Satellite firm Viasat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE space tech company Space42 and Canadian satellite mobile operator Terrestar Solutions to collaborate on an open standards interoperability framework, spanning Terrestar’s low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation CaStar and Equatys, a planned direct-to-device (D2D) infrastructure platform, together with other mobile-satellite services (MSS).

As part of the MoU, Terrestar agreed to join the Equatys tower company platform.

The proposed arrangement aims to create a more seamless relationship between satellite systems and their ground networks without compromising ownership and control of infrastructure for the respective parties, while seeking to preserve national sovereignty with open and universalized communications standards.

Participants’ space and ground infrastructure would be connected through vendor-neutral 3GPP interfaces, GSMA roaming and interconnection frameworks, and other recognized industry standards.

“This MoU demonstrates how sovereign satellite systems and shared global infrastructure can work together to deliver D2D services globally,” Karim Michel Sabbagh, managing director of Space42, said. “Terrestar maintains its position as Canada’s independent MSS operator while exploring how to participate in a broader ecosystem. We are introducing a model where national capabilities and international collaboration reinforce rather than compete with one another.”

Equatys described the arrangement as a “sovereign shell," protecting national autonomy even as services extend beyond their borders, and infrastructure serves international partners.

The agreement’s architecture is designed to accommodate additional satellite constellations, mobile operators, and service providers willing to join, as well as with the intent to evolve with changing industry standards as they develop.

The MoU was signed as part of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Canada to attend discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Late last year, Mr. Carney drew attention to CAD$70 billion (US$50bn) of investment from the UAE into Canadian AI and energy projects, in a statement.

Equatys, announced in September 2025, was a region-spanning JV backed by $1bn in combined equity commitments intended to evolve existing and planned mobile satellite services into a 5G environment spanning the US, Europe, and the Gulf. Equatys would operate its own neutral “space tower” company to provide the lowest-cost space and ground infrastructure that its licensed operators could share.

Viasat did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Terrestar holds the license to 20 MegaHertz of MSS spectrum in Canada, and has been licensed since 2014 to provide national cellular service using the frequencies 2000 – 2020 MHz and 2180 – 2200 MHz. The company also owns the EchoStar T1 Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite.