Photo: Space42

Space42 has made a new move into the Direct-to-Device (D2D) arena. Its mobile satellite services subsidiary Thuraya has teamed up with Gatehouse Satcom, a Danish-based software company on a project to advance D2D connectivity. The project demonstrated NB-IoT applications over Space42’s L band geostationary satellites using 3GPP-compliant release 17 technology, Space42 announced on May. 7.

The collaboration demonstrated that 3GPP-compliant devices, including smartphones and IoT modules, can connect seamlessly to Space42’s satellite network. This validation confirms that Thuraya Direct can be delivered through globally standardized infrastructure, open to any telecom or OEM partner able to interoperate with the system. With commercial readiness targeted for the end of this year, Space42 is now engaging with mobile operators and industry players to bring this service to the market.

This initiative aims to demonstrate Space42’s operating model. This is aiming to align early with transformative open-standard technologies, scale them through targeted, mission-driven programs, and deliver outcomes through trusted partnerships. It also aims to address critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, and transportation; domains where reliable, wide-area connectivity cannot depend solely on terrestrial infrastructure.

“Running 5G NB-IoT over GEO is no small feat, but our software is built for this – adaptable across constellations, compliant with global standards, and ready to support the next wave of NTN innovation. It’s that shared forward-looking mindset that makes our work with Space42 so impactful. They have a rare ability to pair long-term vision with real-world execution. This project is a perfect example,” Jesper Noer, VP Commercial, Gatehouse Satcom, said in a statement.

Earlier this year, Space42 signed an MoU with Viasat to explore partnership options for developing a 5G non-terrestrial network.