Private 4G/5G Networks Explained: Benefits Across Key Sectors

Private 4G and 5G networks are reshaping how businesses operate, offering unparalleled speed, security, and reliability for a wide range of applications. From enabling smart factories to powering seamless communication in remote or congested areas, these networks are unlocking new possibilities across industries. In this article, we’ll explore the most innovative and impactful use cases of private 4G and 5G, showcasing how they are driving efficiency, enhancing productivity, and supporting cutting-edge technologies.

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Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Modern factories leverage private networks to support IoT sensors, robotics, automated guided vehicles, and real-time production line monitoring, among other things. Examples of factories that have deployed private cellular networks include Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) factory in France, Larsen & Toubro in India, and Del Conca in Tennessee, US. Major automotive manufacturers that have installed private networks include the Mercedes-Benz Group, BMW, and Volkswagen. 

Furthermore, the number of manufacturing companies that are setting up private networks appears to be on the rise. As per a 2023 survey conducted by Ericsson, close to 40 percent of the companies they surveyed indicated that they are currently incorporating private cellular networks within their infrastructures and 60 percent of respondents are receptive to the idea. 

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‍Logistics and Warehousing

‍Private networks enable seamless tracking of goods, automated inventory management, and robotic operations in large warehouse spaces and ports. The reliable coverage and low latency support critical applications like automated picking systems and real-time inventory updates. Ports in Germany, China, the UK, and the US have deployed private networks for various use cases.  

Private networks provide seamless connectivity for:

• Real-time goods tracking and automated inventory management.
• Robotic operations in large warehouses and ports.
• Applications like automated picking systems and low-latency updates.

Use Case: Ports in Germany, China, the UK, and the US have adopted private networks to streamline operations.

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Healthcare Facilities

‍Hospitals benefit from dedicated networks for medical device connectivity, clinical communication, telehealth systems, AR/VR applications, patient monitoring systems, emergency response coordination, and secure transmission of sensitive patient data. Private networks in hospitals support:

• Medical device connectivity and clinical communication systems.
• Telehealth platforms and AR/VR applications for patient care.
• Latency-sensitive applications like surgical robots and telemetry.

The low latency of private networks is also extremely critical for latency-sensitive medical telemetry and surgical robots. Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and Bethlem Royal Hospital in the UK are examples of healthcare facilities that have deployed private 5G networks.

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Mining, Oil, and Gas

‍Resource extraction sectors require reliable communications for autonomous vehicle operations, drilling machines, worker safety systems, and environmental monitoring, especially in hard-to-reach locations such as underground facilities or offshore platforms. Industries in remote and hazardous environments rely on private networks for:

• Autonomous vehicle operations and drilling machines.
• Worker safety systems and environmental monitoring.

The mining sector in particular is an early adopter primarily for autonomous haul truck operations and other critical in-pit applications. For example, in Canada, Rogers has worked with multiple mining facilities to deploy private wireless networks.  

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Events

‍Large-scale events such as expos and conventions benefit from the reliability and security of a private LTE or 5G network as local WiFi networks and public cellular networks are often congested during an event. Private networks can help with activities like ticket scanning, communication between staff members, dedicated bandwidth for exhibitors or performers, among other things. Private networks ensure reliable connectivity for:

• Ticket scanning and staff communication.
• Dedicated bandwidth for exhibitors, performers, or live broadcasts.

Fun fact: the BBC in 2023 leveraged a private 5G network to support coverage of the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, winning awards for their innovative use of technology. 

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Education

‍Universities and schools could implement private networks to offer controlled internet access, secure learning management systems, or other dedicated use cases. Private networks in education enable:

• Controlled internet access for classrooms.
• Secure learning management systems.
• Support for specialized programs like aviation training.

For example, Purdue University Airport in 2023 worked with Ericsson to deploy a private network for the airport used by the university’s aviation program. 

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Large Public Venues

‍Private networks are highly valuable in large public venues like airports and stadiums, not just for visitors but also for internal operations where reliance on public networks or WiFi, presents significant cost and bandwidth challenges due to congestion. Airports, stadiums, and convention centers benefit from:

• Reliable connectivity for visitors and staff.
• Support for operations like security systems and ticketing.

Here’s a case study of why Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, opted for a private 5G network for its stadium.

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Utility Companies

‍Utility companies such as energy suppliers can leverage the high speed, low latency, and high reliability of private networks to operate their infrastructure without varying about external threats as the traffic remains isolated from public networks. Private networks help utility companies with:

• High-speed, low-latency communication for infrastructure management.
• Enhanced security by isolating traffic from public networks.

Utility companies can leverage private 5G networks to automate real-time power outage detection and streamline maintenance workflows, significantly improving response times. Additionally, smart meters and sensors powered by private networks help optimize energy usage and reduce operational costs.

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Retail

‍Large retail chains could leverage private networks to connect inventory management systems, point-of-sale terminals, and forklifts. Large retail chains use private networks to:

• Connect inventory management systems and point-of-sale terminals.
• Support warehouse operations like forklifts and robotic pickers.

Private 5G networks also enhance customer experiences with seamless in-store WiFi, contactless payments, and personalized services. Additionally, retailers can use private networks for real-time analytics to track foot traffic, monitor stock levels, and improve overall operational efficiency.

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Construction sites

‍Private LTE and 5G networks provide networks for temporary construction sites, especially in remote locations where there is no reliable public cellular coverage. Temporary or remote construction sites use private LTE and 5G networks for:

• Reliable communication where public cellular coverage is unavailable.
• Connectivity for project management tools and automated equipment.

For example, construction companies can use private 5G networks to connect heavy machinery with IoT sensors, improving equipment performance and reducing downtime. Furthermore, real-time connectivity allows project managers to monitor progress remotely, ensure worker safety, and use advanced technologies like augmented reality (AR) for on-site design visualization.

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Future-Proofing Industries with Private Networks

Private 4G and 5G networks are revolutionizing industries by offering secure, high-performance, and reliable connectivity. Whether it’s powering smart factories, streamlining logistics, or supporting real-time medical applications, private networks are enabling businesses to unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation.

If your organization is ready to explore private network deployment, contact us today.

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