Airbus’ Thuraya 4-NGS for Yahsat, based on the all-electric Airbus Eurostar Neo Platform. Photo: Airbus

UAE-based satellite operator and AI tech company Space42 has officially rolled out global service on its new mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4 (T4-NGS). The operator announced Wednesday that Thuraya-4’s L-band satellite connectivity services are now available to customers in more than 100 countries across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. In Africa, the satellite is providing coverage to new markets for Space42, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia.

Manufactured by Airbus based on the Eurostar Neo platform, Thuraya-4 became one of the largest mobile communications satellites in orbit when SpaceX launched the satellite in January. It is equipped with a massive 12-meter reflector antenna. The satellite bus utilizes a software-defined architecture that is compatible with Space42’s IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity services, enabling smartphone and sensor connection without specialized terminals.

“Thuraya-4’s commercial readiness is a major milestone for Space42. It strengthens our non-terrestrial network leadership, showing how we translate long-term vision into global scale and commercial growth. By combining connectivity with next-generation technology, we are building a more adaptable, resilient communications ecosystem that will support customers, partners, and markets for years to come,” Space42 CEO Ali Al Hashemi said in a statement.

A bulk of Thuraya-4’s business involves a 15-year, $708 million U.S. government contract. In August, Space42 Managing Director Karim Sabbagh said that the company is hoping Thuraya-4 will provide a meaningful boost to the company’s space services revenue, specifically in mobile satellite services for defense and security, as well as commercial applications.

“With Thuraya-4 entering commercial operation and our programmatic approach taking hold, combined with sustained optimization, we’re positioned for growth aligned with market demand,” Sabbagh said in a recent financial earnings report.