Mission-critical communications

Purpose-built private wireless networks for public safety, utilities, and railways

Why mission-critical communications matter

Mission-critical operations demand more than best-effort connectivity. From emergency response and grid restoration to real-time train control, organizations require networks that deliver always-on connectivity across wide and indoor areas, ultra-low latency for instant command and automation, and robust end-to-end security with SIM-based authentication and key autonomy. Equally essential is the ability to maintain uninterrupted service during disasters or network congestion. This is why more public safety agencies, utilities, and rail operators are replacing siloed legacy systems with dedicated private LTE and 5G networks engineered specifically for mission-critical performance.

Core Enterprise Solutions: Engineered for mission-critical demands

At the core of Nokia’s mission-critical offering are our Core Enterprise Solutions: modular, cloud-native 4G/5G SA cores designed for high resilience, deterministic performance, and security. Built to support the most demanding operational environments, each vertical-optimized Core Enterprise Solution enables seamless evolution from legacy systems while providing the foundation for ultra-reliable, real-time applications.

Key features include:

Low-footprint, scalable architecture supporting MCX (Push-to-Talk, Data, Video) and URLLC
Interoperability with existing systems such as TETRA, SCADA, and GSM-R
Lifecycle automation with containerized functions for agile scaling
End-to-end encryption and secure slicing for sovereign-grade security
Deployment flexibility: on-premise, hybrid, or distributed edge setups

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Core Enterprise Solutions: Engineered for mission-critical demands
Strategic partnership: Nokia and Leonardo
Built for the world’s most demanding industries
Related solutions
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Solution

Core Enterprise Solutions

Nokia’s robust, open and scalable core that hands control of the infrastructure back to you

Strategic partnership: Nokia and Leonardo

To deliver high-performance, ultra-reliable communications for critical infrastructure, Nokia has partnered with Leonardo to deliver mission-critical private wireless networks globally. With both solutions built on cloud-native architectures, Leonardo’s software can be seamlessly integrated into Nokia’s platform, enabling a fully unified and turnkey solution. The collaboration combines Nokia’s industrial-grade 4G/5G technologies and mission-critical Core Enterprise Solutions with Leonardo’s systems integration expertise and national-grade cyber capabilities. Together, they empower governments and critical sectors such as public safety, defense, and transportation with highly resilient, end-to-end secure networks that meet national regulatory and operational requirements.

Built for the world’s most demanding industries

Public safety

Public safety agencies are transitioning from legacy PMR systems like TETRA and P25, which were designed primarily for voice, to broadband private networks that support modern situational awareness and fast, data-rich decision-making.

Nokia enables this shift with dedicated 4G/5G standalone networks that deliver ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity for mission-critical operations.

Our networks support MCX-compliant services (voice, video, and data), drone surveillance, ANPR integration, and secure real-time links to Command & Control Rooms. With capabilities such as push-to-video, bodycam streaming, GIS integration, and mobile tactical deployments, our solutions ensure greater resilience and field coordination.

Key benefits

Faster emergency response and improved responder safety
Greater multi-agency collaboration
Enhanced situational awareness in dynamic environments

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Power utilities

The evolution to smart grids and distributed energy resources has exposed the limitations of legacy communication systems like PLC and LoRaWAN. Nokia provides power utilities with private LTE/5G networks that offer ultra-low latency, wide coverage, and real-time control over critical assets across substations, field equipment, and remote infrastructure.

These networks support automation, predictive maintenance, and the integration of technologies like drones and AI for remote inspection and event detection. With secure SIM-based connectivity for SCADA, IEDs, and RTUs, and infrastructure capable of hosting applications such as falling conductor detection, wildfire mitigation, distribution automation, and AMI backhaul with deterministic performance, Nokia provides a resilient and future-ready communications foundation for modern utilities.

Key benefits

Consolidation of siloed networks into a unified platform
Predictive fault isolation and faster restoration
Reduced OPEX and improved operational visibility

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Railways

As GSM-R nears end-of-life, rail operators face an urgent need to modernize their communications infrastructure to support automation, real-time data, and future passenger services.

Nokia’s FRMCS-ready 5G SA architecture delivers low-latency, high-reliability connectivity for applications such as ATO, ETCS Level 2, onboard video analytics, and wayside IoT. Our trackside and onboard solutions comply with TOBA requirements and support seamless migration from GSM-R.

With FRMCS architecture leveraging 5GC, MCX, and n101/n100 bands, along with TOBA-compliant onboard gateways and a cloud-native core enabling secure slicing and lifecycle automation, Nokia equips railways for the digital transformation ahead.

Key benefits

Full readiness for FRMCS and automated train operations
Enhanced passenger services via high-bandwidth connectivity
Improved safety, efficiency, and asset utilization

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Nokia at Critical Communications World 2025

At this year’s Critical Communications World (CCW) in Brussels, Nokia reaffirmed its commitment to advancing mission-critical communications across public safety, defense, utilities, and transport.

We showcased our latest innovations from MCX over 5G SA and video analytics integration to real-world deployments with partners around the globe. Our experts delivered thought leadership sessions on Trust, Modernization, and Operational Excellence, highlighting how private wireless networks are shaping the future of critical operations.

Watch our mood video to relive the highlights and see how Nokia is powering next-generation critical communications.