NTT, which operates in 80+ countries and delivers services to more than 190 nations, has launched a Private 5G platform (P5G), which is the first globally available private LTE/5G Network-as-a-Service platform, according to the carrier.
“Global enterprises are looking for a single private 5G solution to deploy across multiple countries. They need one truly private network, one point of accountability, one management platform, and one solution partner that eliminates all the major friction points across the entire global footprint of the enterprise,” said Shahid Ahmed, NTT Ltd. EVP, New Ventures and Innovation.
NTT joins Verizon Business, which began rolling out private 5G networks, known as “On Site 5G” in June. The P5G networks are custom-designed and managed by Verizon, allowing large enterprise and public sector customers to bring capabilities of Verizon’s 5G network into their indoor or outdoor facilities, according to the carrier.
“On Site 5G opens the commercial floodgates for the promises of 5G Ultra Wideband, allowing large enterprises and public sector organizations to custom tailor a 5G experience for any premises that demands it,” said Sampath Sowmyanarayan, Chief Revenue Officer of Verizon Business.
AT&T describes the 5G network being tested at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada as a “truly private, standalone 5G” local area network, which will provide full control similar to “corporate WiFi” but with the “performance, reliability and security of cellular.” The 5G-powered command-and-control center on a trailer will form the hub of a moveable, private cellular network for local personnel in conflict areas.
In an article titled “Coming Soon to an Office or Industrial Campus: Private 5G Networks” Rita Marty, VP, AT&T Chief Security Office, noted the careful thought must be invested into private networks. “Considerations include design, spectrum and who’s going to actually run it. Even a standalone network – and even 5G – must be set up properly to achieve the highest security against cyberattacks,” she wrote.
Private networks are not just the purview of the major carriers. Geoverse is a licensed mobile network operator that is a national U.S. provider and operator of managed purpose-built private Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS/LTE) networks. Two of its high profile deployments are the Port of Oakland and the City of Tucson. Geoverse is a subsidiary of NASDAQ-listed ATN International, which owns multiple U.S. regional and international wireless providers.
One reason carriers are interested in P5G networks is that their deployments will increase faster than public 5G, according to Rethink Research, reaching a peak of $19.3 billion in equipment sales in 2027.
“Private wireless networks will be deployed at a faster rate than 5G as a whole in most markets as mobile networks, combined with edge compute, become capable of meeting more use cases…” according to “Private Networks Driving Opportunities in 5G and WiFi” from RAN Research, the wireless forecasting arm of Rethink Technology Research.
The private networks forecast identifies manufacturing as a major driver for P5G with growth also occurring in healthcare, transportation, energy and government.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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