Space42 says it is ready to launch direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services via its geostationary Thuraya-4 satellite, delivered through a partnership with Skylo Technologies. The companies also report testing a bi-directional, real-time voice call on the network without changing operator core infrastructure.
Commercial deployment is expected to begin on a rolling basis across Thuraya-4s coverage footprint, starting country-by-country after regulatory approvals and operator agreements.
How Space42 and Skylo position the Thuraya-4 D2D platform
Space42s D2D service is tied to Skylos 3GPP-compliant NTN platform, which Space42 says has already been integrated with Thuraya-4 and is ready for commercial deployment. The platform validation is framed around keeping the SIM and existing operator systems intact during a voice-service test.
Bi-directional voice test without SIM or core changes
Space42 and Skylo tested the integrated setup by completing a bi-directional, real-time voice call on the network. The test used no modified SIM and required no changes to existing operator core infrastructure.
Rolling commercial rollout across 37 countries
Space42 says commercial deployment of Thurayas D2D service will begin across Thuraya-4s coverage footprint on a rolling basis. The service will launch across 37 countries, with Space42 stating that it will start in each target market after securing necessary regulatory approvals and operator agreements.
Thuraya-4 live status and wider D2D strategy
Thuraya-4 went live in November 2025 after being launched into orbit earlier in 2025. Space42 says Thuraya-4 is designed to integrate seamlessly with terrestrial networks to support its broader strategy to develop and launch 3GPP-compliant D2D satellite services.
Space42 and Skylos CEOs both connect the choice of platform architecture to the integration thesis. Ali Al Hashemi, Space42s CEO of space services, said the partnership extends Thuraya-4s reach through an interoperable connectivity layer enabling satellite and terrestrial networks to function as one unified system. Parthsarathi Trivedi, Skylo co-founder and CEO, said selecting Skylos standards-based architecture validates satellites as a natural extension of mobile networks rather than a parallel system. For context on how these approaches fit into the broader market, see satellite connectivity solutions.
Earlier Equatys JV and the MSS spectrum plan
Space42 previously launched the Equatys JV with Viasat in September 2025. Equatys aims to leverage 100 MHz of harmonized MSS spectrum already allocated across more than 160 markets to offer D2D services globally.