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Rapid advancements in smart automation technology continue to impact industry verticals, and utilities are no exception. There is a growing demand for utilities to provide critical infrastructure in an efficient, secure and reliable manner. But they also must maintain grid uptimes while ensuring that end users can easily access and monitor their utility usage in real time.

Private wireless networks offer efficiency, reliability, and security enhancements to the utility vertical by delivering smart technology and automation capabilities and essential features that increase protection against cyber security threats and improve worker safety.

After talking with our member companies and examining the utility vertical, we’ve identified the top three benefits for utilities deploying a private wireless network:

Enablement of Smart Technology Applications
Using a private network, utilities can deploy advanced applications, supplementing their current methodologies for collecting and responding to data from their grids. For instance, drones, smart meters, sensors, and other equipment connected to a private network, can easily moderate the entire grid from any location and efficiently address and resolve concerns. End customers can also make use of these modern monitoring technologies to view their utility usage and make rapid adjustments.

Increased Protection Against Cyber Attacks
As the utility grid becomes increasingly automated with an ever-increasing number of devices and applications accessing the network, potential exposure of the entire system to cyberattacks also grows. A private network allows utility operators to have increased control over their network, providing the ability to install additional cyber security features and applications – like identity and access controls – to protect against these threats.

Improved Worker Safety
The increased amount of automated equipment and applications made possible by deploying a private network improves worker safety by allowing utilities to promptly identify and address issues remotely across the entire grid. Private networks also provide workforce management with reliable connectivity and a secure communication channel.

In short, the role of private wireless networks within the energy and utility sector is growing as companies are increasingly inclined to establish their own private networks for greater control and ownership of their communication infrastructure. Likewise, it’s proving to be a dependable solution to support grid modernization and other operations that enhance systems security and overall worker safety.

The Alliance for private networks is championing the global industry adoption of private wireless networks in any available spectrum. Our deployment resources and tools accelerate digital transformation and are available to utility managers hoping to identify new methods for improving their operations. Explore our resources and tools on the Alliance website and contact us today to learn about available options.

Enterprises are turning to private networks to drive their digital transformation. By leveraging private network technologies, industry verticals can create intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems that offer a range of benefits, including speed, reliability, low latency, security, mobility, and indoor and outdoor coverage. However, enterprises cannot always access licensed spectrum and public networks do not always meet the coverage and reliability requirements of complex enterprise environments.

Status of locally licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum

Spectrum is a necessary piece for deploying private networks. The management of spectrum is typically categorized into three types:

• Horizontal sharing, which can allow exclusivity for spectrum access. In this case, the use of spectrum is coordinated and locally licensed spectrum is an example.
• Vertical sharing, where spectrum usage occurs according to different priority levels. Higher priority must be protected from harmful interference from usage at lower priority. This approach is used in the US 3.5 GHz CBRS band, which has three priority layers.
• Unlicensed spectrum, where spectrum is shared dynamically with mitigation techniques for interference, such as Listen-Before-Talk and power restrictions.

Shared spectrum access is managed by the local government and other regulatory bodies. For example, the US has dedicated the CBRS band for private network deployments. Germany, Japan, the UK, Denmark, and others have also allocated specific spectrum bands for private networks.

Figure 1: A Global Snapshot of local licensed or shared spectrum available for private network deployments

Leveraging licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum

Shared or licensed spectrum alone cannot serve all the use cases needed in industry verticals. Unlicensed spectrum combined with licensed spectrum can provide enterprises with increased efficiency, flexibility, and reduced cost.

Figure 2: Unlicensed spectrum availability worldwide.

Technical challenges of spectrum allocation

Unfortunately, many countries have not made licensed spectrum available for private networks, leading to a lack of coordination on spectrum availability and challenges for enterprises looking to deploy private networks across different countries.  

As part of our goal to promote the global industry adoption of private networks, we encourage regulators and other governing bodies to make spectrum available to fit a wide range of use cases, performance, and deployment. By considering the following framework, regulators can stimulate access to and meet the growing need for private mobile networks across industry verticals:

• Lower the barrier to entry of spectrum access by facilitating timely access to affordable quality spectrum to meet the increasing needs and use cases.
• Promote the development and testing of innovative use cases and services by opening access to new spectrum bands by issuing test licenses.
• Advance regulatory actions that facilitate a level playing field to local network operators with different stakeholder saliences.
• Provide improved flexibility and scalability required by the novel use cases through varying service level parameters and customer value.
• Develop and utilize automated authorization and spectrum management processes to deliver timely and equal opportunity access and high efficiency for network deployments.
• Support the creation of automated marketplaces to stimulate the reuse of unused spectrum resources and reduce transaction costs associated with spectrum leasing.
• Encourage researchers to develop technical solutions that address real-life spectrum access challenges in specific bands with incumbent systems by promoting the sharing of knowledge. 

Read the Characterization of regulatory frameworks for spectrum access in local mobile communication network deployments article via IEEE Xplore to learn more about this topic.

Alliance for private networks resources

The Alliance for private networks is championing the global industry adoption of private networks by educating the ecosystem and providing publicly available tools that ease deployment, such as:

• The Uni5G™ technology blueprints, which leverage 3GPP 5G standards to define profiling and classification requirements, enabling industry verticals to efficiently deploy their own optimized, reliable, and secure 5G private network.
• A unique global PLMN-ID, which simplifies the path to private network deployment in any available spectrum and accelerates the ecosystem.
• An interactive spectrum map that allows enterprises to identify the available spectrum for their individual country and/or region. Based on data gathered from Alliance member companies and their specialists, our interactive spectrum map provides global tracking of available locally licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands.

To learn more about the resources and tools we provide for private network deployments, visit www.mfa-tech.org. 

Taking place September 24-25 at the Hilton Rotterdam, Netherlands, the annual Smart Digital Ports of the Future Europe 2024 will explore ground-breaking technologies that are actively transforming port operations. The event’s focus centers on collaboration, digitalization, smart technologies, connectivity, autonomous technology & drones, decarbonization, cybersecurity, and more. And with attendee goals such as increasing efficiency, security, sustainability, and overall operational effectiveness, the Alliance is looking forward to highlighting our problem-solving tools.

The Alliance for private networks is excited to return to SDP and continue to champion the global adoption of private networks for port operations. Along with a hosted kiosk, an Alliance representative from member company Nokia will be participating in the “5G Private Networks: Real Cases of Utilization” panel discussion on Tuesday, September 24, from 2 – 3 pm CET. The panel will discuss how higher bandwidth, lower latency, and improved reliability provided by private network deployment is resulting in measurable efficiency gains.

Visit our exhibit table to learn about our resources and tools that simplify the path to private network deployments – including the Uni5G™ technology blueprints, the Network Identifier Program, and a comprehensive spectrum availability tracker.

Schedule a meeting with our onsite representatives to learn about private network deployments for port operations here.

Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the Alliance Insights newsletter for the latest updates.

See you in Rotterdam!

Private cellular networks provide next-level coverage, low latency, device density, consistent reliability, mobility, and security that enterprises and industry verticals are seeking to successfully achieve their automation and digitalization goals. In this blog, we explore the top three benefits private cellular networks offer for mining operations.

Communication challenges on mining sites with automated equipment are multifaceted. One major hurdle is the vast and often remote nature of mining operations, where equipment may be scattered across expansive areas – including underground tunnels – making it difficult for team members and equipment to maintain consistent connectivity. Physical obstacles, such as rock formations and tunnels, can hinder signal propagation, leading to signal dropouts and serious latency issues. Additionally, the noisy and dynamic environment with heavy machinery operation and explosive blasts can disrupt wireless communication systems, affecting the reliability of data transmission. Overcoming these challenges requires the deployment of robust and resilient communication networks able to adapt to the harsh conditions, ensuring seamless connectivity for the efficient operation of automated equipment and, more importantly, the safety of personnel.

1. Reliability and coverage in extreme conditions
   Remote environmental monitoring is the number one driving use case for Industry of Things (IoT) adoption by mines. Private networks are able to endure the extreme weather and environmental conditions of mining operations. Compared to other options, private networks cover a larger area, requiring fewer access points for the pit, and are not sensitive to explosive blasts. In other words, private networks maintain consistent coverage – even in extreme weather conditions and remote locations.
2. Automation and device monitoring
   
   Automation and electrification in mines require dependable networks that can withstand extreme environments. Private networks enable automation in the pits, supporting tasks such as tele-remote and autonomous drilling. Automation also helps prevent potential failure by sharing vehicle information indicating upcoming service requirements and preventing potential failures and other issues. Additionally, connected systems can follow a vehicle, flag the type of material that is loaded, and alert the driver if they are going to the wrong place to dump their haul, ensuring quality performance and avoiding wasted time. Using a private cellular network to help automate these heavy-moving vehicles, massive drills, complex machinery and equipment provides the reliable, low-latency connectivity in both indoor and outdoor environments – ensuring full control without any blind spots.
   
3. Data and worker safety
   Private networks help keep sensitive data safe from cyber-attacks. Additionally, they enhance worker safety by providing reliable connectivity and help improve productivity and decision-making thanks to efficient processing of sensor data that can be rapidly collected throughout the mine.

By ensuring uninterrupted communication even in the harshest environments, enabling seamless data exchange, and enhancing safety measures, private wireless networks can be an ideal solution for mining sites. The integration of automation and device monitoring not only boosts operational efficiency but also provides real-time insights into equipment health and performance. These advancements are pivotal in ushering mining operations into a safer and more cost-effective future.

Learn more about the tools and resources the Alliance has available to assist in the launching of a private network for your mining business here.

Private networks were at the forefront of Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2024 (MWC’24) – with a wide range of ecosystem players announcing newly-developed products and solutions, partnerships, and deployments, including Nokia and Intel, Ericsson, Toyota, Verizon, Dell, and many more. According to the annual GSMA Intelligence Operator Enterprise Survey, nearly 60% of operators launched or were testing private 5G in 2023.

The Alliance for private networks was pleased to return to MWC’24 to promote the overall benefits of private deployment and share how we are enabling industry verticals to efficiently establish their own optimized, reliable, and secure 5G private network in any available spectrum. During the event, Alliance representatives engaged in exciting conversations with industry leaders to discuss the applications and vertical use cases for private networks, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and several others.

We were pleased to see the obvious growth of the ecosystem and the advancement of private networks based on 4G/LTE and 5G technologies driven by the increasing data, security, digitization, and mobility needs of enterprise and government.

During the Global 5G Alliances Summit @MWC Barcelona – powered by APAC 5G Industry Community, ecosystem players from various industry organizations and companies shared how enterprises are utilizing private networks to drive their digital transformation. Member company representative Alexander Kirchner, Nokia’s Director of Business Development, was on hand to share information explaining how and why the Alliance continues to support industry leaders – who may not be telecom experts – seeking to easily understand the private network deployment process.

The Alliance is championing global industry adoption of private networks by educating the ecosystem and providing publicly available tools that ease deployment, such as:

• The Uni5G technology blueprints, which leverage 3GPP 5G standards to define profiling and classification requirements, enabling industry verticals to efficiently deploy their own optimized, reliable, and secure 5G private network in any available spectrum.
• Our unique global PLMN-ID simplifies the path to private network deployment and accelerates the ecosystem.

Join our efforts by visiting www.mfa-tech.org.

The Alliance for Private Networks is looking forward to returning to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona – the industry’s largest and most influential event for the connectivity ecosystem. This year’s event theme, Future First, will focus on bringing the ecosystem and community together to realize the future’s potential.

The Alliance is committed to championing the global industry adoption of private networks by educating the ecosystem and providing publicly available tools that ease deployment, such as Uni5G technology blueprints, our unique global PLMN-ID, and acting as a 3GPP Market Representation Partner.

Visit our booth in Hall 7, Booth 7F13, to understand the benefits of private networks and learn how the Alliance is enabling industry verticals to efficiently deploy their own optimized, reliable, and secure 5G private network in any available spectrum.

If you are interested in learning more about the Alliance, attend our presentation at the Global 5G Alliance Summit taking place in GSMA Knowledge Zone (Hall 8.1 CC8.17 & 8.16) on Thursday, February 29, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am CET.

Follow us on X and LinkedIn for updates during MWC 2024. If you would like to meet with our representatives to learn more about private network trends, schedule a meeting with a representative here.

The Alliance met with Mandala Insights‘ founder Shiv Putcha as part of our ongoing conversation with analysts and industry experts to discuss private network trends, and discuss the Mandala Insights report, “Changing Trends in the Private Network Deployment Landscape,” to shed light on the current private network situation in India alongside the country’s 5G rollout. Below is a recap of that conversation, particularly aimed at India-based enterprises considering private network deployments of their own.  

What prompted this report?

Shiv Putcha: The main driver for this report was to draw attention to the importance of the enterprise segment for the success of 5G deployments in India. Much of the discourse in India has traditionally been focused on the consumer segment and smartphones. Enterprise digital transformation is a relatively new theme in India, and private networks will be a key driver. Also, there has been relatively little in-depth coverage of this space in India, so we felt it was an important time to release such a report. 

What do you see as the biggest hurdle and/or advantage for deploying private networks in the region?

Putcha: The biggest hurdle is spectrum and the framework within which enterprises can gain access to suitable bandwidth. The regulatory environment in India prioritizes the auction of spectrum and predictably, the country’s incumbent mobile operators are up in arms about the prospect of spectrum being issued to an enterprise for a paltry administrative fee. While there has not been an official announcement, all current indications show that enterprises will not be allowed to acquire spectrum directly. Rather, they will have the option of “leasing” spectrum or working with telcos for a managed service.   The other big challenge is a lack of relevant use cases for the Indian context. This will take time as 5G network deployments are still in the early phases.

Which industries do you think would benefit most from private network deployment and why?

Putcha: While there are several verticals undergoing digital transformation, we believe that three stand out:

• Utilities are the first, covering both the electricity and natural gas distribution markets. Around the world, utilities are investing in field area networks (FANs) that operate within a private network deployment to cover endpoints like smart meters and others.
• Manufacturing is the next vertical of interest. The “Make in India” program launched by the Government is seeing a lot of traction and there are several use cases already evident in manufacturing facilities, from automated vehicles to employee safety to inventory control and more.
• Transportation is another vertical that we believe will see demand for private networks. In recent years, India has experienced massive investments toward transportation-related infrastructure. The most visible manifestation of this is in the thousands of kilometres of new roads and expressways that have been built, but also in new airports and port infrastructure.

Can you share any particularly interesting findings from your report?

Putcha: Mandala Insights projects that by 2027, total spending on private networks in India will rise to $240 million, including managed services, equipment leasing and direct CAPEX by enterprises. Only a quarter of sites will be deployed as dedicated, standalone networks run by enterprises. The majority will be deployed as a Service (aaS) by Communication Service Providers (CSPs) or System Integrators (Sis).

Any trends/changes in the market that you’ve seen since your initial report that you find interesting?

Putcha: Since we published the report last year, the regulator is hard at work to come up with a framework for private networks. Besides conversations around how to allocate spectrum, there has also been discussion about whether to create a separate, dedicated spectrum band for private network usage; similar to the n79 band being used in North Asian markets like Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Where can readers find your full report and when do you expect the next one to be published?

Putcha: As this report is client-access only, the simplest way would be to reach out to me through LinkedIn. We can share an exec summary with anyone interested.

Shiv Putcha is the Founder and Principal Analyst at Mandala Insights. Shiv is also the publisher of a new blog/newsletter, Beyond the Next Billion, that is published on LinkedIn. Prior to founding Mandala, he covered the telecommunications industry in Asia-Pacific for IDC and Ovum, along with stints at the Yankee Group, Qualcomm and LogicaCMG while based in the United States.

The global manufacturing and port industries have made significant strides in recent years. New technologies, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart automation, have transformed traditional linear manufacturing supply chains into intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems. Meanwhile, ports have become more sophisticated, with an increasing focus on optimizing the movement of goods, reducing downtime, and improving worker safety.

One key technology driving these changes is private wireless networks. With a private network, ports and manufacturing facilities can create intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems that offer a range of benefits, including speed, reliability, security, mobility, and full site coverage. However, these ports and manufacturers cannot always access licensed spectrum, and public networks cannot always meet the coverage and reliability requirements of ports with complex environments.

MFA, the Alliance for private networks, is championing the global industry adoption of private networks in any available spectrum using Uni5G™ technology blueprints for 5G and MFA-defined MulteFire® specifications for 4G/LTE. MFA’s Uni5G technology blueprints and MulteFire specifications can help port authorities and manufacturing enterprises unlock and easily deploy and operate their own secure 5G or 4G/LTE private network to accelerate their digital transformation using any available spectrum including locally licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum.

For port and terminal operators, private networks offer significant benefits. They can increase productivity through more automation and remote control, enable true, transparent visibility into everything in the terminal, and reduce downtime with seamless handover and extended coverage across the entire port. Private networks also allow for the deployment of AI to solve efficiency and even address safety issues.

Manufacturing enterprises can also benefit from private wireless networks that allow them to enable smart manufacturing. Intelligent automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and improved augmented and virtual reality overlays become possible with a private network. With a private network, reconfiguring factory floors becomes easier, reducing costly product stops typical in fixed wired environments. Private networks also allow manufacturers to analyze, predict, and prescribe processes for better performance, longer maintenance cycles, and energy savings.

Private networks offer a simple, productive, and efficient solution that manufacturing and port facilities require, and MFA is working to help simplify the deployment of these private networks through its growing ecosystem of members. To learn more, watch MFA’s port and manufacturing videos for specific use case examples of how MFA can help you experience the full benefits of a private network today.

Hannover Messe is one of the largest industrial-focused trade shows in the world. Each year companies come from all over to see the latest trends in industrial manufacturing and learn more about state-of-the-art developments to help increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. One of this year’s major themes centered around solutions for connectivity and helping enterprises, regardless of their vertical segment, find the most efficient ways to achieve their digital transformation strategies and connect everything to their networks, from mission-critical machinery on the manufacturing floor to autonomous guided vehicles (AVGs) of all sizes operating across a facility.  

The Alliance had the opportunity this year to participate in the “Industrial Wireless and 5G Arena,” an area dedicated to the discussion of wireless solutions for industrial use cases. Our booth welcomed visitors – conference attendees and exhibitors – interested in discussing their 5G private network needs. The Uni5G technology blueprints were hailed as a significant benefit for the industry, and we are excited to continue to share this resource.

Presentations on the Industrial Wireless & 5G Conference Stage shed light on the incredible number of organizations and enterprises working to address the wide range of use cases and meet the unique industrial communication needs through the deployment of 5G private networks. We were excited to present on two separate occasions – click the link below to watch each presentation.  

Click the Above Images to View the Presentations

Overall, Hannover Messe was a success, allowing the Alliance the chance to meet with decision makers seeking solutions to their digital transformation and private network needs. It was wonderful to see the interest in the tools we offer – from the Uni5G technology blueprints or MulteFire specification, to the interactive regional spectrum map to help enterprises understand what is available in their area.

Whether online, or in person at events like Hannover Messe, the Alliance continues to work with our member companies to help you to implement your 5G private network device. Learn more about the Uni5G technology blueprints and discover how they can help with your deployment.