Satellite Networks

Omantel teams with China's GalaxySpace to explore LEO and D2D tech

Omantel teams with China's GalaxySpace to explore LEO and D2D tech

Omantel announced on Monday it has partnered with Chinese LEO satellite operator GalaxySpace to explore ways to cooperate in next-gen satellite connectivity in Oman, to potentially include direct-to-device (D2D) satellite technologies.

Under the framework agreement, Omantel and GalaxySpace said they will explore proof of concept (PoC) activities, technical evaluations, and potential service scenarios to determine the feasibility, performance, and commercial relevance of future satellite-enabled services in the country.

Potential areas of evaluation may include resilient broadband connectivity, service continuity in challenging or remote locations, enterprise and industry applications, maritime and logistics use cases, IoT-enabled solutions, and opportunities to strengthen national digital infrastructure through complementary satellite and terrestrial technologies.

Opportunities for knowledge transfer, technical capability development, and joint learning are also part of the framework agreement.

Omantel CEO Aladdin Baitfadhil said the telco’s collaboration with GalaxySpace aims to deepen its understanding of emerging technologies and evaluate their potential role in advancing Oman’s digital transformation and future connectivity landscape, whilst also aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the government’s national priorities.

“As connectivity technologies continue to evolve, satellite capabilities are becoming an increasingly important complement to terrestrial networks in enabling the next phase of digital transformation,” Baitfadhil said in a statement. “Our collaboration with GalaxySpace reflects Omantel's commitment to exploring emerging technologies that can strengthen the resilience, reach, and future readiness of Oman’s connectivity ecosystem.”

Peter Huang Heping, GalaxySpace’s GM for international business development, added that the collaboration “provides an opportunity for GalaxySpace and Omantel to jointly assess how LEO broadband and direct-to-cell technologies may help build local satellite capabilities in Oman, while exploring broader regional opportunities for advanced satellite connectivity.”

GalaxySpace – one of several Chinese companies chasing the LEO satellite dollar, along with Geespace, Guodian Gaoke and Shanghai SpaceSail Technologies – manufactures its own LEO satellites and currently has over 40 in orbit. It has also established a LEO broadband communication test constellation for China called Mini-Spider to conduct validation studies for satellite internet applications.

GalaxySpace signed a similar cooperation deal with Thailand’s True Corp in February 2025.  The company also signed an MoU with Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in June 2025 to integrate its LEO satellite constellation into Nigeria’s telecom grid to enable D2D satellite services in the country.



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