5-Year TCO Comparator: Wi-Fi vs CBRS vs Private LTE vs Private 5G
An independent, vendor-neutral 5-year total cost of ownership comparison for enterprise wireless networks — covering hardware, installation, spectrum, management, and operational costs across four technologies. Built on TeckNexus intelligence and published research from private wireless vendors, spectrum regulators, independent analysts, and CBRS industry bodies. Methodology covers 1,000+ customer deployments, five-year TCO studies across commercial, manufacturing, and energy buildings, and region-specific spectrum licensing costs. Calibrated by region, site type, and deployment environment.
Important context: TCO comparisons are directionally accurate for planning and vendor negotiation purposes. Nokia's own TCO tool documentation states that cost tools give "a general idea" and help identify which technologies to focus on — not exact project prices. Actual costs depend heavily on site morphology, RF environment, vendor selection, and local spectrum. TeckNexus presents ranges, not point estimates, to reflect this honestly. Full methodology is shown in your results report.
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Phase 1 · Site Profile
Six inputs define your site. Region sets spectrum cost assumptions — CBRS-GAA in the US carries zero spectrum cost; dedicated licensed spectrum in other markets adds a cost component. Site morphology is the single biggest determinant of which technology wins on TCO.
Input 1 of 6
Which region is this deployment in?
Spectrum availability and cost differ materially by country. CBRS General Authorised Access (GAA) is US-only with zero spectrum fee. Other regions use dedicated enterprise licensing, shared access, or operator sub-licensing — each with different cost implications.
Input 2 of 6
What is the deployment environment?
The single biggest TCO driver. Nokia benchmark: in a large paper mill with metal structures and high ceilings, private LTE required tens of microcells vs hundreds of Wi-Fi APs — making cellular cheaper despite higher per-unit cost. Resolution Wireless: one private LTE/5G node can cover the area requiring 20+ Wi-Fi APs.
Input 3 of 6
What is the approximate site footprint?
Footprint directly determines the number of access points or base stations required — the largest single capex component. OnGo/Senza Fili: cost per sq ft is the primary TCO metric for in-building wireless comparison.
Input 4 of 6
How many concurrent connected devices does this network need to support?
Device count drives core/controller dimensioning and OpEx (SIM management for cellular; AP management for Wi-Fi). IoT-heavy deployments favour cellular's per-device cost model at scale.
Input 5 of 6
What is the primary use case class?
Use case requirements (latency, QoS, mobility, security) determine whether Wi-Fi is technically adequate or whether cellular is required. Nokia DAC: Wi-Fi is fine for IT/office use cases; cellular is required for critical OT, high-mobility, and automation workflows.
Input 6 of 6
Is this a greenfield deployment or brownfield (existing infrastructure)?
Greenfield sites have no sunk cost advantage — the comparison is purely forward-looking. Brownfield sites with existing Wi-Fi have a lower upgrade cost but also carry existing cabling/AP infrastructure that may partially transfer. Nokia tool explicitly includes this as a key input.
Phase 2 · Cost Calibration
Three adjustments let you tune the model to your organisation's procurement reality. The default values reflect published industry benchmarks. Adjust based on your market conditions, vendor quotes, or internal cost data.
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