Explained: What is private wireless 5G network, its advantages and growth

The main advantage of employing this technology will be that businesses will have better network control.

Wireless network technology known as private 5G provides cellular connectivity to such as those involving private companies, independent service providers and even local governments. A private 5G network in essence is a network set aside exclusively for use by a particular company. Companies are able to create their own 5G networks for internal usage that are closed to contact or usage from outside unlike public networks.

Together with other wireless choices including public LTE (Long-term evolution) and public 5G, private 5G serves as a replacement to Wi-Fi. Private 5G network enables businesses to set aside bandwidth for extremely dependale, low-latency use cases including automation and IoT(Internet of Things) devices.

Networks, safety and data are under the responsibility of the firm. Also, it enables the business to configure network in accordance with its standards and needs.

To function, cellular technologies need pricey licenced spectrum. In India, only telecom service providers have access to the spectrum that they bought at the 5G spectrum auction, therefore businesses that wish to build their own captive networks , according to DoT's standards for private networks, can either lease spectrum from telecom operators or acquire it directly from DoT. The businesses may also request that the telecom providers deploy their private networks.

Industry digital transformation could be accelerated by private 5G networks. The main advantage of employing this technology will be that businesses will have better network control. Depending on its needs, it can alter and modify the privacy and safety. Reduced latency and improved service quality will contribute towards improved internal communication and promote business productivity.

Some Use Cases for private 5G networks include:

• Improved accessibility and coverage provided by new spectrum bands
• Complete authority over the business's operational procedures
• Improved data security as a result of data separation and local processing
• Enhanced network connectivity control and management
• Network configurations can be tailored to certain user groups, apps or devices.

Recently Nokia released the 10th edition of Nokia MBiT Index, which is a report on mobile broadband performance in India. According to the report, India's total spend on private wireless network is expected to reach 240 million USD by 2027( including managed services, equipment leasing and direct CAPEX by enterprises).

The report states that Private wireless network is experiencing a lot of traction across the globe: Western Europe, APAC, and North America are among the front runners. India's market is evolving as future enterprise business revenues are pegged at almost 40% of overall 5G revenues.

In accordance with the report, India is expected to have 2,000+ sites for private wireless network by 2027. Globally, the number of private LTE/5G wireless network is expected to grow at a CAGR of 65% between 2021 (1,900) and 2027 (39,000), whereas India's private wireless network sites rollout is projected to be more or less 6% of the global deployment.

As per Nokia's report, Manufacturing, Utilities and Transportation are expected to constitute the majority of private wireless network deployment.

Globally, it is anticipated that Manufacturing, Energy and Utility, Transport and Logistics, and Healthcare will constitute over 76% of the total private wireless network market revenue by the year 2027. Whereas, in India, Manufacturing, Utility, and Transport are anticipated to constitute over 44% of the total private wireless network sites by 2027.

Private Wireless network sites in India as per Nokia Report

Transport

2022- 20

2023- 52

2024- 87

2025- 133

2026- 169

2027- 205

Manufacturing

2022- 42

2023- 72

2024- 125

2025- 194

2026- 280

2027- 380

Utilities

2022- -

2023- 85

2024- 127

2025- 141

2026- 197

2027- 315

Healthcare

2022- 6

2023- 13

2024- 28

2025- 53

2026- 94

2027- 157

Others

2022- 31

2023- 104

2024- 211

2025- 359

2026- 598

2027- 971

Other include Government, Education, Resource and construction and other industries.