Cellnex and Red Cross strengthen emergency communications with nationwide network in Netherlands

The network combines Cellnexs infrastructure footprint with the Red Crosss operational capabilities in crisis response

Utrecht, 16 July 2026 Cellnex Netherlands, a leading independent operator of wireless telecommunications infrastructure, and the Netherlands Red Cross are joining forces to work on a nationwide emergency communications network. This network will ensure that emergency responders remain more reliably reachable, even during large-scale crises and emergency situations.

The network leverages existing Cellnex locations in the Netherlands alongside the communication facilities of the Red Cross. This creates a robust, nationwide communication layer on top of existing regional facilities. This layer not only strengthens the continuity and reachability of emergency services during disruptions but also facilitates smoother cooperation across the borders of individual safety regions.

Marga Buijs, CEO of Cellnex Netherlands: “In emergency situations, communication must keep working. It is precisely at those moments that reliable infrastructure is crucial. With our nationwide coverage and technical expertise, we can contribute to a network that supports responders when it truly matters. Together with the Red Cross, we are building a safer and more resilient Netherlands.”

Reliable communication is of vital importance in crisis situations. During such events, the Red Cross supports professional emergency services and therefore requires an infrastructure that is robust, nationally available, and deployable across regional borders. By combining Cellnex’s network expertise with the operational experience and disaster relief expertise of the Red Cross, a network is created that better supports emergency aid when regular communication facilities are put under pressure.

Harm Goossens, Director-General of the Netherlands Red Cross: In a disaster, every second counts. Our volunteers and emergency responders must be able to rely on communication that works, even when regular networks are under pressure. The partnership with Cellnex Netherlands helps us stay always connected, so we can do what we are here to do: help people.

The next step in emergency response communications

The new network is intended to strengthen existing safety region communication facilities, not to replace them. Major incidents, such as floods, prolonged power outages, or other large-scale emergencies, do not stop at the borders of a single safety region. It is precisely then that it is critical for emergency responders and organizations to be able to collaborate across regions and remain reachable. The nationwide communication layer provides additional robustness and an overarching functionality that connects regional facilities.

Furthermore, the chosen technology makes the network future-proof. Alongside reliable voice communication, it creates room to expand the network in the long term with text and data applications. This will allow information in the field to be shared more quickly, accurately, and comprehensively once those functionalities are further set up.