Nokia provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions for service providers, enterprises, and consumers, including hardware, software, and services to build and manage 5G, fixed, and cloud networks. Customers install Nokia equipment and software or subscribe to managed services, with Nokia supplying base stations, switches, network management tools, and ongoing support, plus IP licensing. It differentiates itself by offering an end-to-end mix of technologies, software, services, and intellectual property licensing across mobile, fixed, and cloud, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Its goal is to help customers deploy scalable, secure, and sustainable networks that enable digital transformation and next-generation experiences.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Espoo, Finland
Founded
1865
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Nokia partners with ICEYE to build Europe's sovereign satellite communications network. Nokia's (NOK) collaboration with ICEYE reflects Europe's accelerating trend toward building autonomous capabilities in secure communications. Facing changes in the external environment and rising internal demand, the two parties are centering on a low Earth orbit satellite network to provide mission-critical connectivity services to government and defense customers. At the same time, Nokia is using this to further expand its business beyond its core mobile network infrastructure, while ICEYE is stepping into a larger new market. Nokia and satellite startup ICEYE plan to build a secure European communications system in orbit for defense and security affairs, seizing on the continent's increasingly urgent demand for sovereign services. The partnership is expected to launch up to 50 low Earth orbit satellites per year starting in 2028, Nokia CEO Justin Hotard and ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski said in a joint interview. For government customers, the two companies will provide ground terminals and satellites designed to work with land-based networks, keeping armed forces, first responders and ministries connected during disruptions. The European Union said in August that it is expanding its IRIS[2] sovereign satellite program, aiming to create a unified service that does not rely on foreign suppliers. European sovereignty demand drives satellite capability building. This push comes as Elon Musk's Starlink, which operates the world's largest satellite communications constellation, has said it may challenge U.S. telecom operators by directly competing for customers. Some of Nokia's ground operator customers in the United States and Europe have begun discussing forming joint ventures to bid for satellite spectrum in an upcoming auction, seeking to retain control over this emerging connectivity layer. Nokia is expanding beyond its core mobile network infrastructure, investing in satellites and data center equipment. The company's focus on artificial intelligence infrastructure, combined with an investment from AI chip developer Nvidia (NVDA), has driven its stock price up about 65% this year. ICEYE belongs to a group of emerging space companies benefiting from Europe's sovereignty push and growing demand for defense-related services. The company raised 450 million euros in June at a valuation of 10 billion euros. Earlier this month, it signed a letter of intent with Polish state-owned defense manufacturer PGZ SA to build a Polish military satellite communications system. Modrzewski said this is one of the demand signals that prompted the development.
ICEYE and Nokia develop military satellite communications system. by RNS · October 2, 2026 AIRSPACE REVIEW - Finnish space company ICEYE and telecommunications giant Nokia have agreed to a strategic partnership to develop a secure broadband satellite communications system for government and military customers. Through this collaboration, the two companies seek to provide a country's government with a self-sufficient satellite communications infrastructure without relying on third-party commercial operators. Find out more Military training Recreational Flights Users of this system will have full control over the entire infrastructure ecosystem, from the satellite segment, ground-based stations, to user terminals. The launch of the first communications satellite into low Earth orbit (LEO) is scheduled for 2028 to provide communications coverage in special mission areas. This system is designed to complement existing military and commercial communications networks, especially in emergency situations when ground-based networks are damaged, unreachable, or hacked. Border guards and other agencies. In addition to the military, this communication platform is targeted for use by border guards, emergency response officers, and other government agencies. Find out more Aviation Industry Defense Industry In its role division, ICEYE will contribute expertise in the development and operation of satellite systems, while Nokia integrates its secure telecommunications network technology. ICEYE CEO and Co-founder Rafal Modrzewski emphasized that governments should own and fully control their own communications systems without being tied to the terms of service of foreign commercial operators. Nokia itself continues to expand its defense communications portfolio after previously launching a 5G connectivity solution for military and unmanned systems with the Banshee network-based KNDS in June 2026. For ICEYE, the project complements previous expansions, including a partnership to develop a MILSATCOM system with the Polish defense industry group PGZ last September, and an expanded satellite data access agreement for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in January 2026. (RNS) Find out more Armed Forces News
Nokia and ICEYE plan a sovereign satellite network for governments. The companies say participating nations would own and control the satellites, ground segment and terminals; the first launches are expected in 2028. October 1, 2026 Key points * 01 Nokia and ICEYE announced their partnership on October 1, 2026, to develop secure, sovereign broadband communications systems in low Earth orbit (LEO). * 02 Under the companies' proposed model, participating nations would own and control the satellites, ground segment and user terminals. * 03 ICEYE is contributing satellite and ground-system expertise; Nokia is contributing secure networking technology. * 04 The planned system is intended for defense, border security, emergency services and disaster response. * 05 The companies expect the first communications satellites to launch in 2028. Nokia and ICEYE plan a government-focused LEO network for defense and emergency missions, with national ownership and first launches expected in 2028. Nokia and ICEYE announced a partnership on October 1, 2026, to develop secure, sovereign broadband communications systems in low Earth orbit (LEO) for governments. The companies expect the first communications satellites to launch in 2028. Under their proposed model, participating nations would own and control the satellites, ground segment and user terminals. What national ownership is meant to cover. The planned system would connect satellites with ground infrastructure and ruggedized user terminals. The companies' announced model gives participating nations ownership and control of those parts of the system, rather than placing them under a commercial operator's control. What Nokia and ICEYE contribute. ICEYE brings satellite and ground-system expertise to the partnership. Nokia contributes secure networking technology. Together, the companies plan to develop the communications system and its supporting infrastructure. Missions the planned network is intended to support. The proposed system is designed for government missions including defense, border security, emergency services and disaster response. Nokia describes the intended service as targeted, high-throughput, low-latency connectivity over priority mission areas. It is meant to complement existing military and commercial networks. Other Languages Read this article in another available language.
Nokia and ICEYE to create sovereign satellite communication systems for governments. 1 October 2026, 17:28 · 37 · Technology Finnish space company ICEYE and Nokia have reached an agreement to jointly develop secure low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems for government clients. According to ixbt.com, the first telecommunications satellites under this project are scheduled for launch in 2028, and it is expected to become a unique alternative to global commercial systems like Starlink. This is reported by news source. The core idea of the project is to build a sovereign satellite infrastructure fully controlled by a specific state. In this model, the client will be able to independently manage satellites, the ground segment, and user terminals without being dependent on the terms of external commercial operators. System for defense and emergency situations. The new communication network is primarily intended for defense, border security, emergency services, and disaster response. In conditions where terrestrial mobile and wired networks are damaged, overloaded, or completely offline, this satellite communication should provide a reliable backup channel. It will be possible to concentrate network resources over priority areas based on current needs. ICEYE and Nokia promise to ensure high throughput and low latency. At the same time, the new system will not fully replace existing military or government networks but will provide additional coverage and backup channels. Cooperation between the companies. Within the framework of this partnership, ICEYE will provide its expertise in creating and operating satellite constellations, while Nokia will supply secure telecommunications network technologies. The parties aim to integrate low-Earth orbit satellites, ground infrastructure, and secure terminals into a unified communication system. It is worth noting that ICEYE already offers its own Earth observation satellite systems to government clients. The company operates a constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites that allow for surface imaging regardless of time of day or cloud cover. The new project with Nokia significantly expands this direction through satellite communications.
Nokia and ICEYE in new collaboration Nokia and ICEYE launch a new satellite service system for defense sector needs.