e& inks MoU with Space42; Equatys (Viasat–Space42) secures first mobile partner to advance 5G direct‑to‑device services

UAE operator e& has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Space42 at GITEX 2025 to explore hybrid satellite–terrestrial 5G direct‑to‑device services, giving Equatys — the Viasat–Space42 D2D infrastructure joint venture — its first mobile network partner in the region.

Discovered 2025-10-13T23:56:04.554580-07:00 | 2025-10-13T23:56:04.554580-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The MoU gives Equatys and Space42 an anchor mobile partner in the UAE, a critical step toward commercialising D2D services and competing with SpaceX after its recent EchoStar $17B spectrum purchase.

  • The agreement sits alongside accelerating industry moves to commercial and national D2D deployments — for example Verizon's AST SpaceMobile commercial agreement and CNES's selection of Thales Alenia Space for 5G D2D trials — while Space42's $695.5M ECA financing underwrites its satellite buildout and service ambitions.

Reported By

SpaceWatch Global orbitaltoday.com smallsatnews.com cavenewstimes.com SpaceNews.com SpaceWatch Africa
Sources Tracked
9
First Seen
2025-10-13T23:56:04.554580-07:00
Latest Update
2025-10-20T01:25:44.361783-07:00
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Space

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