London’s global integrator, NTT Data, has secured a multi-year contract to install and manage a private 5G network for Roularta Media Group, Belgium’s largest printing enterprise. The network stretches over a 40,000-square-meter facility, aiming to enhance operations. Initial deployments have connected basic applications, with more use cases in development.
Despite the announcement, details about the network provider remain undisclosed. NTT Data commonly partners with Celona, HPE, Nokia, and Ericsson. Through a deployment-as-a-service model, NTT Data ensures operational “reliability and efficiency” across the plant’s expanse. The project initially focuses on worker connectivity via push-to-talk communication on rugged devices.
The goal is to transform Roularta’s operations into a cutting-edge digital powerhouse, leveraging advanced technology for increased productivity. Overcoming previous connectivity issues within the facility, the new network infrastructure is optimized for peak performance—thanks to input from a consultancy process.
Moreover, NTT Data plans to extend coverage to other European locations such as Germany and the Netherlands. Future applications will cover intelligent asset tracking and advanced communication solutions. Edge computing implementations are also on the horizon.
Luc Neysens, Roularta’s CIO, emphasizes the necessity for uninterrupted operations, citing the need for rapid news printing. He appreciates the partnership with NTT Data, which provides a secure and low-latency network environment.
Robin Joncheere, NTT Data Belgium’s managing director, highlights how the initiative enables digital transformation for Roularta. The project thrives on private 5G capabilities and edge applications, facilitating data-driven insights for operational evolution.
