450 MHz Alliance Upcoming and Past Events
Join Aramco Digital and the 450 MHz Alliance for an Exclusive Event on Innovations in Private Networks
Aramco Digital, in collaboration with the 450 MHz Alliance, is pleased to invite you to an exclusive event focused on the latest advancements in private networks leveraging the 450 MHz spectrum. This gathering will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss how these technologies are transforming critical infrastructure.
This is a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of private networks and critical infrastructure.
Details:
When: 20 – 22 January, 2025
Venue: Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche Hotel
Where: South Corniche Road 26, 31952, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Organizer: Aramco Digital & 450 MHz Alliance
Aramco Digital, a global pioneer in digital innovation, is committed to leveraging advanced technologies to foster sustainable development and deliver cutting-edge solutions for essential infrastructure.
RSVP and Inquiries:
For any inquiries, please contact: info@450alliance.org . Registration is now open. Please check this page regularly for updates, including the agenda, visa requirements, hotel recommendations, and more as additional details become available.
We look forward to welcoming you in Dhahran!
Frequently Asked Questions
The nearest airport to Dhahran is King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Numerous international airlines operate flights to DMM from major cities such as London, Dubai, and Doha.
Domestic Travel within Saudi Arabia:
- Flights from Riyadh Airport (RUH) to DMM take approximately one hour.
- Flights from Jeddah Airport (JED) to DMM take around two hours.
The distance from King Fahd International Airport (DMM) to Dhahran is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles), with a typical driving time of 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Alternatively, you may choose to fly into Bahrain International Airport (BAH):
- The drive from BAH to Dhahran typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
This journey includes crossing the King Fahd Causeway, which can add 30 minutes to over an hour to travel time due to border traffic and clearance procedures.
Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche Hotel The Venue; Located approximately 50 minute drive from DMM Airport.
Past Events
450 MHz Alliance Conference | 28 – 29 May 2024, Dublin
in cooperation with
The 450A event, held on May 28-29, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland, brought together key industry stakeholders to discuss advancements, lessons learned, and future developments in the 450 MHz spectrum and the road to 5G. Hosted in partnership with the EUTC and sponsored by Westermo, ESB, and Druid Software, the event featured a series of presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
The first day commenced with greetings from the sponsors, followed by updates on the 450 MHz Alliance, EUTC, and TCCA. The Operator and User Lessons Learned section featured presentations from Utility Connect, Netherlands, and Saudi Aramco, with a focus on the Mission Critical Network for Industrial Applications.
The event continued with an engaging panel on 5G vs. 4G, featuring experts from Nokia, SIMCom, ArgoNet, and EUTC. Insights on the road to 5G were debated by representatives from Airspan, Unitac, and GCT Semi. Notably, a GCT chipset developer highlighted the importance of features over generational labels with the remark, “Let’s not talk about ‘G’s. Features what matters.”
Private networks and new member introductions followed, with updates from GSA and Westermo, and panel discussions including representatives from Alpha Wireless, Airspan, Enghouse, Comarch, OneLayer, SIMCom, Parksignaling, and Teldat. The first day concluded with a summary by Gösta Kallner, Julian Stafford, and Noel Kirkaldy, and an evening social event with food and drinks at the Botanic Garden.
Throughout the first day, exhibitions from key industry players such as Advantech, Quectel, Druid, Ubiik, Westermo, Garderos, OneLayer, Airspan, Park Signalling, Teldat, and Enghouse showcased the latest technologies and solutions in the 450 MHz and 5G landscape.
The second day began with greetings from Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB, and spectrum updates from Daan Beaufort of the 450 MHz Alliance and Jürgen Tusch of EUTC. This was followed by updates on 3GPP standardization from Julian Stafford and 450 MHz ecosystem developments from Gösta Kallner.
Presentations on lessons learned from operators included insights from EDF France, Iberdrola Spain, E-REDES Portugal, ESB Ireland, and 450connect Germany. Supplier presentations featured Quectel, Ubiik, Alpha Wireless, Cybertel Bridge, OneLayer, and Ericsson, with a particular highlight being an interview with Alan McIntyre from Southern Company Texas.
The event concluded with a panel discussion summarizing the event, led by Gösta Kallner, Julian Stafford, and Noel Kirkaldy. We look forward to seeing you at our next event this autumn. Follow our announcements and visit our website frequently.
In Sponsorship and Participation with
Day I in Photos
Day II in photos
450 MHz Alliance Conference | 23 – 24 November 2023, Paris, France
The 450 MHz Alliance hosted a two-day conference at the Embassy of Finland in Paris, 23 – 24 November 2023. Sponsored by Nokia, a prominent member of the Alliance, the conference was graced with the presence of His Excellency Mr. Matti Anttonen, the Ambassador of Finland, who inaugurated the event.
This successful gathering brought together industry experts and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about the latest updates in the global industry. Attendees also shared various use cases, providing insights into practical applications and advancements. Furthermore, the conference offered ample opportunities for networking, allowing participants to build and strengthen professional connections within the industry. Overall, the event fostered a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and ideas, contributing to the ongoing development and progress in the 380 – 470 MHz field.
Building on the momentum of the first day, the second day of the conference was dedicated to the working groups of the 450 MHz Alliance, focusing on detailed discussions and collaborative efforts in specialized areas. The day was segmented into two primary sessions: joint ‘Standards & Regulatory’ and ‘Technical’, and ‘Utilities’.
Standards & Regulatory and Technical Working Group session: Experts and policymakers exchanged views on the evolving regulatory landscape, addressing challenges and opportunities for harmonization and advocacy. This group’s work is crucial in shaping the policy framework that underpins the deployment and utilization of the 380 – 470 MHz bands.
In addition, discussions centered around enhancing network capabilities, optimizing spectrum efficiency, and exploring new technological solutions. This group plays a vital role in driving the technical evolution and ensuring the robustness and reliability of 450 MHz systems.
Utilities Working Group session: Focusing on the specific needs and use cases of utility companies, this session highlighted how the 380 – 470 MHz spectrum is instrumental in addressing their unique requirements. Participants shared insights into deploying and leveraging this spectrum for critical infrastructure, smart grid applications, and other utility services. The dialogue in this group underscored the importance of the 380 – 470 MHz spectrum in supporting essential public and utility services.
The discussions and outcomes of Day 2 were instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the Alliance and enhancing its role in the global telecommunications landscape.
Take a look at the highlights from both days of the event below.
sponsored by
Special thanks to the Nokia support team, Gilbert Marciano and Anne-Dominique Lutton (pictured on the right), for orchestrating such a comprehensive event.
Marlon Treuen from the 450 MHz Alliance support team. Big thanks!
DAY I MOMENTS
His Excellency Matti Anttonen, the Ambassador of Finland to France is making his opening remarks
The overwhelming demand to attend and the completely packed room is clearly demonstrated.
Matthieu Bourguignon of Nokia shows Nokia's commitment to critical communication networks.
Networking was an integral element of the event.
A coffee break exchange is the chance for attendees to mingle.
More engaging networking.
Following the Ambassador's greetings, Pierre-Gaël Chantereau, the head of Nokia in France and Western Europe, opened the Conference..
After Igor Virker, MD of the Alliance, presented an overview of the 450 MHz Alliance, Gösta Kallner delivered a global update on the 450 MHz industry.
The presentation by Ali Al-Shehri from Aramco of Saudi Arabia, the world's largest carrier, garnered a significant amount of attention.
Panel discussions played a crucial role in addressing challenges within the industry.
Christophe Digne of ANFR gave update on the 450 MHz situation in France.
Another lively panel discussion.
Thomas Hervieu from The Association of Large Users of Operating Radio Networks (AGURRE) discussed the extensive usage of the 400 MHz band.
DAY II MOMENTS
Noel Kirkaldy of Nokia and a 450 MHz Alliance member of the Board.
Daan Beaufort chairs the Standards & Regulatory working group session.
Adrian Grilli of EUTC - it's all about spectrum.
Networking continues on Day 2.
Merci Beaucoup, Paris, and So Long!
Departing from CDG
450 MHz Alliance Conference | 18-19 April 2023, London
The 450 MHz Alliance, a global organization advocating for the utilization of the 400 MHz spectrum, held a conference at the Imperial War Museum in London on April 18th and 19th. The event assembled operators, vendors, and solution providers to explore the latest advancements in the sector. Attendees had the chance to discover new business models and opportunities within the 400 MHz band.
This time, the event was exclusively open to our members and partners. Instead of focusing on the number of attendees, our goal was to deliver high-quality content to those who have been supporting the Alliance. We hosted our event at the Imperial War Museum in London, an unconventional conference venue, with the aim of providing our attendees with a unique and memorable experience.
The Imperial War Museum, London
The conference delved into the pressing challenges the industry faces today, such as spectrum allocation and regulation, and encouraged collaboration to surmount these obstacles. A primary topic of discussion centered around the potential for future growth in the 400 MHz band’s use of spectrum.
A diverse array of expert speakers shared their insights and experiences with attendees, including representatives from the UK’s policy expert bodies, leading operators, and industry vendors. Notably, speakers from ESB Networks and Scottish Power Energy Networks discussed their experiences utilizing the 400 MHz band for critical communications. Additionally, a representative from Ericsson presented the latest technological innovations in the field.
One of the most significant advantages of attending the conference was the opportunity for networking with other industry professionals. The event drew a diverse, global audience comprised of operators, vendors, regulators, and solution providers. This fostered an ideal environment for attendees to connect with industry experts and learn about new products and services in the field.
We value your feedback as we work to continuously improve our events.
These are just a few photos captured during the event.
Alistair Craven of DIGI presenting
Frank Jungman of GCT Semi
Jason Johur presenting on behalf of TCCA, a partner to 450 MHz Alliance
Georg Maunz of ArgoNET talks about antennas study
Ian Poulett of Westermo presenting
Stephen Mooney of Advantech
Koustuv Ghoshal of Ericsson presenting remotely
Jeremy Colandairaj of ESB
Daan Beaufort, chair of 450 MHz Alliance Standards & Regulatory working group
Arjan Olde Damink of Utility Connect is asking a question to Christian Freudenmann, the chair of Utilities working group
Presentations available for members and upon request on a case-by-case basis
450 MHz Alliance at DistribuTECH | 7-9 February 2023, San Diego
San Diego, Calif. hosted DistribuTECH 2023 February 7 – 9. 450 MHz Alliance shared booth with Ubiik, our member. Gösta Kallner and Igor Virker attended the show from the Alliance. We met with our members and talked to many other companies. Nothing can beat meeting face-to-face. The show was very well attended and it provided us with great networking opportunities.
San Diego Convention Center, the venue for DistribuTECH 2023
Visiting GE booth. From GE Steve Ruggieri and his colleagues from Brazil
Kalina Barboutov of Hitachi meets with Gösta Kallner and Igor Virker of 450A
Monogoto's Maor Efrati in conversation with Tomasz Wojtowicz of Hitachi
450 MHz Alliance Conference | 14-15 September 2022
On September 14, we held our annual event for our members and other stakeholders. We hope that through the event our participants gained a lot of new insights into the current status of the 410/450 MHz ecosystem. We are very pleased with the numerous and varied presentations that took place during the event. Additionally, for the first time the conference was accompanied by live exhibition of products and solutions by our vendor members.
The event was hosted and sponsored by 450connect, a 450 MHz license holder and network operator in Germany who is in the process of deploying a LTE450 network to serve critical infrastructure. In the first part of the event, we heard updates from 450connect and Utility Connect about many aspects of utilities digitalization, applications and user requirements for the device ecosystem.
During the second part of the conference the stage was given to many vendor representatives who participated in numerous podium discussions and briefed the audience about their solutions. We heard many updates from our members including Amphenol Procom, Antenna Company, DIGI International, Digicomm, Ericsson, Huber + Suhner, INSYS icom, Intelliport, Nokia, Sierra Wireless, Sony, Telit, ubiik, Virtual Access and ZTE.
Specifically, the exhibition room was welcomed with very positive feedback by the participants. We would like to thank the exhibiting companies for their efforts and engagement: Amphenol Procom, Andra, Antenna Company, Cyrus, DIGI International, Garderos, GE Grid Solutions, Huber + Suhner, INSYS icom, Intelliport, Notion, RugGear, Sierra Wireless, Sony, Telit, ubiik, Unitac, Virtual Access.
We look forward to welcoming you again at our next 450 MHz Alliance conference. In the meantime, follow our website and newsletter for more information and announcements. To secure receiving our newsletter, we’ve made it easy to find the subscribe button on our home page and on the Contact page.
We encourage companies, which haven’t joined 450 MHz Alliance yet, to become a member to enjoy full membership benefits. If you would like to know more about the terms and conditions, please contact the 450 MHz Alliance team.
Presentations are available upon request only for those who attended the conference. Send us email at info@450alliance.org. Members can access presentations from the member area.
450 MHz Alliance Conference Summary - 21 September 2021
450 MHz Alliance held it fist live conference since pandemic begun. Following strict covid-related protocols, we had a great turnout for in-person participation which was in parallel accompanied by a live stream of the event. We hope that our participants gained a lot of new information and insights on the current status and spectrum of the 450 MHz ecosystem. Not to forget the opportunity for personal networking, which was possible again this year. We are very pleased with the numerous and varied presentations that took place during the event.
The event was hosted and sponsored by 450connect, a 450 MHz license holder and network operator in Germany, who is in the process of deploying a LTE450 network to serve critical infrastructures. In the first part of the event we heard from 450connect and the largest DSO in Germany E.ON Westenergie about many aspects of utilities digitalization and applications and plans related to German LTE450 network.
During the second part of the conference the was stage was given to vendor representatives who presented their vast portfolios of the 410-470 MHz products. We heard from Hitachi ABB Power Grids, GE, Telit, Sierra Wireless, Intelliport, Ubiik and SolutionForPros.
We would like to especially highlight a couple of the announcement that were made during the event:
– Ericsson has announced to the 450 MHz Alliance members and to wider industry that it will be adding two new radios to its ERS base station radio portfolio – which today supports 450 MHz (B31/72) amongst other bands. The two new radios will address the 410 MHz (Band 87) and 700 MHz (Band 68/28) spectrum bands. They are both planned to be released in 1H 2022. Further details will be available in due course.
– Telit has announced adding B87 and B88 support to its ME310G1-W2 LTE-M / NB-IoT module. This announcement follows the recent momentum and growing customer demand in many markets such as Ireland, UK, Czech Republic, Brazil, Argentina and more.
– Hitachi ABB Power Grids presented the view on the challenges that the utilities face today and how wireless communication in the lower frequency bands can address them in the power grid area.
– GE showcased how the industrial critical infrastructures needs can be met by secure wireless communication and how the GE’s product portfolio can serve these needs within the 450 MHz and 410 MHz spectrum.
– Among many vendor companies, we were very pleased to be able to host representatives from Communications & Information Technology Commission (CITC) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who shared with us their view on the National Spectrum Strategy in Saudi Arabia with a special focus on 410-470 MHz bands.
We look forward to welcoming you again at our next 450Alliance conference. In the meantime, follow our website and newsletter for more information and announcements. To secure receiving our newsletter, we’ve made it easy to find the subscribe button on our home page and on the Contact page.
Our members will soon have access to the presentations in the members’ corner, subject to presenter’s approval.
For our guest participants, we recommend becoming a member of the 450 MHz Alliance to enjoy the full membership benefits. If you would like to know more about the conditions, please contact the 450 MHz Alliance team.
Webinars 26-27 May, 2021
450 MHz Alliance held webinars on May 26-27. We presented global update on network deployments, new use cases and projects, as well as device development in the 380-470 MHz. Additionally, our recently joined members presented their strategic approach to the 380-470 MHz bands and present their comprehensive solutions.
Webinars - May 25-27 2020
We would like to thank all the presenters and participants for fruitful discussions, and we are looking forward to our, hopefully live, next event this autumn.
