​A recent analysis by Frost & Sullivan shows that businesses are using private 5G networks to make production processes more efficient and secure. The analysis, titled "Global Private 5G Network Growth Opportunities," shows that combining the new power of 5G with the concept of private 5G networks can take businesses to new heights.

Some companies have already started using 4G private networks. However, according to Frost & Sullivan, the possibilities offered by 5G may attract these organizations to upgrade at some point. The developing global private cellular network market is expected to expand from $1.83 billion in 2021 to $6.32 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.1%. According to the analysis, the contribution of private 5G networks will be a key part of this total, reaching $5.05 billion during the forecast period from $600 million in 2021.

Troy Morley, principal analyst for the ICT industry at Frost & Sullivan, said: "Wi-Fi is still important to most businesses, but private cellular networks cover use cases where Wi-Fi does not perform well and, in many cases, can be done at a lower cost Provides a better network. Private 4G networks improve Wi-Fi, especially on mobile. Private 5G networks improve 4G, enabling higher throughput, higher connection density, and lower latency.

"To achieve an acceptable return on 5G investment, communications service providers (CSPs) must better serve customers outside the consumer market. This may be related to network slicing, edge networks and private 5G networks."

The available spectrum is critical to any wireless technology. Operators have licensed a lot of spectrum for dedicated 5G networks, but not all, according to Frost & Sullivan. To take full advantage of the benefits of private 5G networks, businesses must take the following steps: First start working with local CSPs; Licensed spectrum is highly reliable and provides the highest quality of service, which is essential for mission-critical operations; Spectrum licensed by the CSP is available globally.

"For most businesses willing to invest in private 5G networks, licensed spectrum is the only real option," Frost & Sullivan said in its analysis. "Partnering with CSPs and their spectrum is often the best option."

Businesses should also check to see if industry-licensed spectrum is available. Currently, governments in some parts of the world issue licensed spectrum directly to industry, which provides an alternative to CSP licensed spectrum. Industry-licensed spectrum is also reliable and provides high-quality service, but may be more cost-effective.

Finally, for business concerns that do not involve security, companies can consider shared or unlicensed spectrum. Obtaining licensed spectrum is a necessity for dedicated 5G networks when addressing mission-critical use cases, but less so for businesses that don't need the same level of reliability or quality of service.

Exploring this option could use shared spectrum, such as Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the US, or use unlicensed spectrum for private 5G networks, which could reduce overall costs.