ABU DHABI – Space42 on Monday announced a strategic partnership with Skylo Technologies, the world’s leading non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider, to provide standards-based direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity through the geostationary satellite Thuraya-4.
Both companies have already demonstrated what this means in practice. This means that two-way real-time voice calls can be completed via Thuraya-4 without the need for SIM changes or changes to the existing carrier’s core infrastructure.
The technology integration between Skylo’s 3GPP-compliant NTN platform and Thuraya-4 has been completed, confirming that the service is ready for commercial deployment.
For carriers, this partnership provides integrated enhancements to existing network architectures, rather than overlays or experimental add-ons. Devices are authenticated through the same SIM and ID framework, extending coverage to rural, maritime, and remote locations while maintaining operator relationships.
For end users, this means they can stay connected in places where they previously had no coverage.
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, said the partnership expands Thuraya 4’s reach through an interoperable connectivity layer that allows satellite and ground networks to function as one integrated system, advancing Space42’s strategy to become a global NTN leader.
“This impact will have immediate implications for people and communities who depend on reliable connectivity, delivering resilient, carrier-grade coverage for businesses, governments and mobile operators across remote and underserved areas on infrastructure built on 3GPP standards and designed for long-term scale.”
Parthsarathi Trivedi, co-founder and CEO of Skylo, said the integration work is complete and the company is ready to launch the service.
“Space42’s decision to choose Skylo’s standards-based architecture for Thuraya 4 validates what we have built: a carrier-grade connectivity layer where satellites act as natural extensions of mobile networks rather than parallel systems. This is what standardized Sky really looks like,” he said.
Commercial deployment begins across Thuraya-4’s coverage area, further expanding Skylo’s NTN presence to more than 37 countries.
The companies are currently working to secure the necessary regulatory approvals and carrier agreements across target markets, with a gradual rollout expected once approval is received.
