Partnership Strikes Between Space42 and Viasat for 5G Network Development without Earthly Infrastructure
Space42 and Viasat Partner to Shape the Future of Global Connectivity
Space42 and Viasat, Inc. have joined forces in a significant collaboration aimed at shaping the future of global connectivity. The partnership, as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will explore opportunities for a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) initiative.
The collaboration adheres to industry best practices outlined by the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) and 3GPP standards, ensuring interoperability with global telecom networks. This alignment with evolving 5G models and global telecommunications regulations is expected to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of satellite networks.
The envisioned infrastructure will utilize L-band, S-band, and terrestrial spectrum to enable seamless global roaming across regional networks. This potential capability, as stated by both parties, could revolutionize the way industries, governments, and communities access and utilize satellite services.
Mark Dankberg, CEO and Chairman of Viasat, has emphasized the agreement as a key step in advancing capital-efficient growth. He also underscored the importance of fostering an open 5G-based space ecosystem through this collaboration. Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services, has similarly emphasized the partnership's potential to accelerate time-to-market and enhance seamless network integration.
The first phase of the partnership involves conducting partner-funded technical and commercial studies to develop a shared, multi-tenant, multi-orbit 5G NTN infrastructure. The collaboration focuses on direct-to-device (D2D) communications, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), and next-generation Mobile Satellite Services (MSS).
This partnership is poised to drive cost efficiency in the development of a shared, multi-tenant, multi-orbit 5G NTN infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to empower industries, governments, and communities with a future-ready, scalable satellite infrastructure.
As the partnership progresses, both Space42 and Viasat will work towards enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of satellite networks, further shaping the future of global connectivity.
