27th November 2024: SNS Telecom & IT's latest research report indicates that the private LTE and 5G network market – estimated to be worth $6 Billion by the end of 2027 – is one of the few bright spots in the otherwise gloomy wireless telecommunications industry, which is marked by a slowdown in public mobile network infrastructure spending and service providers struggling to monetize their existing 5G investments, particularly in the consumer segment.

Historically a niche segment of the wider wireless telecommunications industry, private cellular networks – also referred to as NPNs (Non-Public Networks) in 3GPP terminology – have rapidly gained popularity in recent years due to privacy, security, reliability and performance advantages over public mobile networks and competing wireless technologies as well as their potential to replace hardwired connections with non-obstructive wireless links. With the 3GPP-led standardization of features such as MCX (Mission-Critical PTT, Video & Data), URLLC (Ultra-Reliable, Low-Latency Communications), TSC (Time-Sensitive Communications), RedCap (Reduced Capability) for IIoT (Industrial IoT), NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) connectivity, SNPNs (Standalone NPNs), PNI-NPNs (Public Network-Integrated NPNs) and network slicing, private networks based on LTE and 5G technologies have gained recognition as an all-inclusive connectivity platform for critical communications, Industry 4.0 and enterprise transformation-related applications. Traditionally, these sectors have been dominated by LMR (Land Mobile Radio), Wi-Fi, industrial Ethernet, fiber and other disparate networks.

The liberalization of spectrum is another factor that is accelerating the adoption of private LTE and 5G networks. National regulators across the globe have released or are in the process of granting access to shared and local area licensed spectrum. Examples include the three-tiered CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) spectrum sharing scheme in the United States, Canada's NCL (Non-Competitive Local) licensing framework, Germany's 3.7-3.8 GHz and 28 GHz licenses for 5G campus networks, United Kingdom's shared and local access licensing model, Ireland's planned licensing regime for local area WBB (Wireless Broadband) systems, France's vertical spectrum and sub-letting arrangements, Spain's reservation of the 26 GHz band for self-provisioned local networks, Netherlands' 3.5 GHz licenses for plot-based networks, Switzerland's NPN spectrum assignment in the 3.4-3.5 GHz band, Finland's 2.3 GHz and 26 GHz licenses for local 4G/5G networks, Sweden's 3.7 GHz and 26 GHz permits, Norway's regulation of local networks in the 3.8-4.2 GHz band, Poland's spectrum assignment for local government units and enterprises, Bahrain's private 5G network licenses, Japan's 4.6-4.9 GHz and 28 GHz local 5G network licenses, South Korea's e-Um 5G allocations in the 4.7 GHz and 28 GHz bands, Taiwan's provision of 4.8-4.9 GHz spectrum for private 5G networks, Hong Kong's LWBS (Localized Wireless Broadband System) licenses, Australia's apparatus licensing approach and Brazil's SLP (Private Limited Service) licenses. Vast swaths of globally and regionally harmonized license-exempt spectrum are also available worldwide that can be used for the operation of unlicensed LTE and 5G NR-U equipment for private networks. In addition, dedicated national spectrum in sub-1 GHz and higher frequencies has been allocated for specific critical communications-related applications in many countries.

LTE and 5G-based private cellular networks come in many different shapes and sizes, including isolated end-to-end NPNs in industrial and enterprise settings, local RAN equipment for targeted cellular coverage, dedicated on-premise core network functions, virtual sliced private networks, secure MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) platforms for critical communications, and wide area networks for application scenarios such as PPDR (Public Protection & Disaster Relief) broadband, smart utility grids, railway communications and A2G (Air-to-Ground) connectivity. However, it is important to note that equipment suppliers, system integrators, private network specialists, mobile operators and other ecosystem players have slightly different perceptions as to what exactly constitutes a private cellular network. While there is near universal consensus that private LTE and 5G networks refer to purpose-built cellular communications systems intended for the exclusive use of vertical industries and enterprises, some industry participants extend this definition to also include other market segments – for example, 3GPP-based community and residential broadband networks deployed by non-traditional service providers. Another closely related segment is neutral host infrastructure for shared or multi-operator coverage enhancement in indoor environments or underserved outdoor areas.

Despite the somewhat differing views on market definition, one thing is clear – private LTE and 5G networks are continuing their upward trajectory with deployments targeting a multitude of use cases across various industries. These range from localized wireless systems for dedicated connectivity in factories, warehouses, mines, power plants, substations, offshore wind farms, oil and gas facilities, construction sites, maritime ports, airports, hospitals, stadiums, office buildings and university campuses to regional and nationwide sub-1 GHz private wireless broadband networks for utilities, FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System)-ready networks for train-to-ground communications and hybrid government-commercial public safety LTE networks. Custom-built cellular networks have also been implemented in locations as remote as Antarctica, and there are even plans for installations on the moon's surface and outer space.

The expanding influence of the private LTE and 5G network market is evident from the recent use of rapidly deployable private cellular network-in-a-box systems for professional TV broadcasting, enhanced fan engagement and gameplay operations at major sports events, including Paris 2024 Olympics, 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, North West 200 Motorcycle Race, 2024 World Rowing Cup III, New York Sail Grand Prix, 2024 PGA Championship, 2024 UFL Championship Game and 2024 NFL International Games, as well as the Republican and Democratic national conventions in the run up to the 2024 United States presidential election. 

Other examples of high-impact private LTE/5G engagements include but are not limited to multi-site, multi-national private cellular deployments at the industrial facilities of Airbus, BMW, Chevron, John Deere, LG Electronics, Midea, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Walmart and several other household brand names; Aramco's (Saudi Arabian Oil Company) 450 MHz 3GPP network project and ADNOCS' (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) 11,000-square kilometer private 5G network for connecting thousands of remote wells and pipelines; defense sector 5G programs for the adoption of tactical cellular systems and permanent private 5G networks at military bases in the United States, Germany, Spain, Norway, Japan and South Korea; service territory-wide private wireless projects of 450connect, Ameren, CPFL Energia, ESB Networks, Evergy, Neoenergia, PGE (Polish Energy Group), SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric), Tampa Electric, Xcel Energy and other utility companies; and the recent implementation of a private 5G network at Belgium's Nobelwind offshore wind farm as part of a broader European effort to secure critical infrastructure in the North Sea.

There has also been a surge in the adoption of private wireless small cells as a cost-effective alternative to DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) for delivering neutral host public cellular coverage in carpeted enterprise spaces, public venues, hospitals, hotels, higher education campuses and schools. This trend is particularly prevalent in the United States due to the open accessibility of the license-exempt GAA (General Authorized Access) tier of 3.5 GHz CBRS spectrum. Some examples of private network deployments supporting neutral host connectivity to one or more national mobile operators include Meta's corporate offices, City of Hope Hospital, SHC (Stanford Health Care), Sound Hotel, Gale South Beach Hotel, Nobu Hotel, ASU (Arizona State University), Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University), University of Virginia, Duke University and Parkside Elementary School.

SNS Telecom & IT estimates that global spending on private LTE and 5G network infrastructure for vertical industries will grow at a CAGR of approximately 20% between 2024 and 2027, eventually accounting for more than $6 Billion by the end of 2027. Close to 60% of these investments – an estimated $3.5 Billion – will be directed towards the buildout of standalone private 5G networks, which will become the predominant wireless communications medium to support the ongoing Industry 4.0 revolution for the digitization and automation of manufacturing and process industries. This unprecedented level of growth is likely to transform private LTE and 5G networks into an almost parallel equipment ecosystem to public mobile operator infrastructure in terms of market size by the late 2020s. By 2030, private networks could account for as much as a fifth of all mobile network infrastructure spending.

The “Private LTE & 5G Network Ecosystem: 2024 – 2030 – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals & Forecasts” report presents an in-depth assessment of the private LTE and 5G network ecosystem, including the value chain, market drivers, barriers to uptake, enabling technologies, operational and business models, vertical industries, application scenarios, key trends, future roadmap, standardization, spectrum availability and allocation, regulatory landscape, case studies, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also presents global and regional market size forecasts from 2024 to 2030. The forecasts cover three infrastructure submarkets, two technology generations, four spectrum licensing models, 16 vertical industries and five regional markets.

The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report, as well as a database of over 7,300 global private LTE/5G engagements – as of Q4’2024.

The key findings of the report include:

• SNS Telecom & IT estimates that global spending on private LTE and 5G network infrastructure for vertical industries will grow at a CAGR of approximately 20% between 2024 and 2027, eventually accounting for more than $6 Billion by the end of 2027.

• Close to 60% of these investments – an estimated $3.5 Billion – will be directed towards the buildout of standalone private 5G networks, which will become the predominant wireless communications medium to support the ongoing Industry 4.0 revolution for the digitization and automation of manufacturing and process industries.

• This unprecedented level of growth is likely to transform private LTE and 5G networks into an almost parallel equipment ecosystem to public mobile operator infrastructure in terms of market size by the late 2020s. By 2030, private networks could account for as much as a fifth of all mobile network infrastructure spending.

• Although 5GC (5G Core) infrastructure for standalone 5G connectivity services has been deployed by less than a tenth of the world's approximately 800 public mobile operators, the technology is experiencing much greater success in the relatively smaller but burgeoning private cellular segment where its performance and system efficiency advantages compared to non-standalone 5G networks are more easily consumable in the short term.

• Existing private cellular network deployments range from localized wireless systems for dedicated connectivity in factories, warehouses, mines, power plants, substations, offshore wind farms, oil and gas facilities, construction sites, maritime ports, airports, hospitals, stadiums, office buildings and university campuses to regional and nationwide sub-1 GHz private wireless broadband networks for utilities, FRMCS-ready networks for train-to-ground communications and hybrid government-commercial public safety broadband networks, as well as rapidly deployable LTE/5G network-in-a-box systems for professional TV broadcasting, sports and entertainment events, emergency response operations and tactical communications.

• There has also been a surge in the adoption of private wireless small cells as a cost-effective alternative to DAS for delivering neutral host public cellular coverage in carpeted enterprise spaces, public venues, hospitals, hotels, higher education campuses and schools. This trend is particularly prevalent in the United States due to the open accessibility of the license-exempt GAA tier of 3.5 GHz CBRS spectrum.

• As for the practical and quantifiable benefits of private LTE and 5G networks, end user organizations have credited private cellular network installations with productivity and efficiency gains for specific manufacturing, quality control and intralogistics processes in the range of 20 to 90%, cost savings as high as 40% and an uplift of up to 80% in worker safety and accident reduction.

• As highlighted previously, spectrum liberalization initiatives – particularly shared and local spectrum licensing frameworks – are playing a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of private LTE and 5G networks. Telecommunications regulators in multiple national markets – including the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Bahrain, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia and Brazil – have released or are in the process of granting access to shared and local area licensed spectrum.

• Although Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung and Huawei continue to lead the private cellular market in terms of infrastructure sales, there is much greater vendor diversity than in the public mobile network segment with the likes of Celona and Baicells making their presence known in markets as far afield as the United States, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Japan and China. 

• Other notable mentions include mobile core vendor Druid Software, whose 4G and 5G core platform has been deployed for private networks worldwide; Fujitsu and NEC Corporation for their strong presence in Japan's local 5G market; JMA Wireless, which has one of the largest numbers of registered CBSDs (CBRS Devices) in the United States; converged 4G/5G mobile core provider Cisco Systems; 4G/5G RAN vendor Airspan Networks; and end-to-end RAN and core network supplier Telrad Networks. HPE, which acquired mobile core technology specialist Athonet in 2023, has recently launched a full-stack private cellular offering, including its own line of 4G/5G small cells.

• By capitalizing on their extensive licensed spectrum holdings, infrastructure assets and cellular networking expertise, national mobile operators have continued to retain a significant presence in the private LTE and 5G network market, even in countries where shared and local area licensed spectrum is available. 

• With an expanded focus on vertical B2B (Business-to-Business) opportunities in the 5G era, mobile operators are actively involved in diverse projects extending from localized 5G networks for secure and reliable wireless connectivity in industrial and enterprise environments to sliced hybrid public-private networks that integrate on-premise 5G infrastructure with a dedicated slice of public mobile network resources for wide area coverage.

• New classes of private network service providers, network management and orchestration platform providers, 5G security specialists and system integrators are also well-positioned for success in the market as are the private 5G business units of neutral host infrastructure providers such as Boldyn Networks, American Tower, Boingo Wireless, Crown Castle, Freshwave and Digita.

• NTT, Kyndryl, Accenture, Capgemini, EY (Ernst & Young), Deloitte, KPMG and other global system integrators have been quick to seize the private cellular opportunity with strategic technology alliances and early commercial wins. Meanwhile, hyperscalers – most notably AWS (Amazon Web Services), Google and Microsoft – are offering managed private 5G services by leveraging their cloud and edge platforms.

The report will be of value to current and future potential investors into the private LTE and 5G market, as well as LTE/5G equipment suppliers, system integrators, private network specialists, mobile operators and other ecosystem players who wish to broaden their knowledge of the ecosystem. 

For further information concerning the SNS Telecom & IT publication “Private LTE & 5G Network Ecosystem: 2024 – 2030 – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals & Forecasts” please visit: https://www.snstelecom.com/private-lte

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Email: info@snstelecom.com

Notes for Editors

If you are interested in a more detailed overview of this report, please send an e-mail to info@snstelecom.com

About SNS Telecom & IT

SNS Telecom & IT is a global market intelligence and consulting firm with a primary focus on the telecommunications and information technology industries. Developed by in-house subject matter experts, our market intelligence and research reports provide unique insights on both established and emerging technologies. Our areas of coverage include but are not limited to 6G, 5G, LTE, Open RAN, vRAN (Virtualized RAN), small cells, mobile core, xHaul (Fronthaul, Midhaul & Backhaul) transport, network automation, mobile operator services, FWA (Fixed Wireless Access), neutral host networks, private 4G/5G cellular networks, public safety broadband, critical communications, MCX (Mission-Critical PTT, Video & Data), IIoT (Industrial IoT), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communications and vertical applications.