The partnership aims to leverage the Equatys D2D joint venture, launched by Space42 and Viasat in September, which is focused on creating a 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial network (NTN) framework. This framework utilizes over 100 MHz of harmonized global mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum managed by Equatys.
Under the MoU, Space42 and Telkomsat will explore various areas of collaboration, including the technical integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, regulatory and security compliance, research and development initiatives such as innovation labs, pilot programs, and field trials, as well as strategies for future growth within Telkomsat’s operational footprint as Equatys expands globally.
Telkomsat becomes the first telecom operator outside the UAE to partner with Equatys through Space42, following a similar deal with E& UAE, which was announced in October.
“Partnering with Telkomsat allows us to expand our ecosystem and move closer to our shared vision of universal connectivity,” said Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space42’s space services division.
“Satellite-based connectivity will continue to be a vital component of the national network infrastructure, especially for ensuring reliable communication in remote areas and supporting the country’s strategic needs,” said Telkomsat CEO Lukman Hakim Abd Rauf.
Notably, Telkomsat has been reselling Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband service since mid-2024, shortly after its official launch in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Starlink is also entering the D2D satellite space with its own Direct 2 Cell (D2C) service, which has been commercially launched in select countries, including Ukraine. Unlike the MSS spectrum-based services, Starlink’s D2C uses existing terrestrial mobile spectrum, allowing users to access the service with their current smartphones.
