Latvia’s mobile operator Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) and Finnish telecommunications company Nokia have signed a strategic agreement to integrate Nokia’s cutting-edge 5G radio technology with LMT’s proven defense solutions, LETA learned from Nokia.
This collaboration will deliver a high-capacity, secure, and resilient tactical communications system tailored for dedicated defense use cases in the Baltic region.
The partnership combines the technological strengths of both companies to develop a scalable and robust solution that meets the evolving needs of modern military operations and coalition forces. The integrated system will enable real-time data exchange among unmanned vehicles, sensors, and military units on the battlefield – enhancing situational awareness and ensuring secure interoperability to strengthen collective defense capabilities.
“This partnership builds on our longstanding collaboration and shared commitment to advancing 5G capabilities for defense. Together with Nokia, we are enhancing the security, resilience, and operational readiness of national and allied forces, ensuring mission success even in the most demanding environments,” said LMT President Juris Binde.
“Tactical defense systems harness the high speed, low latency, and robust connectivity of 5G networks to enhance real-time operations on the battlefield. Our joint solution with LMT supports the modernization of military capabilities, enabling faster decision-making, seamless communication, and the integration of advanced technologies across tactical environments,” added Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense at Nokia.
LMT has been Nokia’s long-time partner in developing Latvia’s mobile networks. Together, the companies have driven forward the development of 5G-based military applications and contributed to strengthening defense capabilities along NATO’s eastern flank. LMT operates Europe’s first 5G military testbed at the Ādaži base, a key NATO site in Latvia. Leveraging Nokia’s technical expertise, their joint work has produced innovations such as a portable 5G tactical network built on Nokia’s Banshee platform.
LMT Group’s turnover last year reached EUR 308.6 million, down 0.5 percent compared to 2023, while profit increased by 6.1 percent to EUR 34 million.
LMT is 49 percent owned by the Swedish Telia Company and its subsidiary Sonera Holding, 23 percent each by Tet and the Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC), and 5 percent by public asset manager Possessor.
LETA also reported that Telia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Latvia, Latvenergo, and LVRTC to sell all its shares in Tet and LMT. The parties aim to sign a definitive agreement by the end of 2025, with the transaction expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.
Source: BNS
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