Private LTE/5G networks, referred to as non-public networks by the 3GPP, are networks that use spectrum defined by the 3GPP and LTE or 5G NR base stations, small cells and other radio access network (RAN) infrastructure to transmit voice and data to edge devices. For the purpose of this report, the analyser defines a private cellular network as a 3GPP-based private LTE/5G network built for the sole use of a private entity such as an enterprise or government organisation. Private LTE/5G networks offer numerous benefits, including strong security and reliability, high bandwidth, low latency, smooth handoffs for mobile use cases and compatibility with public networks for increased coverage.
Private LTE/5G network deployments reached 4,700 in 2024
The increased availability of dedicated spectrum and emergence of new use cases open up a wide range of opportunities for the cellular ecosystem. The shift is fuelling a new wave of investments by established network equipment vendors while also attracting new entrants into the space. While the market historically has been mainly supply-driven, it is today increasingly driven by organic demand from end users. The major RAN vendors (Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei) all play significant roles as end-to-end solution providers and are challenged by a number of smaller RAN equipment providers. Nokia is the largest private LTE/5G network solution vendor of the three with about 800 customers and over 1,500 private network deployments at the end of 2024.
The vendors increasingly pursue channel-led sales strategies, and have developed ecosystems of mobile operators, system integrators, VARs and consulting partners to bring solutions to market. A number of small cell and other RAN equipment providers offer competitive LTE/5G radio products and in some cases complete private network offerings, including Airspan Networks, Askey, Baicells, Benetel, Cablefree, Celona, Firecell, GXC, JMA Wireless, Mavenir, Samsung Networks, Sercomm, Star Solutions and ZTE. Important specialised core network software vendors include Cisco, Cumucore, Druid Software, Expeto, Highway 9, HPE and Microsoft. In total, RAN and EPC/5GC offerings for private networks are available from over 60 vendors. The analyser estimates that there were 4,700 private LTE/5G networks, excluding proof-ofconcept (PoC) projects, deployed across the world at the end of 2024, up from 3,400 networks in the previous year.
The private LTE/5G network market can be divided into two main segments: Enterprise and Wide Area Networks (WAN). Enterprise networks are smaller, typically covering areas ranging from single buildings to mid-sized cities. WANs extend across much larger areas, sometimes whole countries, and are typically owned by government organisations or utilities and used for critical communications. The market value for private LTE/5G network solutions reached an estimated US$ 1.8 billion in 2024. The Enterprise and WAN segments accounted for US$ 0.8 billion and US$ 1.0 billion respectively. The figures do not take into account adjacent revenue streams such as installation, system integration and cross-selling of other adjacent products and services.
The analyser believes that the market value for private LTE/5G network solutions will grow at a steady pace over the next five years, largely driven by new network deployments. Revenue growth will also be driven by upgrades and expansions of existing networks, as enterprises add new applications and transition from LTE to 5G. Growing at a CAGR of 38 percent, the total market value for private LTE/5G network solutions is forecasted to reach US$ 8.9 billion in 2029
Highlights from the report
- Insights from 30 new executive interviews with market leading companies.
- 360-degree overview of the private LTE/5G ecosystem.
- Comprehensive overview of spectrum availability for private LTE/5G network deployments.
- Analysis of market trends and key developments.
- Updated profiles of 38 key private LTE/5G solution providers.
- Detailed market forecast on private LTE/5G network deployments, market
- value and IoT device shipments by technology and vertical market lasting until 2029.
The report answers the following questions
- How will the private LTE/5G network market evolve over the next five years?
- What are the main spectrum licensing frameworks for private LTE/5G employed by regulators?
- Who are the leading providers of private LTE/5G network solutions?
- What are common pricing models and prices for different private network solutions?
- What are the regional differences and the number of networks in each country?
- What types of organisations deploy private LTE/5G networks?
- Which are the most significant private LTE/5G network deployments in recent years?
- What is the outlook for IoT device shipments for private LTE/5G networks?
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- AG Networks
- Accelleran
- Airspan Networks
- Amazon Web Services
- Askey
- Asocs
- AttoCore
- Baicells Technologies
- Benetel
- BLiNQ Networks
- Blue Arcus
- CableFree
- Celona
- Cisco
- Cumucore
- Druid Software
- Ericsson
- Expeto
- Firecell
- Fujitsu
- G REIGNS
- GXC
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Highway
- Huawei
- IPLOOK
- JMA Wireless
- Mavenir
- Microamp Solutions
- Microsoft
- Nokia
- Obvios
- QCT
- Radisys
- Samsung
- Sercomm
- Star Solutions
- Telrad
Methodology
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