- Deutsche Telekom is responsible for the IRIS² land network, supporting secure, sovereign communications across the European Union.
- This role strengthens the company’s position in the growing space-telecom infrastructure sector.
What happened: Deutsche Telekom joins IRIS² satellite project
Deutsche Telekom has been selected to oversee the ground segment of the EU’s IRIS² satellite system, which aims to provide secure and sovereign connectivity services across Europe. The IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) programme is an initiative by the European Commission and is set to be operational by 2027.
The land infrastructure includes the development and management of ground stations, operational control centers, and terrestrial communication links. Deutsche Telekom joins a consortium led by Airbus Defense and Space, alongside Thales Alenia Space and Eutelsat. According to TelcoTitans, the company’s responsibilities will ensure the satellites’ connections to users on the ground are resilient and secure.
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Why it’s important: strengthening EU sovereignty in digital infrastructure
This project represents a pivotal moment in the integration of telecommunications and satellite technologies. By taking on the IRIS² ground infrastructure, Deutsche Telekom is reinforcing the EU’s ambitions for digital independence. With geopolitical tensions and rising cybersecurity concerns, the ability to operate a sovereign, encrypted satellite communication network is considered strategically vital.
This marks a broader shift in the telecom industry, as firms expand into aerospace domains. Operators like Orange and BT are similarly building hybrid terrestrial-satellite systems for resilience and emergency use. Deutsche Telekom’s involvement allows it to shape this transformation directly.
Srini Gopalan, Board Member at Deutsche Telekom, stated the company is “proud to contribute to Europe’s digital sovereignty and infrastructure security.” This role could improve broadband access in underserved areas and protect communication channels during crises. The IRIS² satellite system, backed by €2.4 billion in funding, is a key component of the EU’s broader digital and space strategy.
