Unveiled at Gitex Global 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding between e& and Space42 will advance hybrid satellite-terrestrial connectivity for 5G services.
Space42 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&, at GITEX Global 2025 to explore collaboration in Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity. The partnership leverages Equatys, a D2D venture between Space42 and Viasat designed to enable seamless 5.5G connectivity across satellite and terrestrial networks. This collaboration supports both companies ambitions to expand D2D connectivity beyond traditional infrastructure and enhances the UAEs leadership in advanced digital and space-enabled communications.
Announced in September 2025, Equatys aims to bridge connectivity gaps through a 3GPP Release 17+ Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) framework. Supporting more than 100 MHz of harmonised global Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum, it will enable standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly to satellites, extending seamless 5.5G access across more than 180 markets worldwide.
Under the MoU, e& and Space42 will collaborate across technical, commercial, regulatory and strategic domains to drive innovation and connectivity. The partnership will focus on aligning network infrastructure to ensure seamless integration between terrestrial and satellite systems, establishing service benchmarks for latency, bandwidth and reliability, and jointly developing advanced 5G NTN capabilities. Both parties will also cooperate on regulatory and security matters, coordinating licensing, spectrum allocation, and data privacy to meet regional and international standards. In addition, joint research and development efforts will include innovation labs, pilot programs, field trials, and interoperability testing with existing 4G and 5.5G networks. Strategically, e& and Space42 will work together on a joint product roadmap and infrastructure investment programs within e&s extensive operational footprint, supporting Equatys global expansion and paving the way for future growth.
Equatys will enable e& UAE to offer enhanced user experiences within a unique value proposition, supporting its leading market position as a technology provider.
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, said: Equatys represents the future of global connectivity, where space and terrestrial networks operate as one. By partnering with e& as the first Mobile Network Operator to join Equatys, we take a major step toward realizing the vision of universal connectivity, where users and devices are covered anywhere on Earth. This collaboration strengthens Space42s role as a global leader in non-terrestrial networks and reinforces the UAEs position as a hub for next-generation, sustainable connectivity.
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO, e& UAE, added: Direct-to-device over 5G NTN is a natural extension of our network strategy. By exploring Equatys with Space42 and Viasat, were validating seamless handover between terrestrial 5G and satellites on standard smartphones and IoT devices. Our focus is clear: consistent user experience, robust security and power efficiency, and performance that meets real-world needs across deserts, mountains and offshore environments. This work complements our 3GPP-based roadmap for network evolution, and positions e& UAE to bring hybrid connectivity to customers at scale.
Operating as a shared space tower company, Equatys applies a multi-tenant TowerCo model that reduces redundant capital expenditure while delivering cost-efficient capacity to multiple operators. Its architecture will serve three market segments through a scalable, infrastructure-grade network: D2D, IoT and MSS.
By exploring avenues to combine this scalable infrastructure with e&s global reach and customer base, Equatys will progress from concept to future commercialization, turning universal connectivity into a shared growth opportunity.
The partnership will create a unified service and technology roadmap between Space42 and e&, paving the way for e& to become the lead Mobile Network Operator for Equatys D2D services. Together, the companies aim to deliver a new generation of hybrid connectivity that supports digital economies, enterprise innovation, and inclusive growth.
