Program VGR-5G

In 2020, VGR decided to phase out the so-called DECT system, which is currently primarily used within VGR’s healthcare administrations. The system currently has about 25,000 users, and the DECT phone enables calling, messaging, and alarm functions for healthcare staff.

In 2021, a feasibility study was launched and completed in February 2022. The purpose of the study was to propose a new solution to replace DECT, which is a prerequisite for phasing out the system. The feasibility study recommended a new mobile solution based on so-called 5G architecture.

By choosing a mobile-based solution, the impact goes beyond simply replacing DECT. It also opens up a wide range of new opportunities for the region’s various administrations and companies — such as healthcare, public transport, and agriculture — where advanced wireless communication can create new ways of working and new services.

In connection with the presentation of the feasibility study, a program was initiated with the aim of implementing the study’s recommendations. In simple terms: building a 5G network for VGR = VGR-5G.

• 2022–2023: Testing, evaluation, design, and preparations
• 2024: Procurement/purchasing and launch of a smaller, limited pilot at Kungälvs sjukhus (KS)
• 2025: Pilot completed in the spring, with large-scale implementation at KS starting in the autumn
• 2026: Several parallel implementations begin
• 2029–2030: Implementation of VGR-5G and phase-out of DECT expected to be completed

Building a dedicated 5G network within VGR ensures greater security, efficiency, and adaptability — benefits that are more difficult to achieve when relying on an external operator.

1. Enhanced security through full control of data traffic (Focus on security, confidentiality, and NIS2 compliance)
   
   By building and managing its own 5G network, VGR gains complete control over data traffic, ensuring higher protection for sensitive information and other critical data. The self-owned and self-managed infrastructure enables stronger network security and guarantees that no unauthorized access can occur through an external operator or user. This is particularly vital in healthcare, where confidentiality and integrity are essential.
   
   In summary, this is a key factor for compliance with the new EU NIS2-based cybersecurity legislation that will take effect in 2025.

2. Prioritized communication in critical situations (Focus on traffic management and reliable access during care needs)
   
   Having full operational control over a 5G solution allows VGR to actively manage how the network is used. Critical alarms and calls can be prioritized to ensure they quickly reach the right recipient, which is crucial in urgent healthcare situations. In practice, this means VGR can allocate prioritized resources to access necessary applications during critical events or at specific times.
   
   Such guarantees are harder to achieve with an external operator, as their networks must share both technical capacity and infrastructure — as well as personnel resources — across a wide range of commercial and private users.

3. Flexible and future-proof technology integration (Focus on IoT, adaptability, and innovation capacity)
   
   An in-house, mobile-based network allows VGR to tailor the infrastructure to its specific needs, such as IoT solutions for smart hospitals, real-time tracking of equipment and staff, and future implementation of robotics and medical devices within the region’s operations. VGR also operates a large number of proprietary applications that must be integrated with the mobile network. Establishing and managing the solution with VGR’s own personnel enables smoother and faster integration, without relying on an external operator to prioritize and allocate resources for the integration work required. This approach accelerates innovation and adaptation of new technologies in healthcare.

4. Robust communication during crises and societal disruptions (Focus on emergency preparedness, resilience, and continuity)
   
   In potential crises such as natural disasters, armed conflict, or major societal disruptions, a dedicated network ensures that communication channels remain operational for VGR’s critical services. An internal 5G network is less vulnerable to disruptions or outages caused by external parties, enabling VGR to maintain essential functions even under conditions where communication is targeted or disturbed.
   
   Additionally, VGR’s technical staff are designated as part of the regional crisis organization, ensuring that operational personnel will remain available.

5. Long-term cost efficiency and technical sustainability (Focus on investment, independence, and future upgrades)
   
   While the initial investment to build a private network is significant, over time it reduces dependency on commercial providers and eliminates recurring operator fees. By owning and managing its network, VGR can optimize operational and development costs in the long term. Radio equipment typically has a service life of several decades, and with today’s 5G technology it can be upgraded to 6G — and potentially 7G — thanks to modular software-based architecture, which will also be standard for at least 6G.

Examples of what VGR-5G enables for VGR’s administrations and companies:

• Single handheld device (e.g., in healthcare)
  Today, an employee may need to use several different devices, such as a mobile phone, a DECT handset, and a pager. With VGR-5G, most of these can be replaced by a single handheld device/mobile phone. Through smart functions in the 5G telephony system, the device is linked to the role, employee, and work schedule.
  
  
• Prioritized alarms and calls
  The most important alarms and calls are given priority throughout the entire infrastructure to the intended recipient. This can apply to more than just mobile phones — for example, alarms from medical devices.
  
  
• Mass and group communication
  Send information or alarms to a specific group of people regarding important or critical events — for example, an emergency alert to healthcare staff, a personal alarm in case of assault, or an accident alert for lone workers.
  
  Send information or alarms to a large group of people within a building or area — for example, in the event of a fire or other serious incident. Stream information from one to many, such as live video.
  
  
• Positioning and navigation
  Locate equipment such as wheelchairs or medical devices. Provide indoor navigation within a building or area for both employees and patients — for example, to find a specific department, the nearest exit, or the nearest restroom.
  
  
• Smart buildings
  Save energy and optimize the working environment by controlling lighting, temperature, and ventilation in a building. Enable communication with autonomous robots. Collect operational data from buildings. Offer other mobile operators access to the same core infrastructure.
  
  
• Increased availability
  Ensure that communication within a mission-critical location (for example, a hospital campus) can operate independently, even if all other inbound and outbound communications to the site are disrupted.

We welcome potential suppliers who wish to contribute products and services to the establishment of VGR-5G – VGR:s next-generation, private 5G network.

In this section, you will find key information to help you understand our vision, requirements, and expectations, including:

• Technical- and Functional target architecture - outlining the capabilities and performance VGR aim to achieve.
• Overall architecture - a high-level view of how a system’s components are structured
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - updated regularly to address common queries