Broadband  |  2025-10-10

BTG and EUWENA Explore the Future of Private and Hybrid Networks at EUWENA Annual Meeting

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

BTG’s active participation reinforced its role as a vital connector between government, industry, and technology users.

BTG, the Trade association for IT and communications technology in The Netherlands and EUWENA convened industry experts and users in Rotterdam to explore the future of private and hybrid networks, with support from KPN. The meeting underscored the growing importance of secure, scalable private networks and the collaboration required between users, technology providers, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) across Europe.

The second annual meeting of EUWENA (European Users Wireless Enterprise Network Association) took place on 9 October in Rotterdam, bringing together experts, industry organisations, and end-users of private mobile networks. Hosted by KPN and supported by BTG – the Dutch Association for IT and Communication Technology – the event highlighted the rising strategic importance of private and hybrid networks in Europe’s digital infrastructure.

The programme featured a wide range of presentations, interviews, and real-world case studies. Opening the event, the Chair of BTG and Vice Chair of the EUWENA Taskforce Users emphasised the need for collaboration:

“Private networks form the digital backbone of sectors such as healthcare, logistics and public safety. With this EUWENA event, we build bridges between users, providers and policymakers. Only through cooperation can we accelerate innovation and secure a future-proof digital infrastructure in Europe.”

Under the guidance of Antoine van der Sijs, managing consultant at Strict, the afternoon sessions delved into critical developments within the private network landscape. Topics included progress in private 4G/5G deployments across Europe, intelligent connectivity in healthcare, and the technological integration of satellite and terrestrial networks.

A key session was focused on public safety, where Peter Clemons (EUWENA) explained Europe’s transition towards interoperable MCX networks. He was joined by Boris Madeleine (Obvios), who presented the innovative Dome in a Box, and Eildert van Dijken (Strict), who shared a Dutch implementation case.

During the event, KPN introduced the latest hybrid network solutions from the operator, showcasing integration between private infrastructure and MNO capabilities. The programme concluded with an inspiring Tour de France des Ports by EUWENA chairman Christian Regnier, featuring examples of private networks across European ports.

BTG’s active participation reinforced its role as a vital connector between government, industry, and technology users. Under the annual theme Connecting Tech to Society, BTG continues to accelerate digital transformation while promoting the societal value of technology.

Peter Clemons, Co-founder of EUWENA, stated:

“Collaboration between organisations such as EUWENA, BTG and KPN is essential to translate user needs into scalable, secure and interoperable solutions. The future of connectivity lies in hybrid models where private networks and MNOs advance together.”