Nokia and ICEYE partner for sovereign LEO satellite communications

Nokia and ICEYE have entered a partnership to develop secure, high-performance broadband low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications systems specifically designed for governments and military sectors.

The collaboration aims to provide nations with sovereign control over their communications infrastructure, including the satellites, ground segments, and terminals. This approach is intended to reduce dependency on foreign commercial operators and ensure resilient connectivity for national defense, first responders, and civil authorities, particularly when terrestrial networks are disrupted.

The project focuses on technological sovereignty and is positioned as an alternative to existing LEO providers like Starlink. The companies have announced plans to launch the first satellites in the system by 2028.