SoftBank Launches Private 5G Service for Enterprises

SoftBank Corp. has unveiled its "Private 5G (Dedicated Type)" service, a major advancement in enterprise connectivity, allowing organizations to create custom, secure, and fast 5G networks on their premises. This service caters to the high demand for dedicated network environments, particularly beneficial for smart factories and high-stakes settings, emphasizing security and low latency.
SoftBank Launches Private 5G Service for Enterprises
Image Credit : Softbank | Images of material handling equipment installed in the technology verification area (left) and wireless equipment for Private 5G verification (right)

SoftBank’s New Frontier in Enterprise Connectivity: Private 5G Launch

In an innovative stride toward enhancing enterprise connectivity, SoftBank Corp. launched its “Private 5G (Dedicated Type)” service on March 13, 2024. This initiative represents a pivotal shift towards enabling enterprises, local governments, and other organizations to develop their bespoke, high-speed, and secure 5G networks. Unlike traditional public 5G services, SoftBank’s approach is tailored, offering clients the ability to establish dedicated network environments on their premises.

Dedicated vs. Shared Private 5G Services


SoftBank differentiates its Private 5G offerings into two distinct types: the “Dedicated Type” and the “Shared Type.” The “Dedicated Type” is characterized by installing customized network equipment and base stations directly at the client’s location, leveraging SoftBank’s allocated spectrum. This method drastically reduces latencyโ€”up to a fifth of that experienced with the “Shared Type” serviceโ€”while significantly enhancing security through onsite data processing. The “Shared Type,” launched a year prior, utilizes network slicing technology to partition SoftBank’s public 5G network for specific customer applications, offering a more flexible but less exclusive connectivity solution.

Custom 5G Networks for Optimal Operational Efficiency

The “Private 5G (Dedicated Type)” service is particularly suited for scenarios demanding utmost network performance and minimal latency, such as in the operation of smart factories. To underscore its commitment to this sector, SoftBank has set up a technology verification area within SoftBank Robotics Corp.โ€™s Logistics Innovation Lab in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture. This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art logistics technologies, including the “AutoStore” system and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), mimicking real-world factory and warehouse environments for in-depth Private 5G technology testing and customer consultations.

SoftBankโ€™s Vision for Private 5G

The conception of SoftBank’s Private 5G services represents a strategic evolution from its initial consumer-focused 5G offerings to a more nuanced, enterprise-oriented approach. This shift is geared towards filling the connectivity gap in enterprise environments, providing customized, secure, and high-performance wireless networks. The introduction of network slicing, enabled by 5G SA technology, allows SoftBank to offer versatile and scalable wireless communication solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each enterprise, significantly improving the integration of IT and Operational Technology (OT) systems across various sectors.

Next-Gen 5G Technologies for Enterprises

Alongside the “Private 5G (Shared-Type)” service, SoftBank launched the SH-U01 5G mobile router, designed for high-speed data transmission up to 2.1Gbps. In a forward-looking move, SoftBank is collaborating with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. to develop an industrial 5G terminal, slated for release in 2024. This upcoming terminal is aimed at bolstering smart factory capabilities and enhancing enterprise-grade connectivity solutions further.

Elevating Enterprise Networks with SoftBankโ€™s Private 5G

SoftBank Corp.’s foray into Private 5G services underscores a broader commitment to empowering enterprises with advanced connectivity solutions. By offering both shared and dedicated 5G networks, SoftBank not only caters to a wide range of enterprise needs but also pioneers the integration of sophisticated IT and OT systems. The dedicated Private 5G service, in particular, offers unparalleled advantages in terms of speed, security, and customization, setting a new benchmark for enterprise connectivity solutions.

SoftBank’s Milestone in Telecommunications: A Leap Towards Enhanced Enterprise Connectivity

SoftBank Corp.’s introduction of its Private 5G services marks a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry, especially for enterprise connectivity. By providing bespoke, secure, and high-performance networking solutions, SoftBank is positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of enterprise-grade communications. The launch of the Private 5G (Dedicated Type) service, alongside the ongoing development of advanced connectivity terminals, demonstrates SoftBank’s commitment to driving innovation and operational efficiency across various sectors. As these technologies continue to evolve, the potential for transformative impacts on smart factories, logistics, and beyond is immense, paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and innovative future.


Recent Content

ย Virgin Media O2 and Daisy Group have joined forces to form a ยฃ1.4B B2B telecom and IT services powerhouse, targeting UK enterprises with an integrated offering that includes private 5G, cloud, AI, and cybersecurity solutions. With Virgin Media O2 holding a 70% stake and Daisy 30%, the new entity aims to accelerate enterprise digital transformation, drive operational synergies, and compete against both traditional telcos and cloud-first players in a fast-evolving market.
Indoor 5G enables high-speed, low-latency connectivity in enclosed environments like offices, hospitals, and airports, supporting mission-critical applications and smart building operations. The market is driven by technological advancements in small cells, distributed antenna systems, and a mix of mmWave and Sub-6 GHz bands. Asia-Pacific leads in adoption due to smart city initiatives and government support. Picocells and antennas are key components, with growing demand in emerging economies fueled by subsidies and infrastructure upgrades. Recent developments include partnerships and acquisitions aimed at strengthening indoor 5G capabilities.
Twelve major European telecom providers, including Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom, have jointly urged the EU to allocate the full upper 6GHz band (6.425โ€“7.125 GHz) for mobile use, citing the spectrumโ€™s critical role in future 6G deployment. With the U.S. and China already advancing in this area, operators warn that delays could jeopardize Europeโ€™s digital leadership and hinder next-generation connectivity infrastructure.
The telecom industry in 2025 is undergoing a major transformation, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud growth, next-gen cellular networks, and national data sovereignty. AI is reshaping cellular infrastructure, enhancing spectrum efficiency through innovations like ELAA (Extremely Large Aperture Arrays), and enabling smarter, adaptive networks.
Vodafone is expanding its role in the UK smart metering upgrade by providing fixed-line connectivity between energy suppliers and the Data Service Platform (DSP). This move complements its existing mobile network role and positions Vodafone as a critical telecom partner in the UK’s digital energy transition, helping to advance national net-zero and smart grid goals.
Whitepaper
Explore how Generative AI is transforming telecom infrastructure by solving critical industry challenges like massive data management, network optimization, and personalized customer experiences. This whitepaper offers in-depth insights into AI and Gen AI's role in boosting operational efficiency while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Telecom operators can harness these AI-driven...
Supermicro and Nvidia Logo
Whitepaper
The whitepaper, "How Is Generative AI Optimizing Operational Efficiency and Assurance," provides an in-depth exploration of how Generative AI is transforming the telecom industry. It highlights how AI-driven solutions enhance customer support, optimize network performance, and drive personalized marketing strategies. Additionally, the whitepaper addresses the challenges of integrating AI into...
RADCOM Logo
Article & Insights
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have evolved from experimental satellite systems to integral components of global connectivity. The transition from geostationary satellites to low Earth orbit constellations has significantly enhanced mobile broadband services. With the adoption of 3GPP standards, NTNs now seamlessly integrate with terrestrial networks, providing expanded coverage and new opportunities,...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top