As the digital landscape evolves, the significance of Private LTE and 5G networks is becoming increasingly apparent. With a surge in adoption driven by various use cases, the ability to seamlessly roam between private and public networks is emerging as a critical need for both enterprises and service providers. This blog explores the current landscape of Private 5G networks, the implications of roaming, and the potential solutions that can facilitate this transition.

The Rise of Private LTE and 5G Networks

According to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, there were a total of more than 2’900 private LTE/5G networks deployed across the world in Q1 2024, including trial and pilot deployments. Notably, most new private network deployments will be utilising 5G technology while a growing number of the existing LTE deployments will gradually migrate to 5G over time.

This increase can be attributed to various factors, particularly the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), which is increasingly driving the demand for tailored connectivity solutions across diverse sectors and verticals with a multitude of use cases, for instance in seaports, windfarms and oilfields where there is no cellular coverage.

5G private networks can serve the connectivity needs with high network availability, reliability, and data security for business assurance, which makes 5G the foundation for industry 4.0.

Some of the Key Use Cases for Private Networks are:

• Manufacturing and Industry: Private networks are revolutionising manufacturing through automation, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) applications. They enable remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced employee safety—essential for optimising operations on the factory floor.

• Healthcare: Hospitals and healthcare facilities are leveraging private networks to support mission-critical devices and applications. The need for secure, reliable communication for life-support systems and patient monitoring is paramount, making private networks an attractive option.

• Corporate Campuses: As businesses grow, the need for robust connectivity in office spaces becomes vital. Private networks provide reliable connectivity that can complement or replace traditional Wi-Fi solutions, especially in high-density environments like corporate campuses.

• Public Venues: Stadiums and arenas face significant challenges related to network congestion during events. Private networks can alleviate these issues by providing dedicated connectivity for attendees, ensuring a smoother experience.

The Advantages of Private Networks is driving Market Demand

As organisations recognise the value of customised connectivity solutions, investments in private networks are expected to continue to rise.

• Customisation: Organisations can tailor their network features such as coverage, security, and service-level agreements (SLAs) to meet specific needs.
• Quality of Service (QoS): With traffic remaining local, private networks can deliver optimal QoS, particularly for applications requiring low latency.
• Enhanced Coverage: Private networks can provide superior indoor coverage, making them ideal for business-critical tasks in various environments.

This poses significant market opportunities. To address this rising demand, various companies—including traditional mobile telcos, service providers, systems integrators, network equipment and software vendors and emerging tech firms—are providing private network solutions tailored to different verticals and market needs.

The Importance of Roaming when Integrating Private with Public Networks

As enterprises increasingly adopt private networks, the need for users and devices to roam between these private networks and public networks becomes crucial. Four main roaming use cases can be highlighted, namely Private to Public, Public to Private, Private to Private domestically and Private to Private internationally.

Therefore, every private network deployment will serve different use cases and will subsequently have different roaming requirements. But because the network equipment vendors deploy standardised 3GPP network elements in their products and applications, the 3GPP and GSMA standardised roaming interfaces can be applied to each interconnection, which the private network needs to establish for roaming.

If only one network interconnection is needed to cover the roaming requirements, then it will probably be done bilaterally. But if more than two network interconnections are required, the value of a Wholesale Roaming Services Provider like Comfone will become evident very quickly.

Comfone’s IPX Services for roaming connectivity, Sponsored Roaming Services for immediate international roaming coverage, the Clearing Services for invoicing and settlement with the roaming partners and potentially even the Roaming Hub for a strategic move into the international world of roaming, will all be of significant value to Private Network owners and operators.

Some possible Approaches to Roaming are:

1. Dual IMSI Sponsored Roaming: This method allows a private network device to request a temporary public identity when connecting to a public network. The device carries one SIM or e-SIM with two IMSIs—one for the private network and another for coverage in every country in the world. This solution enables roaming at local, national and at international levels and is the perfect way to obtain international roaming on day one of launch.
2. Single IMSI Sponsored Roaming: If a Dual IMSI solution is not an option, a private network company can start building a roaming footprint from ground up. This will take time, whereby the Comfone Key2roam Roaming Hub Service is the perfect facilitator for this method.
3. Combination of Single IMSI and Dual IMSI: This method will provide international roaming coverage from day one using a sponsored IMSI, but in parallel the private network with a long-term strategic business objective, which includes international roaming, can build their own coverage with their own IMSI and migrate gradually to more control of the roaming business and costs.

The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Considerations

As the private network landscape continues to evolve, the interplay between private and public networks will become increasingly intricate. The Comfone Key2roam Platform will address each Private Network deployment with the right roaming solution at the right time.

And as we know from experience, the ongoing development of standards and technology will pave the way for enhanced connectivity solutions in the future.