Telkomsat Joins Forces with Space42: A Game-changing Leap Towards Universal 5G D2D Connectivity

Space42 and PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat) have agreed upon a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that intends to investigate the potential of direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity collaboration. The partnership will utilize Equatys, a joint initiative of Space42 and Viasat, which was created to ensure seamless 5G connectivity across both satellite and terrestrial networks. This partnership aligns with the objectives of both companies to enhance D2D connectivity beyond conventional infrastructure, leading to a unified communication experience.

Equatys: Bridging Connectivity Gaps

Equatys was launched in September 2025 to solve connectivity issues by implementing a 3GPP Release 17+ non-terrestrial network (NTN) framework. It supports over 100MHz of harmonized global mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum, which allows standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly with satellites. This extends seamless 5G access to over 180 markets globally.

Exploring Potential Collaboration Areas

The MoU signed by Telkomsat and Space42 is a commitment to explore potential collaboration areas related to NTN and D2D connectivity. This includes examining the possibilities of technical integration to assess the feasibility of technical, commercial, and regulatory cooperation related to D2D and satellite-enabled communication services. This will involve adjusting network infrastructure to ensure a seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite systems without the need for additional hardware and setting service benchmarks for latency, bandwidth, and reliability. Moreover, the partnership will also help to develop new 5G NTN capabilities, ensure local regulatory and security compliance, and uphold data privacy to meet both regional and international standards.

Joint Innovation Labs and Pilot Programs

In addition to the above, joint innovation labs and pilot programs will be established to test new technologies, enhance service capabilities, conduct field trials, and assess interoperability with existing 4G and 5G networks. Equatys will be the medium through which Telkomsat can provide improved user experiences, supporting its leading market position as a technology provider.

Executives’ Statements

Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that Equatys represents the future of global connectivity as it addresses current gaps that leave billions unserved by terrestrial networks. On the other hand, Lukman Hakim Abd Rauf, CEO of Telkomsat, reiterated that satellite-based connectivity is crucial to the national network architecture, especially to ensure reliable communication in distant areas.

The Future of Universal Connectivity

Operating as a shared “space tower” company, Equatys uses a multi-tenant towerco model that minimizes redundant capital expenditure while offering cost-efficient capacity to multiple operators. Its architecture is designed to serve three market segments through a scalable, infrastructure-grade network, namely D2D, IoT, and MSS. By incorporating this scalable infrastructure with Telkomsat’s accessible markets, Equatys will transition from a mere concept to a commercial venture, transforming universal connectivity into a shared growth opportunity.

Questions & Answers

What is the purpose of the partnership between Space42 and Telkomsat?
The partnership aims to explore potential collaboration areas related to non-terrestrial network (NTN) and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.

What is Equatys and what is its role in this partnership?
Equatys is a joint initiative between Space42 and Viasat designed to provide seamless 5G connectivity across both satellite and terrestrial networks. It will be a key tool in this partnership, allowing Telkomsat to offer enhanced user experiences.

What is the significance of this partnership?
The collaboration between Space42 and Telkomsat represents a new model for universal connectivity and has the potential to transform universal connectivity into a shared growth opportunity.