Satellite Operators Agree to Shared Open Standard
The collaboration aims to improve global mobile device connectivity through a unified satellite infrastructure framework.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Terrestar Solutions, Space42, and Viasat have announced a collaboration to develop a global open standard for shared satellite infrastructure. This joint initiative is designed to improve connectivity for mobile devices by facilitating the integration of shared orbital assets.
Why it matters
Establishing an open standard for satellite infrastructure could reduce proprietary barriers in the space-based telecommunications sector. This effort aims to accelerate the deployment of direct-to-device connectivity by allowing firms to leverage shared hardware.
The firms have committed to a shared satellite infrastructure framework involving three international entities. The precise technical parameters of this open standard remain under development.
The players
Terrestar Solutions
A Canadian satellite operator focused on providing mobile connectivity solutions through space-based infrastructure.
Space42
A UAE-based satellite and AI-enabled space technology company specializing in satellite communications and geospatial intelligence.
Viasat
A United States-based global communications company that operates a large fleet of high-capacity satellite networks.
The details
The collaboration seeks to define a common protocol for satellite infrastructure, which acts as the physical layer for space-to-ground data transmission. By standardizing how satellite hardware interfaces with ground equipment and mobile devices, the companies intend to improve signal interoperability. This mechanism relies on aligning orbital asset management across the separate networks operated by Terrestar Solutions, Space42, and Viasat.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The partnership agreement was officially announced.
The Tech Race
This collaboration mirrors broader industry movements to align proprietary satellite networks with standardized non-terrestrial protocols. It serves as a competitive maneuver to match the rapid adoption of standardized direct-to-device connectivity services.
Mobile users may eventually see more consistent global coverage as satellite-to-device technology matures through these shared standards. However, the practical benefits remain dependent on the future technical roadmap and the timeline for integrating these standards into commercial mobile hardware.
The takeaway
This partnership represents a structural attempt to unify fragmented satellite networks into a single, interoperable standard. Observers should track subsequent announcements regarding the technical definitions of this standard and which handset manufacturers plan to support the resulting protocol.
Further reading
For broader trends in orbital networking and signal protocols, see Telecommunications.
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Should nations prioritize satellite alternatives to current major market players for mobile connectivity?
