Deploying networks based on satellites to offer communications mobile devices has been one of the key trends of 2025, and in what is seen as an in-country first of its kind, Viasat has completed a direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration in Mexico, featuring native SMS messages on a standard smartphone. Viasat regards D2D as an emerging technology that allows everyday devices such as mobile phones to connect to satellites without the need for dedicated satellite hardware.
In a move that the parties said will create an industry-first space tower company model, implementing shared space and ground non-terrestrial-network (NTN) infrastructure, lowering capital costs and improving spectrum utilisation for all those involved in it, Space42 and Viasat are to launch jointly held entity Equatys Venture. The launch is aimed at enabling global direct-to-device (D2D) services, as well as evolving existing and planned mobile satellite services (MSS) to a 5G network environment.
