Why shared space infrastructure is the stronger path to universal connectivity
Ali Al Hashmi
CEO of Space Services, Space42 and Chairman of the Global Satellite Operators Association
Universal connectivity has become as fundamental as electricity, water, or transportation networks. Yet, according to the International Telecommunication Union, nearly 2.6 billion people, approximately one-third of the world, remain offline. More than 320 million people still live in areas without any mobile broadband coverage. This gap limits economic participation and perpetuates global inequality.
Twenty years in this industry has taught me that connectivity gaps represent strategic vulnerabilities that extend far beyond individual inconvenience. When natural disasters strike, we watch entire communities disappear from the digital world overnight. Cellular towers submerge, fiber cables sever, and suddenly millions of people lose their lifeline to emergency services, family members, and the outside world. Yet above them, satellites continue orbiting, carrying signals across the globe but unable to reach the smartphones in their pockets.
These failures reveal a deeper problem: the fundamental limitations of how we build connectivity infrastructure today. I have always believed connectivity is a human right. Without it, entire populations remain excluded from education, healthcare, commerce, and governance. In an increasingly digital world, geography continues to determine opportunity.
The infrastructure models we have relied on for decades now face clear limits. Towers and fiber cannot economically reach remote or sparsely populated regions. Natural disasters interrupt terrestrial networks precisely when connectivity matters most. Meanwhile, many traditional satellite solutions remain closed and exclusive, built around proprietary architectures that limit participation and fragment the path forward.
A new model for space infrastructure
This is why Space42, together with Viasat, announced Equatys, a joint initiative that introduces the industry’s first space towerlike company model. Equatys operates as a shared and neutral Non-Terrestrial Network infrastructure platform, backed by more than 100 megahertz of harmonized L- and S-band spectrum across over 160 countries. This represents the largest coordinated spectrum portfolio in the history of our industry.
The name itself reflects our mission. Equatys draws inspiration from four principles: equity, equality, equilibrium, and experience. These values inform every decision we make.
The system comprises a Low Earth Orbit constellation integrated with geostationary systems. The 5G open architecture platform aligns with 3GPP Release 17+ standards and is built with spectrum and orbital efficiency at its core, reducing launches, minimizing congestion, and enhancing space sustainability. Our goal is to build frictionless convergence between ground and space systems, uniting the digital landscape. Commercial operations are expected to begin within three years.
Why shared infrastructure matters
Equatys will operate as a lean infrastructure provider using a shared multi-tenant model. This approach reduces redundant investments while delivering cost-efficient capacity to ecosystem participants. The venture creates a win-win playing field for all stakeholders rather than a winner-takes-all alternative.
The telecommunications industry has already proven this model works. Tower sharing enabled mobile operators to reduce costs and expand reach while maintaining healthy competition. Equatys applies the same logic to space, lowering unit cost, removing entry barriers, and accelerating growth across the industry.
By pooling infrastructure and spectrum across multiple orbits, participants benefit from scale advantages while reducing individual investment risk. The platform serves mobile network and satellite operators, device manufacturers, and regulators within an open and neutral framework.
Designed for inclusion and sovereignty
Equatys delivers seamless connectivity using standard smartphones and IoT devices, requiring zero modification or specialized hardware. It enables persistent coverage across land, sea, and air. This infrastructure is designed for inclusion. It enables operators to grow profitably and extend their networks beyond physical towers. It allows governments to maintain full sovereignty over infrastructure, data, and deployment. It allows spectrum holders to reach underserved markets and local space industries to participate in technology development and manufacturing. And it creates commercial and strategic value across both public and private sectors.
Critically, the platform is designed for both independence and collaboration. Equatys aligns with existing regulatory frameworks and ITU principles, working collaboratively within global norms rather than seeking exceptions or special treatment.
Closing the digital divide permanently
Equatys intends to serve the unconnected and the uncovered. It is designed to ensure that geography becomes irrelevant to access. From enabling disaster resilience and national security to unlocking new agriculture, healthcare, and education services, this platform exists to close the digital divide permanently.
We envision a world where the only obstacle to connectivity is owning a device. Within a decade, coverage gaps will seem as outdated as wired internet. The satellites orbiting above will connect with the smartphones in our pockets, the sensors in our fields, and the systems that drive our economies.
This is the future we are building. A future of mobility everywhere. A future where infrastructure is shared, access is equitable, and growth is inclusive.
The technology exists. The spectrum is coordinated. The framework is ready. What we need now is collective commitment from governments, regulators, and industry leaders to embrace shared infrastructure as the path forward.
Connectivity is a human right. Together, we can make it a universal reality.