Municipality of Helmond, Huis voor de Stad

In the Huis voor de Stad in Helmond, the municipality decided to rigorously say goodbye to open Wi-Fi. “On the day of the switch, we turned off the old networks,” says policy advisor Wiebe Quekel. “As a result, there was no longer an alternative, and everyone immediately switched to secure access.”

A careful plan

That choice wasn’t impulsive, but part of a careful plan. It was preceded by weeks of preparation. There was a clear internal communication campaign, including newsletters, manuals, and information boards in public areas.

Not less convenience, but more certainty

This way, everyone — staff and visitors alike — knew what was going to happen and why. The transition went remarkably smoothly. The helpdesk received only a handful of questions, mainly from people wanting to know how the new login worked. “Most visitors had it sorted within a few minutes,” says Wiebe. “It helped enormously that we could explain what the goal was: not less convenience, but more certainty.”

The lesson from Helmond

Today, the Huis voor de Stad offers one reliable network that feels secure for all users. Employees work undisturbed, visitors can get online immediately, and the organization is certain that connections are protected. The lesson from Helmond is clear: security is only accepted when it is explained well. Those who explain why change is necessary get understanding instead of resistance.