Frequently asked solicit

In the form of a consortium, the city of Wavre and Citymesh participated in the first call launched from Europe to jointly build the first European network of the future.

More specifically, it's “5G for Smart Communities” - 5G4SC for short, organized by Connecting Europe Facilities, a division of the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), the European commission responsible for health, connectivity and space in Europe.

On the European continent, Wavre is a very attractive metropolis with its own character. The vision of the city council, the know how of the various partners, the need to further modernize and the strategic location all contributed to the rock-solid dossier submitted by CONNECTOW.

Moreover, this is a 100% Belgian project that - averse to politics and across the language border - fits perfectly into the European context, so that the city of Wavre will serve as an example for other candidates.

No, this phase of the project only concerns the territories of Wavre, Limal and Bierge.

No, definitely not! We assume maximum reuse and, where necessary, renewal of the existing infrastructure. At no time - now or in the future - is there any question of building masts in the backyard. In consultation with and under the guidance of the competent European committees, the Belgian regulator and the supervisory authorities, the sites are also published on this website.

In fact, a lot! During the duration of the project, CONNECTOW wants to bring together as many partners and interested parties as possible to shape the future together.

To do this, you can contact us via the FAQ - form.

Absolutely! We are flesh and blood people. Most of us live in Wavre and the surrounding area ourselves, others a little further away.

Make an appointment via this website and we will contact you soon!

The project is 75% funded by the EU. The other 25% are largely supported by Citymesh and the city of Wavre also accounts for a modest part of the funding - especially in the rollout of the various projects.

5G radiation falls under the category of “non-ionizing” radiation. This means that this type of radiation is too weak to break chemical bonds and therefore has no proven effect on humans and animals. Wi-Fi, FM radio and radiation from power cables also belong to the category of non-ionizing radiation.

Much research has already been done into the effects of radiation from cell towers and mobile phones. Sciensano has confirmed in its opinion that health risks can be estimated based on existing research carried out into frequencies similar to those of 5G technology. The existing research indicates that there are no demonstrable harmful effects.

In radio terms, 5G is actually an evolution of 4G. It is quicker than 4G and therefore has a faster response time, so you get a faster response to your sent data. In addition, it also has extra capacity, making new applications possible. Want to know more? Read here everything about 5G.

Yes, 5G is already available in certain zones.

Yes, like any evolution, the switch requires an investment in technology here too. On the other hand, the antennas that are still used for 3G are disappearing.

The only known effect of 5G radiation is heating through energy absorption. However, that effect is so small that it has no effect on living beings. There are therefore no scientifically reliable indications that high-frequency electromagnetic fields that are below the legal values are a hazard.

We are almost all connected to the internet 24/7. The existing networks are barely able to cope with demand, so an innovation is necessary.

The biggest advantages for business are safety, stability, reliability and speed.

Yes, on the territory covered by the new network, every company will have the opportunity to be part of this journey. Want to know more? Please contact us using the form on this website.

No, in no way. In order to shape this project, the organizing parties - in this case the city of Wavre and Citymesh - are prohibited from generating additional income on top of the funding to build and maintain the infrastructure.

CONNECTOW focuses on health care, education and social inclusion. Everyone has an interest in that.

5G networks offer better protection when exchanging data, thanks to improved security protocols.

While it is quite challenging to summarize that in a short and concise answer, it is important to know that the advent of the new technology opens up opportunities that were unthinkable two years ago. Let us illustrate with an example: Each communication tower has a large battery pack at its base. They are there to ensure minimal communication with, for example, the 112 in the event of major failures in the electricity network. So we collect energy - derived from fossil fuels - 24/7 that is barely used. Suppose we installed a smart meter in the homes of the local residents and the aforementioned battery so that the electricity network could decide - when possible and safe - to use the stored energy in those batteries to, you know, provide the kettle in your home with electricity... Smart, right? Now let's go one step further. If we now also provide every site with solar panels, we hardly need to use fossil fuels to generate and store energy anymore. Interested in helping to shape the world of tomorrow? Then be sure to contact us!