Unlocking the Potential of Private 5G
Private 5G networks are gaining momentum globally, offering high-capacity, low-latency, and secure connectivity tailored to specific enterprise needs. Unlike public 5G, which operates on shared infrastructure, private 5G provides dedicated, non-public access, allowing organizations to maintain full control over coverage, security, and performance.
However, while early adopters in China, Germany, and the U.S. have embraced private 5G, the UK has lagged. Despite this slow start, the tide may turn as new infrastructure investments, government initiatives, and growing enterprise demand drive renewed interest in this emerging technology.
The Private 5G Landscape in the UK
The UK’s 5G infrastructure is currently dominated by four major mobile network operators (MNOs): EE (BT), Three, Vodafone, and O2 (Virgin Media joint venture). Additionally, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff lease access from these networks to offer consumer services.
Private 5G, however, represents a fundamentally different approach. Instead of relying on MNOs, private network operators, enterprises, or neutral hosts deploy and manage their dedicated 5G infrastructure. These networks offer secure, high-performance connectivity tailored to industrial, commercial, and mission-critical applications—think factories, ports, logistics hubs, and healthcare facilities.
But why has the UK been slow to adopt private 5G?
1. Strong Public 5G Coverage
Unlike vast, sparsely populated countries where private 5G fills critical gaps, the UK’s existing 4G and 5G coverage is relatively robust. This has made the business case for private 5G less urgent—until now.
2. Government-Funded 5G Pilots
Recognizing the strategic importance of 5G, the UK government launched a £40 million innovation fund to support early-stage deployments. Local councils in Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Buckinghamshire have begun testing 5G for smart infrastructure and rural broadband, paving the way for broader adoption.
3. Enterprise-Driven Demand
Industries that require ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity—such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation—are beginning to see the value in owning their networks rather than relying on MNOs.
Private 5G in Action: Case Studies from Europe
Private 5G is already demonstrating game-changing capabilities in various industries:
San Sebastian Airport (Spain):
- Spanish airport operator AENA has deployed a private 5G network powered by Cellnex to support drones for security and environmental monitoring. These drones collect real-time data on air quality, noise levels, and weather conditions, enabling safer, more efficient airport operations.
Port of Southampton (UK):
- Telecom giant Verizon has deployed a private 5G network at the Port of Southampton, one of the UK’s busiest trade hubs. This network powers autonomous guided vehicles, predictive maintenance, and asset tracking, streamlining logistics and improving operational efficiency.
With successful implementations like these, what’s holding back wider adoption?
Technical and Economic Barriers to Private 5G Adoption
1. Cost and Complexity
Despite growing interest, private 5G remains expensive. Large enterprises have the resources to deploy these networks, but for mid-sized businesses, high infrastructure costs and limited expertise remain significant obstacles.
2. Device Ecosystem Limitations
Private 5G adoption is hampered by a limited selection of compatible devices and the high cost of 5G-enabled industrial hardware.
3. RF Engineering and Deployment Challenges
From an RF design perspective, significant innovation is needed to reduce costs and improve scalability and efficiency. Unlike public 5G, which uses macro towers, private networks require specialized, compact antennas that provide optimal signal coverage in industrial environments.
The Role of Beamforming and mmWave in Private 5G
Higher Frequencies, Higher Performance
Private 5G networks rely on higher frequencies—often 3 GHz and above—which deliver high data throughput but come with trade-offs. Shorter range and greater interference challenges require a denser infrastructure, making network planning a critical deployment component.
Beamforming for Better Coverage and Efficiency
Beamforming—a technique that dynamically directs RF signals toward connected devices—is key to overcoming these limitations. Novocomms has been at the forefront of developing beam-steered antenna solutions, which:
- Improve signal-to-noise ratio for higher efficiency.
- Enable seamless handovers between access points in industrial settings.
- Support 5G mmWave solutions, allowing businesses to utilise ultra-high-speed connectivity fully.
5G mmWave: The Next Frontier
Novocomms is developing 5G mmWave solutions at 28 GHz, supported by an SBRI grant. These solutions leverage line-of-sight connectivity to create high-capacity data pipelines, filling coverage gaps and delivering gigabit-speed private 5G connections.
The Future of Private 5G in the UK and Beyond
The private 5G market is projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2028, driven by:
- The rise of AI-powered automation in smart factories.
- Increasing IoT applications in manufacturing and logistics.
- Secure, mission-critical connectivity in healthcare, defence, and public infrastructure is needed.
Why Choosing the Right RF Partner Matters
Adopting private 5G isn’t just about network installation—it requires a trusted RF engineering partner who can deliver performance-driven, cost-effective solutions.
At Novocomms, we specialize in:
- High-performance, cost-effective private 5G antenna solutions.
- Beamforming and mmWave technology for ultra-reliable networks.
- Custom RF design for industrial, aerospace, and mobility applications.
The private 5G revolution is coming to the UK—are you ready to be part of it?
Let’s Build the Future Together
Get in touch with Novocomms to explore how our private 5G solutions can transform your business.
Contact us today: info@novocomms.com
