Amsterdam convention centre adds private 5G network

RAI Amsterdam is understood to be the first convention centre in Europe to be equipped with its own private 5G network, after the technology became available in the Netherlands at the start of December.

The private 5G network, claimed to be the fastest and most secure mobile network currently available, was used for the first time from 5–9 February during Cisco Live, one of the world’s largest IT events. Working closely with partners NTT Data and Cisco, RAI Amsterdam managed to install the new network in just six weeks.

“We are delighted to jointly offer this first network solution for private 5G in the complex environment of conferences and events,” said Jeroen van Hamersveld, General Manager of NTT DATA Netherlands. “Acquiring private 5G as a service not only provides RAI Amsterdam as a venue with maximum speed and security… RAI clients can also take advantage of the support 5G provides for any new concepts and innovations they are looking to present.”

“Delivering a private 5G network within just six weeks is an impressive achievement, and the rollout benefits both RAI Amsterdam and Cisco,” added Edwin Prinsen, Managing Director at Cisco Nederland. “It allows us to use interactive real-time video for live streaming throughout the entire location during the Cisco Live event; removing the need for long cables makes everything that much simpler. What’s more, it opens the door to other innovative applications related to crowd management and the management of large visitor flows.”

The new private 5G network has been framed as the next step in RAI Amsterdam’s digital transformation trajectory — and is an area in which the organisation is leading the way, according to RAI’s Manager of IT and Digital, Bret Baas.

“RAI is increasingly evolving from a traditional exhibition and conference venue into an innovation platform and knowledge centre where events take place,” Baas said. “New technologies are of critical importance to both our clients and ourselves. They open up a world of possibilities during events, such as flying drones and showing and forwarding high-quality videos. At the same time, our premises are becoming ever smarter, facilitating elements such as crowd control and sustainability.

“One of the key benefits of a private 5G network is that, unlike with Wi-Fi, network overloading will rarely occur. Nor does it require cables. 5G offers exhibitors and customers far more options, while allowing us to be exceptionally flexible on their behalf.”

Outside of Cisco Live, Baas sees enormous potential for other events. “Examples include Intertraffic Amsterdam and IBC, which require a great deal of communication between the equipment onsite,” he said. “In a similar vein, Interclean features lots of cleaning robots and our private 5G network will ensure that these can be seamlessly operated.”

“This private 5G network means that RAI Amsterdam is truly ready for the future,” Prinsen concluded.

Image courtesy RAI Amsterdam.