UAE-based SpaceTech firm Space42 has partnered with Danish satellite comms specialist Gatehouse Satcom to push the boundaries of mobile connectivity, this time, straight into space.
The collaboration, driven by Space42’s mobile satellite subsidiary Thuraya, successfully tested 3GPP-compliant Release 17 NB-IoT over L-band geostationary satellites, paving the way for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity using standard smartphones.
“This collaboration reflects our strategy in action,” said Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services at Space42.
“It is about extending the boundaries of mobile connectivity by enabling standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect via satellite in areas where terrestrial networks fall short.”
This leap in tech lays the groundwork for Thuraya Direct, a new messaging and IoT satellite service expected to launch commercially in Q4 2025. Built to meet global standards and support future scalability, the platform aims to deliver resilient messaging in remote areas, something especially relevant for parts of MENA with limited ground network infrastructure.
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Space42 – Tech That Goes the Distance
Gatehouse Satcom played a critical role in validating the messaging protocols needed for this satellite-smartphone handshake.
“Running 5G NB-IoT over GEO is no small feat,” said Jesper Noer, VP Commercial at Gatehouse Satcom.
“But our software is built for this – adaptable across constellations, compliant with global standards, and ready to support the next wave of NTN innovation.”
With decades of experience in satellite mobility, Thuraya is no stranger to challenging environments—from the dunes of the Empty Quarter to mountainous terrains in the Levant.
By combining its proven satellite backbone with Gatehouse’s NTN expertise, Space42 is showing that satellite messaging for the average smartphone is no longer science fiction.
With commercial readiness expected by year-end, Space42 is now engaging telecom providers and mobile operators to bring this tech to market. It’s a bold move that could reshape connectivity across remote areas in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
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