Europe’s First Private 5G Network in a Hospital Unveiled

Oulu University Hospital, alongside Boldyn Networks, WICOAR Technologies, and the University of Oulu, has launched Europe's first operational private 5G network in a hospital setting. Funded by the European Commission, the 'Hola 5G Oulu' project aims to revolutionize patient care with advanced wireless technologies.
Europe First Private 5G Network in a Hospital Unveiled
Image Credit: Oulu University Hospital, Boldyn Networks, WICOAR Technologies, and the University of Oulu

In an unprecedented move, Boldyn Networks, WICOAR Technologies, Oulu University Hospital, and the University of Oulu have teamed up in a consortium. Funded by the European Commission under the CEF Digital program, their initiative, dubbed the “Hola 5G Oulu” project, is set to introduce the first-ever private 5G network within an operational European hospital, Oulu University Hospital in Finland. This innovative project aims to harness the power of 5G technology to enhance patient care through wireless wearable technologies.

Launching Private 5G in Healthcare


The collaboration between Boldyn Networks, the University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, and WICOAR Technologies marks a significant milestone in healthcare technology. By bringing a private 5G network to Oulu University Hospital, this consortium is enhancing patient care and positioning Oulu as a hub for technological and medical innovation.

Navigating Healthcare’s Technological Hurdles

Healthcare systems worldwide face increasing pressure to improve patient care while managing costs and adapting to rapid technological advances. Traditional hospital networks often struggle with bandwidth and security issues, hindering the deployment of innovative solutions.

The ‘Hola 5G Oulu’ Approach: A Custom 5G Solution

The “Hola 5G Oulu” project addresses these challenges by establishing a robust and secure 5G network specifically designed for the demanding environment of healthcare. Starting with a pilot on one patient ward floor and selected operating theatres, this network lays the groundwork for advanced data sharing, visualization techniques, and the deployment of wireless wearable technologies.

From Concept to Reality: Ensuring Reliability and Performance

Petri Parviainen, Senior Key Account Manager at Boldyn Networks, emphasized the consortium’s dedication to pioneering a solution that will serve as a model for hospitals worldwide. He highlighted the network’s capacity to sustain performance even during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted patient care.

Why 5G is the Future of Healthcare Technology

The choice of 5G for this project is pivotal. Its high capacity and security features make it ideal for supporting wireless solutions in healthcare, where reliability and data protection are paramount.

Enhancing Patient Care with Wearable 5G Technologies

The introduction of wireless wearable technologies promises a sea change for patients and healthcare professionals alike. These devices will enable real-time monitoring and diagnostics, reducing nurses’ administrative tasks and allowing doctors to spend more time with patients. Furthermore, the ability for anesthetists to remotely monitor surgeries enhances patient safety and operational efficiency.

Setting New Standards: The Hospital of the Future

Oulu University Hospital’s transition to a 5G-powered facility represents a significant leap forward in healthcare. By integrating cutting-edge technology into daily operations, the hospital is setting a new standard for patient care and operational efficiency.

Boldyn Networks: Engineering the 5G Healthcare

Boldyn Networks brings its expertise in creating bespoke private networks for large venues to the healthcare sector, demonstrating the versatility and impact of 5G technology beyond traditional applications.

Collaborative Innovation: The Consortium’s Contribution

Each consortium member plays a crucial role, from developing the network infrastructure to ensuring the seamless integration of wearable technologies into clinical practice, all while prioritizing patient safety and data security.

Milestones Achieved: Funding and Future Directions

The project has officially received funding from the European Commission, signaling the start of a transformative journey for Oulu University Hospital and the broader healthcare industry.

While the project’s initial phase focuses on deploying the network in selected areas of the hospital, the long-term vision includes a hospital-wide rollout that will solidify Oulu’s status as a center of medical and technological excellence.

Endorsements: Public-Private Partnerships Fueling Innovation

Kirsti Ylitalo-Katajisto, Pohde’s social and healthcare organizing director, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving technological innovation in healthcare. The EU’s support underscores the project’s significance and its potential to benefit patients and healthcare providers across Europe.

In conclusion, the “Hola 5G Oulu” project represents a pioneering effort to leverage 5G technology in healthcare, promising to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiencies, and set a new benchmark for hospitals worldwide. As Europe’s first hospital with a private 5G network, Oulu University Hospital is at the forefront of a technological revolution that could redefine healthcare for the better.


Recent Content

Connected aviation is transforming airports with secure private networks, IoT, and real-time data. This article unpacks how smart airports boost efficiency, safety, and passenger experience while unlocking new business value with real-world case studies from Heathrow, Changi, Dubai, and more.
Connected aviation is reshaping airports into smart, seamless ecosystems inside and outside the terminal. This case study reveals how hubs like Changi, Schiphol, and SAN use private networks, IoT, and cross-team collaboration to improve passenger flow, airside operations, sustainability, and safety.
Connected aviation is reshaping airports with autonomous systems, from security drones to robotic baggage vehicles and self-driving tugs. Automation improves safety, cuts turnaround times, and delivers a smoother passenger experience. Learn how airports use AI and robotics to stay competitive.
IoT and digital transformation are reshaping aviation by turning traditional airports into smart, data-driven ecosystems. From predictive maintenance to autonomous vehicles and real-time passenger insights, connected sensors and AI power safer, more efficient, and sustainable airport operations.
Whitepaper
Telecom networks are facing unprecedented complexity with 5G, IoT, and cloud services. Traditional service assurance methods are becoming obsolete, making AI-driven, real-time analytics essential for competitive advantage. This independent industry whitepaper explores how DPUs, GPUs, and Generative AI (GenAI) are enabling predictive automation, reducing operational costs, and improving service quality....
Whitepaper
Explore the collaboration between Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University, Ericsson, and Saab at the Aviation Innovation Hub. Discover how private 5G networks, real-time analytics, and sustainable innovations are shaping the "Airport of the Future" for a smarter, safer, and greener aviation industry....
Article & Insights
This article explores the deployment of 5G NR Transparent Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), detailing the architecture's advantages and challenges. It highlights how this "bent-pipe" NTN approach integrates ground-based gNodeB components with NGSO satellite constellations to expand global connectivity. Key challenges like moving beam management, interference mitigation, and latency are discussed, underscoring...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top

Private Network Readiness Assessment

Run your readiness check now — for enterprises, operators, OEMs & SIs planning and delivering Private 5G solutions with confidence.