Private LTE & 5G Networks: Market Growth and Industrial Transformation by 2030

The global market for private LTE and 5G networks is on an unprecedented growth trajectory, with recent reports projecting its value to exceed $7.2 billion by 2028. According to the latest research from SNS Telecom & IT, these next-generation private networks are becoming key enablers of digital transformation, offering secure, high-speed, and low-latency connectivity tailored to the needs of enterprises across diverse industries. This remarkable expansion is expected to transform the telecom landscape, especially as private 5G networks increasingly overtake LTE in popularity and adoption.

Private LTE and 5G: The Backbone of Industry Transformation

As industries embrace technologies central to Industry 4.0, the role of private LTE and 5G networks has become indispensable. These networks provide the secure and reliable connectivity required for applications such as industrial automation, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and real-time data analytics. For instance, companies like Tesla, Hyundai, and LG Electronics have successfully implemented private networks to eliminate AGV connection disruptions at production facilities, significantly increasing efficiency and uptime. Similarly, Peel Ports Group at the Port of Liverpool has seen a tenfold increase in connectivity performance, outweighing the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi solutions in demanding environments.

Another compelling example is Lufthansa, which reported a 75% improvement in operational process speed at its Los Angeles cargo facility due to private 5G deployment. Beyond the industrial sector, innovative use cases are emerging, such as football fans with visual impairments enjoying enhanced match experiences through 5G-connected headsets, and public safety departments leveraging dedicated broadband networks to maintain reliable communication during outages in public systems.

Accelerated Adoption Across Key Verticals

The adoption of private LTE and 5G networks spans manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and even newer sectors such as sports and education. In healthcare, private networks elevate telemedicine and remote monitoring by ensuring fast and secure data communication. In logistics and transportation hubs like ports and warehouses, private 5G enables real-time fleet tracking, autonomous operations, and enhanced resource management, boosting overall efficiency.

Public sector applications also highlight the critical role of private network technology. For example, the Georgia Department of Corrections has integrated a private 5G network into its new state prison project, providing robust indoor and outdoor coverage across a vast 800,000-square-foot campus. Similarly, infrastructure projects like Hitachi Rail’s Hagerstown factory and Hyundai’s electrified vehicle plant have incorporated private networks to better handle the demands of modern production environments.

Market Projections and Opportunities

As enterprises increasingly prioritize digital transformation and operational efficiency, the market for private LTE and 5G infrastructure is poised for rapid growth. SNS Telecom & IT’s report projects that by 2028, standalone private 5G networks will dominate the industry, attracting over $5 billion in investments out of the predicted $7.2 billion market size. With their ability to handle mission-critical communications and Industry 4.0 applications, private networks are expected to account for up to a quarter of global mobile infrastructure spending by 2030.

Several growth drivers contribute to this outlook, including government initiatives to allocate dedicated spectrum, such as CBRS in the U.S., and evolving deployment models like network-as-a-service (NaaS). These factors, coupled with the integration of edge computing for real-time data processing and analytics, position private LTE and 5G networks as game-changing technologies across various sectors.

While challenges like spectrum availability and high initial investments persist, the advantages of enhanced security, control, and customized connectivity continue to attract organizations. As the private LTE and 5G ecosystem matures, it is set to drive innovation, unlock new applications, and create significant opportunities for both enterprises and technology providers worldwide.