Satellite-to-cell graphic. Photo illustration: Via Satellite

Indonesia’s national satellite operator PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat) has signed an MoU with Space42 to explore direct-to-device (D2D) collaboration with the Equatys joint venture. 

Telkomsat is the first satellite operator publicly announced to be collaborating with Equatys, after partners Viasat and Space42 announced the joint venture in September, with an open invitation for others to join. Equatys is working to build an infrastructure for D2D services using shared mobile satellite spectrum (MSS).

Under this MoU announced Tuesday, Telkomsat and Space42 intend to explore potential areas of collaboration related to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and D2D connectivity. This includes assessing the feasibility of technical, commercial, and regulatory cooperation related to D2D services; and partnering on regulatory work in licensing and spectrum coordination, research and development, infrastructure investment. 

The companies said this work “may include preliminary alignment of network infrastructure to ensure seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite systems without additional hardware, set service benchmarks for latency, bandwidth, and reliability, and jointly develop new 5G NTN capabilities.” 

“Satellite-based connectivity will remain a key element in the national network architecture, particularly to ensure reliable communications in remote areas as well as for the country’s strategic needs. Telkomsat remains committed to delivering inclusive and sustainable services for all communities,” commented Telkomsat CEO Lukman Hakim Abd Rauf. 

Equatys has set a goal to be delivering D2D services within three years. It will use a combination of existing in-orbit resources including Thuraya-4 and the Inmarsat (now Viasat) existing MSS satellites — as well as new satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) owned by Equatys, but the JV has not specified a projected dollar value of investment or the number of satellites it may invest in.