5G, a driver of innovation
On 5G, we are developing technological innovations that will lead to new opportunities for our customers.
5G drones
We are using 5G drones to support applications in a wide variety of sectors. To give a few examples:
Healthcare
Drones are being used to transport pharmaceutical products and blood, urine, and tissue samples.
Agriculture
The Flemish Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries, and Food Research (ILVO) is investigating how the combination of drones and AI can detect disease in crops at an early stage.
Construction
Drones can take measurements quicker than surveyors, saving valuable time.
Law enforcement
Drones are being used in multiple ways by law enforcement agencies, including monitoring public events, locating flashpoints, and tracking down fugitives or missing people.
Maintenance and repair
Drones can inspect installations in high and hard-to-reach places, such as wind turbines.
Logistics
Drones can scan stock levels and send the data to the AI on the server, where the stock is automatically counted and replenished in real time.
5G innovation hubs
Together with our customers and partners like A6K, Fabriek Logistiek , VIVES University of Applied Sciences and Howest University of Applied Sciences, we are co-creating 5G, IoT, artificial intelligence and edge-computing use cases on our 5G innovation platform. These labs also support various educational programs, and allow researchers and students to discover, test and build new use cases.
We are a partner of choice for companies undergoing a digital transformation, as we contribute to building a robust digital economy.
Quantum communication demystified
Paving the way for secure "unbreakable networks" of the future
Unlike conventional digital signals, which encode data using binary bits (0’s and 1’s), quantum communication relies on “quantum bits” (qubits). These qubits are composed of polarized photons (light signals). What sets qubits apart are their unique properties, enabling revolutionary approaches to data encoding, transfer, and security.
The long-term vision for quantum communication extends to a Quantum internet. Imagine a network where quantum computers, simulators, and sensors interconnect via fiber-optic channels. This interconnected system would offer unparalleled computational power, guaranteed communication security, and ultra-precise synchronization, measurements, and diagnostics -available both to everyone- locally and in the cloud.
Quantum technology is set to play an essential role in the future in the field of cybersecurity. After a successful field trial of a quantum-safe network in 2023, Proximus focused on expanding Quantum Circle in 2024. This ecosystem – the first quantum community for Belgium – gathers over 80 partners from all industries, public institutions, academics, research, federations and technology providers. It aims to inform the market about quantum computing, engage with the government for a positive investment climate and foster collaboration and innovation.
In collaboration with KU Leuven, Proximus recently created the Proximus Chair in Quantum Science and Technology. Our ambition is to be a leader in quantum technology in Belgium. Our partnership with KU Leuven should facilitate groundbreaking progress in a field critical to securing digital communications in the future.
Press Release - KU Leuven and Proximus inaugurate Proximus Chair in Quantum Science and Technology
Hybrid cloud solutions
In today’s competitive market, businesses need to scale operations efficiently, reduce costs, and enhance their IT infrastructure. Organizations also need to be able to easily move data and workloads between different cloud platforms, based on the level(s) of accessibility and usability of their data, or the data confidentiality and sovereignty required. The latter becomes increasingly important in the face of rising regulatory requirements like the European NIS2 and DORA regulations.
Proximus NXT addresses these needs by developing hybrid cloud strategies tailored to each business, from on-premises datacenters to innovative public and sovereign cloud services.
We’re strengthening our cloud offering with:
- Multicloud: We extended our public cloud offering with Google Cloud and AWS.
- Azure Expert MSP: We achieved the Microsoft certification for Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP).
- Microsoft Encrypted Public Cloud: In June 2024, Proximus NXT was the first in the world to launch a sovereign cloud solution, combining Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty with a European encryption layer fully secured by Thales and Intel. Agoria, Belgium’s technology industry federation, was one of the first to test this solution. Read the press release
- Google Disconnected Cloud: We have become the first in Europe to offer the Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped solution, with data securely stored and operated in our joint venture Clarence in Luxembourg.
AI and Gen AI
Launched in March 2022, Proximus Ada, a subsidiary of Proximus, is Belgium’s first center of excellence dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. It is designed to be a pillar of innovation and a center of expertise for all companies with the Proximus Group, ultimately benefitting their customers.
So far, Proximus Ada has developed over 160 AI use cases, including 15 generative AI use cases, and is continuously expanding its portfolio to address new challenges and opportunities. These AI solutions are designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and innovation and deliver value to both customers and employees.
Our use cases span various business domains and AI techniques. In finance, we focus on forecasting and fraud detection but we also work on CRM and operational efficiency projects. For instance, we use image recognition technology to ensure the accuracy of new technical installations, automating quality control processes and increasing customer satisfaction. Another area with multiple AI applications are the call centers. Agents there have access to AI-enabled troubleshooting applications, allowing them on the spot to decide on the best repair method.
Our generative AI use cases include customer-facing applications that allow customers to ask questions in their natural language, eliminating the need to browse through extensive FAQs. We also have support applications for call centers that enable agents to quickly access relevant information from over 31,000 pages of internal knowledge.
Backed by this experience, Proximus Ada has developed its own AI-specific project governance, prioritizing privacy and the responsible use of data and AI.
In partnership with Agoria, Proximus NXT affiliates Codit and Proximus Ada have co-developed AI-driven applications that streamline operations, improve productivity, and elevate member services. By automating internal processes and ensuring fast, intelligent access to information, these solutions create lasting value for Agoria’s 2,100+ members.
