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Viasat, Space42 and Terrestar sign pact to link satellite networks for direct-to-device service

Canada's Terrestar, UAE-based Space42, and U.S.-based Viasat have signed a memorandum of understanding to connect Terrestar's planned CaStar constellation with the Equatys platform, establishing an open framework for shared direct-to-device satellite infrastructure.

Officials seated at a table signing an MoU agreement in front of UAE and Canadian flags.
Image: @iPhoneinCanada

Terrestar, Space42, and Viasat have entered an alliance to link satellite networks and establish an open standard for direct-to-device smartphone connectivity. Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, Terrestar's planned Canadian CaStar constellation will integrate with Equatys, a planned global direct-to-device satellite platform.[1][3][4]

The collaborative framework enables the operators to share satellite infrastructure and resources under unified standards while maintaining independent ownership and control of their physical assets. Under the agreement, CaStar will remain Canadian-controlled, with domestic data retained under Canadian jurisdiction.[1][3]

The partnership comes as nations and commercial operators explore satellite connectivity options alongside or beyond Starlink. Outlets including iPhone in Canada and The Economic Times reported the initiative amid broader global interest in interoperable alternatives for mobile device communications.[2][5]

Key facts

  • Viasat, Space42, and Terrestar signed an MoU to connect Terrestar's planned CaStar constellation with the Equatys platform.
  • Equatys is planned as a global platform delivering direct-to-device satellite services to mobile phones.
  • The framework allows operators to share infrastructure through open standards while retaining ownership and control of their assets.
  • Terrestar's CaStar network will stay Canadian-controlled, ensuring domestic data remains within Canadian jurisdiction.
  • The alliance between Canadian and UAE space firms was formed as countries seek alternatives to Starlink for satellite connectivity.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. BL

    Bloomberg@businessPost on X ·

    Canada’s Terrestar agreed to work together with the UAE’s Space42 and US-based Viasat on a global, open standard to share satellite infrastructure and improve connectivity for mobile devices https://t.co/Bfug04XC45

    Open source
  2. II

    iPhone in Canada@iPhoneinCanadaPost on X ·

    Canada's Terrestar Joins Equatys as Ottawa Looks Past Starlink https://t.co/BqHw8Otbtx https://t.co/44xkrw6KuG

    Open source
  3. WS

    Wall St Engine@wallstenginePost on X ·

    $VSAT SIGNS MOU TO LINK SATELLITE NETWORKS Viasat, Space42 and Terrestar signed an MoU to connect Terrestar’s planned Canadian CaStar constellation with Equatys, a planned global platform for direct-to-device satellite services. The framework would let the networks share resources using common standards while each operator retains control of its assets. CaStar would remain Canadian-controlled, with domestic data kept within Canadian jurisdiction.

    Open source
  4. AI

    Analytics Insight@analyticsinmePost on X ·

    𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝟰𝟮, 𝗩𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝘁 Space42, Viasat and Terrestar join forces to create an open satellite framework that could bring direct-to-device connectivity to smartphones worldwide. #Space42 #Viasat #Terrestar #Equatys #SatelliteConnectivity #DirectToDevice #SpaceTech #UAE #AnalyticsinsightUAE Read More👇 https://t.co/WJ4Fw4m51z

    Open source
  5. ET

    Economic Times@EconomicTimesPost on X ·

    UAE, Canada space firms in alliance as nations seek Starlink alternatives https://t.co/up3us8bzI0

    Open source