Dutch incumbent operator KPN has signed up with Swedish vendor Ascom Wireless to jointly develop mobile services for the healthcare sector.

The two companies say they want to exploit a growing awareness in health circles of how communications can transform the sector. The partnership covers the Dutch market.

“We see a clear demand for a new patient-focused mobile healthcare concept that makes communication more safe and efficient, facilitates mobility and the different work flows”, said Claes Odman, general manager, Ascom Wireless Solutions.

However, the announcement is thin on exactly what services the two companies will jointly develop.

KPN has some history in the field. As long ago as 2008, it set up a dedicated team for the sector composed of 150 employees which offers a range of services, including connectivity for voice and data, integration, hosting, consultancy and a cloud-based service, designed specifically for healthcare.

“For a number of years, the healthcare industry has been ambivalent to the use of cellular technology. Many hospitals have had total bans on the use of cell phones”, said the announcement before concluding, “This is now more or less a thing of the past”.