The need for private networks that can support high device densities and operate over large geographical areas is an important factor. Private networks leverage cellular technologies to provide a closed network that can be fully managed by enterprises. Private networks cannot be accessed by any cellular connection, only those authorised by the network itself.
Juniper Research forecasts that enterprise spending on private networks will be near US$10 billion globally by 2028; rising from US$1 billion in 2023.
Key sectors & market share
Growing by 722%, the three verticals driving the market were identified:
1. Manufacturing - 35%
2. Energy - 20%
3. Public Services - 16%
Manufacturing drives demand for 5G private networks
The manufacturing market demands more frictionless coordination of automated processes and devices, thus requiring high-levels of orchestration via software-defined networks. This complexity means that manufacturing will be a key use case for the more rapid adoption of 5G private networks, due to its infrastructure supporting high-device density operations and ultra-low latency properties.
As network complexity increases, the report urges private network vendors to offer an ongoing managed service approach to enterprises. This will enable private network vendors to maintain a continuous relationship with their customers and benefit from recurring revenue. Ongoing technical support and other value-added services will be necessary to maximise the value proposition to customers.
Ensure high quality of service for the end user
Additionally, the research predicts that spectrum resource management will be the key determining factor in the quality-of-service provision to minimise network interference. As a result, network slicing will emerge as a key technology for vendors to ensure that high throughput to private network connections is guaranteed for end users.
