Overcoming Barriers to Unlock the Full Potential of Private 5G Networks

Paul Warburton, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at NSC, explores the transformative potential of private 5G networks, which offer enhanced performance, reliability, and security. These networks are set to revolutionise industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics by providing robust, low-latency communication solutions. However, the widespread adoption of private 5G faces significant challenges, including a limited vendor ecosystem, compatibility issues with legacy systems, complex regulatory frameworks, and heightened security concerns. Paul believes that overcoming these barriers requires collaboration between technology providers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. By balancing innovation with established practices, the full potential of private 5G networks can be unlocked, leading to a new era of connectivity and operational efficiency across sectors.
Overcoming Barriers to Unlock the Full Potential of Private 5G Networks

Enhanced performance, reliability, and security with private 5G networks

In the emerging era of 5G – a significant shift is occurring. Wi-Fi has dominated enterprise networks for the past two decades, but 5G is now challenging its supremacy. With an independent and dedicated communication infrastructure – private 5G networks are set to revolutionize connectivity. Having localized, secure networks within a specific environment offers a myriad of possibilities for enhancing operational efficiency and communication.


Private 5G networks bring unparalleled advantages, especially in sectors where reliable, low-latency, and high-capacity communication is pivotal. Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics that demand rugged and specialized connectivity solutions stand to benefit significantly.

Enabling quicker and more reliable machine-to-machine communication 5G technology has the capability to reshape the way users engage with products and services.

Adoption is the best way to drive change

Enhancing adoption is, and always has been, intricately linked to elevating customer experiences. Initially, the widespread adoption of smartphones was catalysed by the introduction of email. This pivotal moment drove people toward smartphones, setting the stage for subsequent technological advancements.

Recognising 5G as a catalyst for elevating customer experiences is a critical imperative for businesses striving to maintain a leading position in the fiercely competitive landscape. It’s therefore essential that providers direct their attention to how the technology will have on end-users, instead of fixating solely on technological advancements – so, businesses can unlock the full potential, ushering in an era where connectivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction converge.

Barriers to private 5G network adoption

While some industries, such as ports, oil, and mining are embracing the promising potential embedded in the concept of private 5G networks – widespread adoption of private 5G networks faces a number of significant hurdles.

Addressing these challenges to adoption will require a multidimensional approach involving collaboration between technology providers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Open dialogue, standardization efforts, and strategic planning are crucial for the seamless integration of 5G into existing networking infrastructures and for unlocking 5G’s full potential.

Limited vendor ecosystem: The adoption of private 5G networks marks a significant departure from existing networking models. Traditional service providers, with their well-established frameworks and centralized control over network infrastructures, are finding it challenging to adapt to the decentralized and independent nature of private 5G networks. By their very nature, private 5G networks allow businesses to have more direct control over their communication infrastructure -potentially diverting revenue streams away from traditional service providers.

Compatibility: Concerns about 5G compatibility with existing legacy devices that may not be designed to fully leverage the capabilities of 5G coupled with significant upgrades to network infrastructure to support the increased data capacity and frequencies, pose a significant barrier.

Regulatory frameworks: Private 5G network deployment is entangled in complex regulatory frameworks and compliance standards, creating a time-consuming process that deters swift adoption.

Security Concerns: As connectivity increases, the attack surface for cyber threats expands. Ensuring the security of IoT devices and the data they transmit is paramount. Implementing robust security protocols, encryption standards, and regular security audits will help mitigate risks and build confidence in the reliability of integrated 5G networks.

The evolving landscape of connectivity demands a nuanced and collaborative approach

The delicate balance between innovation and tradition is evident. Tailoring strategies for 5G adoption based on specific use cases is essential due to the diverse requirements and opportunities across different sectors.

The widespread adoption of private 5G networks hinges on achieving the right equilibrium—creating a secure island that seamlessly integrates with the larger ecosystem. As businesses across all sectors explore the potential of private 5G networks, traditional service providers face the challenge of reconciling innovation with deeply ingrained norms.

Navigating this tension is imperative to fully unlock the potential of private 5G networks – requiring collaborative efforts between innovative solution providers and traditional service operators. This collaboration is essential to usher in a new era of connectivity that blends the cutting-edge capabilities of private 5G networks with the reliability of established service providers.

Unlocking the Potential of Private 5G Networks

As service providers grapple with the clash between innovation and tradition, it is important to recognise that the adoption of private 5G networks is not a zero-sum game. Instead, it represents a strategic pivot towards a more dynamic and responsive communication infrastructure.

Rather than viewing private 5G networks as a threat, there is an opportunity for symbiosis—an integration that allows both established and emerging players to contribute their strengths to a harmonious and effective ecosystem. To meet the evolving demands of the interconnected world, these barriers to adoption need to be addressed so that businesses and users can benefit from the seamless integration of emerging technologies into the current telecommunications infrastructure.


Recent Content

The telecom industry is in the midst of a major shift from “telco” to “techco”, with operators investing in AI, 5G, cloud computing, and digital services to compete with tech giants like Amazon and Google. At MWC 2025, leaders from e&, KDDI, MTN, and SK Telecom discussed their AI-driven strategies, including self-healing networks, smart city infrastructure, fintech expansion, and enterprise 5G solutions. As telcos embrace AI-powered automation and cloud-based innovations, they are redefining their role in the digital economy.
Ericsson, Volvo Group, and Airtel have joined forces to explore how 5G Advanced, Digital Twin technology, and Extended Reality (XR) can transform manufacturing in India. The research, conducted at Volvo’s R&D Centre in Bangalore, will focus on smart factories, immersive training, and real-time process optimization. With Airtel’s low-latency 5G network, the collaboration aims to enhance industrial automation, workforce training, and AI-driven efficiencies, setting a benchmark for Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 innovations.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025, a six-month competition to drive 5G-powered solutions across industries. Open to students, startups, and professionals, the hackathon will focus on AI, IoT, smart cities, and next-gen connectivity innovations. Participants will receive funding, mentorship, and access to 100+ 5G Use Case Labs. Winners will showcase their solutions at India Mobile Congress 2025.
Telecom networks are facing unprecedented complexity with 5G, IoT, and cloud services. Traditional service assurance methods are becoming obsolete, making AI-driven, real-time analytics essential for competitive advantage. This independent industry whitepaper explores how DPUs, GPUs, and Generative AI (GenAI) are enabling predictive automation, reducing operational costs, and improving service quality. Discover key insights, real-world case studies, and strategic actions for telecom leaders. Download the Full Report Now to stay ahead in AI-powered service assurance.
As Europe accelerates its digital transformation, industry leaders from Vodafone, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, and Telefónica will explore strategies to enhance 5G and fiber networks, AI-driven innovation, and regulatory coherence. With growing global competition, Europe must balance connectivity expansion, fair competition, and sustainability to remain a leader in the digital economy. Join MWC 2025 to discover how Europe’s telecom vision is shaping the future.
As telecom innovation accelerates with 5G, AI, cloud computing, and 6G, regulators worldwide must balance progress with consumer protection, cybersecurity, and fair competition. At MWC 2025, industry leaders from the USA, India, and Europe will explore spectrum management, big tech regulation, net neutrality, and digital inclusion. This keynote provides critical insights into how telecom policies can foster innovation while ensuring security and fairness in a hyper-connected world.

Download Magazine

With Subscription
Whitepaper
Telecom networks are facing unprecedented complexity with 5G, IoT, and cloud services. Traditional service assurance methods are becoming obsolete, making AI-driven, real-time analytics essential for competitive advantage. This independent industry whitepaper explores how DPUs, GPUs, and Generative AI (GenAI) are enabling predictive automation, reducing operational costs, and improving service quality....
Whitepaper
Explore the collaboration between Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University, Ericsson, and Saab at the Aviation Innovation Hub. Discover how private 5G networks, real-time analytics, and sustainable innovations are shaping the "Airport of the Future" for a smarter, safer, and greener aviation industry....
Article & Insights
This article explores the deployment of 5G NR Transparent Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), detailing the architecture's advantages and challenges. It highlights how this "bent-pipe" NTN approach integrates ground-based gNodeB components with NGSO satellite constellations to expand global connectivity. Key challenges like moving beam management, interference mitigation, and latency are discussed, underscoring...

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top

Sponsored by RADCOM

AI-Powered Service Assurance: Are You Ready?

5G, IoT, and cloud networks demand real-time, AI-driven service assurance.
  • How AI, DPUs & GenAI are transforming network operations.
  • Why predictive automation is critical for telecom success.
  • How leading CSPs are reducing costs & optimizing performance with AI.

Don’t get left behind—embrace AI-powered service assurance today!