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 โ€œHola 5G Ouluโ€ 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

ย Virgin Media O2 and Daisy Group have joined forces to form a ยฃ1.4B B2B telecom and IT services powerhouse, targeting UK enterprises with an integrated offering that includes private 5G, cloud, AI, and cybersecurity solutions. With Virgin Media O2 holding a 70% stake and Daisy 30%, the new entity aims to accelerate enterprise digital transformation, drive operational synergies, and compete against both traditional telcos and cloud-first players in a fast-evolving market.
Indoor 5G enables high-speed, low-latency connectivity in enclosed environments like offices, hospitals, and airports, supporting mission-critical applications and smart building operations. The market is driven by technological advancements in small cells, distributed antenna systems, and a mix of mmWave and Sub-6 GHz bands. Asia-Pacific leads in adoption due to smart city initiatives and government support. Picocells and antennas are key components, with growing demand in emerging economies fueled by subsidies and infrastructure upgrades. Recent developments include partnerships and acquisitions aimed at strengthening indoor 5G capabilities.
Twelve major European telecom providers, including Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom, have jointly urged the EU to allocate the full upper 6GHz band (6.425โ€“7.125 GHz) for mobile use, citing the spectrumโ€™s critical role in future 6G deployment. With the U.S. and China already advancing in this area, operators warn that delays could jeopardize Europeโ€™s digital leadership and hinder next-generation connectivity infrastructure.
The telecom industry in 2025 is undergoing a major transformation, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud growth, next-gen cellular networks, and national data sovereignty. AI is reshaping cellular infrastructure, enhancing spectrum efficiency through innovations like ELAA (Extremely Large Aperture Arrays), and enabling smarter, adaptive networks.
Vodafone is expanding its role in the UK smart metering upgrade by providing fixed-line connectivity between energy suppliers and the Data Service Platform (DSP). This move complements its existing mobile network role and positions Vodafone as a critical telecom partner in the UK’s digital energy transition, helping to advance national net-zero and smart grid goals.
Whitepaper
Explore how Generative AI is transforming telecom infrastructure by solving critical industry challenges like massive data management, network optimization, and personalized customer experiences. This whitepaper offers in-depth insights into AI and Gen AI's role in boosting operational efficiency while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Telecom operators can harness these AI-driven...
Supermicro and Nvidia Logo
Whitepaper
The whitepaper, "How Is Generative AI Optimizing Operational Efficiency and Assurance," provides an in-depth exploration of how Generative AI is transforming the telecom industry. It highlights how AI-driven solutions enhance customer support, optimize network performance, and drive personalized marketing strategies. Additionally, the whitepaper addresses the challenges of integrating AI into...
RADCOM Logo
Article & Insights
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have evolved from experimental satellite systems to integral components of global connectivity. The transition from geostationary satellites to low Earth orbit constellations has significantly enhanced mobile broadband services. With the adoption of 3GPP standards, NTNs now seamlessly integrate with terrestrial networks, providing expanded coverage and new opportunities,...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top