Private 5G Networks Shift Focus to Automation and AI: Key Insights from 2026 Report
According to PrivateLTEand5G.com, the private cellular networks market has entered a new phase, characterized by a shift from connectivity testing to operational automation at scale. Their latest 2026 report highlights the transformative role of Private 5G networks, including 5G Standalone (SA) configurations, in enabling cutting-edge applications such as autonomous systems, AI-driven operations, and advanced digital twins.
What the Report Reveals About Private 5G Deployment
The report documents over 70 private 5G deployments across multiple industries and geographies, marking a significant adoption increase. These networks are increasingly powering mission-critical applications, such as AI-enabled video analytics, autonomous vehicles, digital twins for complex processes, and remote-controlled industrial machinery. Ashish Jain, Co-founder of KAIROS Pulse and PrivateLTEand5G.com, noted that industries such as mining, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare are at the forefront of leveraging 5G for intelligent automation. For instance, AI-powered safety analytics and autonomous haulage systems in mining exemplify how private 5G is evolving.
Standout use cases include advanced 5G features like network slicing and neutral-host networks being leveraged in public-facing venues like stadiums and airports. These deployments not only replace legacy systems like Wi-Fi or DECT but also open new possibilities for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) in mission-critical environments.
Market Insights: Why Private 5G Matters
Private 5G investments are accelerating globally, with the market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40–41% through the early 2030s, according to analyst estimates. In 2025 alone, the market was valued at USD 4–5 billion and is projected to exceed $100 billion by the mid-2030s. Major verticals like manufacturing, logistics, energy, and healthcare are driving this growth and integrating 5G directly into greenfield facility designs for long-term efficiency.
The availability of dedicated spectrum, such as CBRS in the U.S. and licensed bands in Europe and Asia, is a critical enabler. Enterprises are increasingly deploying either Standalone Non-Public Networks (SNPNs) or Public Network Integrated (PNI-NPN) models. Moreover, cloud-native core networks and 5G RAN technologies are facilitating flexible deployment scenarios, such as hybrid models with hyperscalers.
Competitors in the connectivity ecosystem, including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Network Equipment Providers (NEPs), and hyperscalers, are aggressively innovating to capture this high-growth market. Notably, private 5G is seen as a superior alternative to industrial Ethernet or Wi-Fi for ultra-dense IoT and real-time operational demands, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in factories.
Future Outlook for Private 5G and Automation
The trajectory for private 5G networks lies in standardization, enhanced vertical-specific solutions, and AI-driven operations. The ecosystem is shifting from bespoke deployments to scalable templates designed for industries like ports, smart factories, and urban mobility. Emerging trends include leveraging machine learning for network optimization, enhancing spectrum efficiency, and enabling closed-loop automation in mission-critical environments.
Experts predict further collaboration between operators, enterprises, and integrators to refine SLA-based, network-as-a-service offerings. Additionally, hybrid LTE-5G models will remain relevant, offering transitional solutions while enterprises adopt 5G exclusively for advanced applications.
As private 5G continues its evolution, its role will extend beyond connectivity to centralized platforms for automation, data sovereignty, and edge computing. The long-term impact on industrial productivity and safety offers a compelling case for continued enterprise investment.
Conclusion
Private 5G networks are no longer in the experimental phase but have evolved into a strategic pillar for industrial automation and AI-driven operations. With significant advancements in spectrum availability, ecosystem maturity, and proven deployments, enterprises now have the tools to unlock unparalleled value. How do you see private 5G transforming industries in the next decade? Let us know your thoughts below.
