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.
