Space42 Sets $1.7 Billion Investment in Satellite Venture
The company’s shift toward shared satellite infrastructure aims to provide connectivity in areas without cellular coverage.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Remote Work
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Space42 has committed to a $1.7 billion capital investment plan through 2030, with 33% of the funding directed toward the new Equatys venture with Viasat. This move marks a strategic shift for the satellite operator as it seeks to expand services beyond its core UAE market.
Why it matters
The investment seeks to diversify Space42's revenue stream, which currently relies on the UAE for 91% of its income and government contracts for 81%. By building the Equatys platform, the company intends to capture demand for connectivity in areas where cellular networks are unavailable.
Space42 has allocated 33% of its $1.7 billion five-year budget to the Equatys joint venture with Viasat, supplementing its $260 million in first-half 2026 revenue. The company also reported $18 million in net profit for the same period.
The players
Space42
An Abu Dhabi-based satellite operator currently deriving the vast majority of its revenue from government contracts in the United Arab Emirates.
Viasat
A United States-based communications company that provides satellite connectivity services for consumer and government markets.
The details
Equatys will utilize shared satellite and ground infrastructure to provide connectivity to devices operating outside of cellular coverage zones. Under the binding agreement, participating operators will retain their existing spectrum rights and customer relationships. Space42 and Viasat each plan to contribute $400 million in equity to the venture, with Space42 earmarking an additional $200 million for a subsequent funding round.
Timeline
November 2025: Space42 finalized its five-year investment plan.
September 14, 2026: Space42 and Viasat signed a binding agreement for Equatys.
2026-2030: Projected window for capital spending and infrastructure development.
2029: Expected commencement of Equatys services.
Market Landscape
Space42's move aligns with the broader industry effort to integrate satellite and terrestrial networks to reach remote locations. This follows a pattern of satellite operators seeking partnerships like Equatys to compete against standard cellular service providers.
Operators in remote sectors should monitor the Equatys service rollout for potential improvements in device connectivity. Companies currently reliant on cellular should evaluate whether this new infrastructure could reduce their future dependence on traditional network coverage.
The takeaway
The Equatys venture represents a pivot toward building a shared infrastructure model for global device connectivity. Operators should track the 2029 service launch to determine if the platform offers a more reliable alternative for assets operating outside traditional cellular networks.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in connectivity infrastructure in our Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TokenPost.
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