of more sophisticated and integrated satellite constellations, and promoting greater cooperation and competition among stakeholders. While the immediate impact of this development may be limited to the economic and commercial space sector, its long-term implications could be felt across a wide range of domains, from scientific research to human exploration and settlement.

In conclusion, the joint venture between Viasat and Space42 is a significant development that matters across several relevant domains, including the economic and commercial space industry, mission architecture and infrastructure, and geopolitical dynamics. The creation of the largest coordinated block of D2D frequencies has the potential to drive innovation, promote competition, and enable the development of more advanced and integrated satellite constellations. As the space industry continues to evolve and grow, the long-term implications of this development will be closely watched, and its impact could be felt for years to come.

Long-term Outlook

Long-term Outlook

The formation of Equatys, a joint venture between Viasat and Space42, marks a significant development in the aerospace industry's pursuit of direct-to-device (D2D) communication capabilities. By pooling over 100 megahertz of L- and S-band spectrum, Equatys aims to create the world's largest coordinated block of D2D frequencies, offering a sovereignty-friendly alternative to existing solutions. In the near term, we can expect the joint venture to focus on integrating their respective spectrum holdings and developing a cohesive technical roadmap for the deployment of their D2D network. Upcoming milestones may include the completion of frequency coordination agreements with regulatory bodies and the initiation of prototype development.

However, the path forward is not without its challenges. Technical risks and complexities associated with coordinating such a large block of frequencies across different bands and geographical regions must be carefully managed. Additionally, the integration of diverse spectrum holdings will require significant investment in research and development, as well as testing and validation. Potential delays or dependencies may arise from regulatory hurdles, technological setbacks, or unforeseen interoperability issues. Historically, similar programs have faced significant technical and regulatory challenges, highlighting the importance of cautious planning and rigorous testing. For instance, the development of previous satellite constellations has been hindered by issues related to frequency interference, orbital debris, and ground station infrastructure.

Realistic expectations for Equatys' success must be grounded in an understanding of aerospace engineering constraints and the complexities of spectrum management. While the joint venture's goals are ambitious, they are not unprecedented. Similar initiatives, such as Starlink, have demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale D2D networks, albeit with significant investment and technical expertise. Nevertheless, Equatys' unique approach to pooling spectrum holdings and creating a coordinated block of frequencies presents both opportunities and challenges. As the joint venture navigates the technical and regulatory landscape, it will be essential to monitor progress closely and adapt to emerging challenges and uncertainties.

Looking ahead, the next 2-5 years will be critical in determining Equatys' success. The joint venture's ability to overcome technical hurdles, secure regulatory approvals, and demonstrate the viability of their D2D network will be crucial in establishing a strong foundation for long-term growth. While there are uncertainties associated with this endeavor, the historical context of similar programs suggests that careful planning, rigorous testing, and adaptive management can mitigate risks and increase the likelihood of success. As Equatys embarks on this ambitious

Space Hype Rating: 55/100

Solid incremental development advancing current capabilities

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