Cellnex and IP-Connected jointly offer Private Network as-a-Service solution for the healthcare sector

Het Vertrouwde Dorp launching customer

Utrecht/Barneveld, June 8, 2022 – Cellnex Netherlands, part of Cellnex, Europe’s largest independent telecommunications infrastructure provider, and IP-Connected, an independent provider of data and telecommunications networks, are jointly launching a Private Network as-a-Service solution for healthcare organizations. A Private Network uses a separate part of the frequency spectrum, which enables higher performance and robustness. With this solution, Cellnex and IP-Connected meet the growing need for reliable and secure telecommunications networks for healthcare applications.

Critical communication in healthcare

Digitization in healthcare is increasing rapidly. Healthcare professionals, patients and visitors must and want to be permanently online; processes and tools are being automated; sensors are being installed to track and prevent difficult situations; and equipement, that is regularly moved from rooms and floors, are connected, transfering data and receiving almost instantanous feedback, such as diagnostics. To facilitate all this, an outstanding very good wireless communication infrastructure is necessary. A telecommunication infrastructure to which (much more than has been necessary until now) guaranteed performance can be delivered. A Private LTE network offers the possibility to determine Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with regard to continuity, availability, security and latency.

The advantages of a Private LTE Network

An important distinction of a Private LTE Network is that continuity and availability can be guaranteed. In addition, it offers a number of other advantages. The network is scalable and easy to expand flexibly. It is GDPR compliant: data does not go over a public network and the privacy of the information is ensured. Finally, it is also suitable for 5G and therefore future-proof.

As-a-Service model offers complete unburdening

The new solution is offered in an As-a-Service model. This means that IP-Connected and Cellnex take care of the entire project. From design, to implementation, maintenance and management. Healthcare organizations can choose to purchase only the Private Network, for a fixed amount per month, or also a number of applications on top of it, such as Telephony, Push-to-Talk, IoT applications – such as wandering buttons – storage and backup. If desired, the solution can also be delivered on-premise.
Robin Verlangen, Commercial Director at Cellnex Netherlands: “Cellnex offers its customers access to Europe’s most extensive network of advanced telecommunications infrastructure based on shared use. By jointly using the existing infrastructure, we can achieve significant cost savings for our customers and we also contribute to a sustainable society. Customers see this reflected in the very interesting and cost-efficient entry-level model for Private Network as-a-Service.The cooperation with IP-Connected in this area is also of great added value. Based on their extensive knowledge of the healthcare sector and passion for (healthcare) technology, they offer innovative solutions, tailored to the needs of the customer. We are therefore very happy with IP-Connected as a partner.”

Het Vertrouwde Dorp

In the meantime, several healthcare institutions have already show interest for such an efficient solution. A residential care initiative that already uses it is Het Vertrouwde Dorp, for people with dementia. Het Vertrouwde Dorp is a contemporary and distinctive alternative to the nursing home and offers a unique living concept, in which freedom, privacy, self-management and well-being of the residents are central; with care where necessary. The residential care complex has been designed and arranged in such a way that a safe living environment can be offered. The use of smart care domotics also contributes to this. Because WiFi alone could not guarantee that care alarms would always be available at crucial moments, a Private LTE Network for healthcare technology and telephony was chosen.

Johanna Castrop, initiator of Het Vertrouwde Dorp together with her husband: “Thanks to IP-Connected and Cellnex, we don’t have to worry about the digital infrastructure. For a low fixed amount per month they arrange everything. The network is also suitable for new technology. Because IP-Connected and Cellnex have a lot of experience in healthcare, we can easily consult with them and we receive good advice, for example about new applications, which we can then quickly put back into use.”