Canada’s Terrestar Solutions, the UAE’s Space42 and US-based Viasat signed an agreement on October 28, 2026, to develop a shared satellite infrastructure framework for mobile connectivity. The plan would link Terrestar’s proposed CaStar constellation with Equatys, a global platform being developed by Space42 and Viasat.

Key Takeaways

  • The companies plan an open interoperability framework while each operator retains control of its own assets.
  • Terrestar expects the initial phase of CaStar to cost at least C$500 million.
  • Equatys is targeting deployment of its first system by the end of 2029.

How the satellite infrastructure would work

The memorandum of understanding calls for an open, standards-based framework connecting the planned CaStar and Equatys systems, including their ground networks. The companies’ proposed interoperability framework would let the systems work together while each operator retains ownership and control of its own assets.

The companies say the approach is intended to combine national control over communications infrastructure with the scale of a shared global network. In Canada, CaStar would operate as a sovereign system while connecting with Equatys internationally.

Plans for CaStar and Equatys

Montreal-based Terrestar plans CaStar as a low-Earth-orbit satellite system to expand coverage in rural and remote communities. Its initial phase is expected to cost at least C$500 million, or about US$356 million.

Space42 and Viasat agreed in September 2026 to co-found Equatys, with up to US$1 billion in combined equity commitments. The platform is intended to support direct-to-device and other mobile satellite services, with a first system targeted for deployment by the end of 2029.

Competition for mobile connectivity

The collaboration comes as Starlink expands its wireless ambitions, including plans for a standalone US wireless carrier. Terrestar already works with mobile network operators to address gaps in Canadian coverage using capacity on a geostationary satellite owned by EchoStar.

Terrestar Chief Executive Jacques Leduc said building a low-Earth-orbit constellation alone would not be sustainable or viable. The new memorandum sets out a proposed collaboration; the connected systems have not yet been deployed.

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