UAE-based Space42, US satellite communications company Viasat and Canada’s Terrestar Solutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an open, standards-based framework for interoperability between satellite networks. The proposed collaboration will connect Terrestar’s planned Canadian low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, CaStar, with Equatys, a planned global shared infrastructure platform for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity and advanced mobile satellite services. The framework is intended to allow the two systems and their ground infrastructure to operate as a coordinated multi-system non-terrestrial network while each company retains ownership and control of its assets. The agreement marks an effort to combine national satellite capabilities with shared global infrastructure for next-generation connectivity services.
The proposed framework will use common interfaces rather than proprietary, point-to-point integrations, allowing participating satellite systems to coordinate resources such as network capacity, satellite beams, power and ground gateway access. The companies plan to align the interoperability layer with recognised industry standards, including 3GPP specifications for non-terrestrial networks and GSMA frameworks for roaming and interconnection. This approach is expected to reduce capital and operating costs, improve coordination between networks and make it easier for additional satellite operators and service providers to participate. Each operator will continue managing its own infrastructure, regulatory authorisations and customer relationships, with cooperation taking place through agreed technical interfaces.
The agreement also introduces a model designed to preserve national sovereignty while enabling international connectivity. Under the proposed arrangement, individual satellite systems can retain control over their domestic infrastructure and comply with local regulatory and security requirements. Terrestar’s CaStar constellation, for example, is planned as a Canadian-controlled and operated system, with domestic gateways and ground infrastructure intended to keep Canadian data within the country’s jurisdiction. At the same time, interoperability with Equatys could allow the Canadian network to participate in a wider satellite connectivity ecosystem. The companies describe this approach as a sovereign shell model, combining shared global infrastructure with nationally operated satellite capabilities.
The MoU follows a binding agreement signed by Space42 and Viasat in September 2026 to co-found Equatys, backed by combined equity commitments of up to US$1 billion. The collaboration with Terrestar represents an initial application of the platform’s interoperability approach and could provide a framework for additional national and regional satellite operators to join in the future. The companies intend to support direct-to-device services that connect everyday mobile devices through satellite networks, potentially extending coverage beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial infrastructure. However, the latest agreement is a framework for cooperation, and the companies have not announced a commercial launch date or specific service availability.
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