11th December 2025: SNS Telecom & IT's latest research report indicates that the private LTE and 5G network market – estimated to be worth $7.2 billion by the end of 2028 – continues to shine as 5G deployments overtake LTE across many vertical industries. This steady, strong growth stands in contrast to the tepid pace of infrastructure spending in the much larger but relatively stagnant public mobile network market, where standalone 5G core investments are growing but RAN (Radio Access Network) sales remain flat following a sharp decline last year. 

Historically a niche segment of the wider wireless telecommunications industry, private cellular networks – also referred to as NPNs (Non-Public Networks) in 3GPP terminology – have rapidly gained popularity in recent years due to privacy, security, reliability, and performance advantages over public mobile networks and competing wireless technologies as well as their potential to replace hardwired connections with non-obstructive wireless links. With the 3GPP-led standardization of features such as MCX (Mission-Critical PTT, Video & Data), URLLC (Ultra-Reliable, Low-Latency Communications), TSC (Time-Sensitive Communications), RedCap (Reduced Capability) for IIoT (Industrial IoT), NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) connectivity, SNPNs (Standalone NPNs), PNI-NPNs (Public Network-Integrated NPNs), and network slicing, private networks based on LTE and 5G technologies have gained recognition as an all-inclusive connectivity platform for critical communications, Industry 4.0, and enterprise transformation-related applications. Traditionally, these sectors have been dominated by LMR (Land Mobile Radio), Wi-Fi, industrial Ethernet, fiber, and other disparate networks.

The liberalization of spectrum is another factor that is accelerating the adoption of private LTE and 5G networks. National regulators across the globe have released or are in the process of granting access to shared and local area licensed spectrum. Examples include the three-tiered CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) spectrum sharing scheme in the United States, Canada's NCLL (Non-Competitive Local Licensing) framework, Germany's 3.7-3.8 GHz and 28 GHz licenses for 5G campus networks, United Kingdom's shared and local access licensing model, Ireland's planned licensing regime for local area WBB (Wireless Broadband) systems, France's vertical spectrum and sub-letting arrangements, Spain's reservation of the 2.3 GHz and 26 GHz bands for self-provisioned local networks, Netherlands' 3.5 GHz licenses for plot-based networks, Switzerland's NPN spectrum assignment in the 3.4-3.5 GHz band, Belgium’s authorization of 3.8-4.2 GHz spectrum for private networks, Finland's 2.3 GHz and 26 GHz licenses for local 4G/5G networks, Sweden's 3.7 GHz and 26 GHz permits, Norway's regulation of local networks in the 3.8-4.2 GHz band, Poland's spectrum assignment for local government units and enterprises, Slovenia's allocation of 2.3 MHz and 3.6 GHz frequencies for local networks, Moldova’s assignment of 3.8-4.2 GHz spectrum, Bahrain's private 5G network licenses, Japan's 4.6-4.9 GHz and 28 GHz local 5G network licenses, South Korea's e-Um 5G allocations in the 4.7 GHz and 28 GHz bands, Taiwan's provision of 4.8-4.9 GHz spectrum for private 5G networks, Hong Kong's LWBS (Localized Wireless Broadband Service) licenses, Thailand's allocation of 4.8 GHz PNO (Private Network Operator) spectrum, Australia's apparatus licensing approach, Brazil's multi-band SLP (Private Limited Service) licenses, and Argentina's 2.3-2.4 GHz SPIBA (Private Wireless Broadband System) licenses. Vast swaths of globally and regionally harmonized license-exempt spectrum are also available worldwide that can be used for the operation of unlicensed LTE and 5G NR-U equipment for private networks. In addition, dedicated national spectrum in sub-1 GHz and higher frequencies has been allocated for specific critical communications-related applications in many countries.

LTE and 5G-based private cellular networks come in many different shapes and sizes, including isolated end-to-end NPNs in industrial and enterprise settings, local RAN equipment for targeted cellular coverage, dedicated on-premise core network functions, virtual sliced private networks, secure MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) platforms for critical communications, and wide area networks for application scenarios such as PPDR (Public Protection & Disaster Relief) broadband, smart utility grids, railway communications, and A2G (Air-to-Ground) connectivity. However, it is important to note that equipment suppliers, system integrators, private network specialists, mobile operators, and other ecosystem players have slightly different perceptions as to what exactly constitutes a private cellular network. While there is near-universal consensus that private LTE and 5G networks refer to purpose-built cellular communications systems intended for the exclusive use of vertical industries and enterprises, some industry participants extend this definition to also include other market segments – for example, 3GPP-based community and residential broadband networks deployed by non-traditional service providers. Another closely related segment is neutral host infrastructure for shared or multi-operator coverage enhancement in indoor environments or underserved outdoor areas.

Despite the somewhat differing views on market definition, one thing is clear – private LTE and 5G networks are continuing their upward trajectory with deployments targeting a multitude of use cases across various industries. These range from localized wireless systems for dedicated connectivity in factories, warehouses, mines, power plants, substations, offshore wind farms, oil and gas facilities, construction sites, maritime ports, airports, hospitals, stadiums, office buildings, and university campuses to regional and nationwide sub-1 GHz private wireless broadband networks for utilities, FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System)-ready networks for train-to-ground communications, and hybrid government-commercial public safety broadband networks. Custom-built cellular networks have also been implemented in locations as remote as Antarctica, and there have even been attempts to deploy them on the Moon and in outer space.

The expanding influence of the private LTE and 5G network market is evident from the use of both permanent networks and portable network-in-a-box systems for professional TV broadcasting, enhanced fan engagement, and gameplay operations at major sports events, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, Formula One Australian Grand Prix, SailGP's 2025 Season, Belgian Cup Final, FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, FISU World University Games, Diamond League, International Island Games, Sukma Games, Paris Summer Olympics, English Premier League, Bundesliga, UEFA European Football Championship, North West 200 Motorcycle Race, World Rowing Cup, MLB (Major League Baseball), UFL (United Football League), and NFL (National Football League), as well as the Republican and Democratic National Conventions in the lead-up to last year's United States presidential election. Rapidly deployable private cellular networks have also been utilized for enhanced communications in UN (United Nations) humanitarian missions, disaster relief operations, and recent military exercises such as the Norwegian military’s Joint Viking 2025 exercise in the Arctic Circle; SABAK 2025, a joint exercise of the Philippine Army and USARPAC (U.S. Army Pacific) forces; U.S. Marine Corps’ Steel Knight and ITX (Integrated Training Exercise) 1-25; JGSDF’s (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force) Nankai Rescue disaster response training drill; and REPMUS, an unmanned systems experimentation exercise led by the Portuguese Navy.

Other examples of high-impact private LTE/5G engagements include but are not limited to multi-site, multi-national private cellular deployments at the facilities of Airbus, Anglo American, BHP, BMW, Boliden, BP, Chevron, Dow, Ford, Glencore, Hutchison Ports, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, John Deere, LG Electronics, Lufthansa, Midea, Newmont, POSCO, Rio Tinto, Tesla, Toyota, Vale, Volkswagen, Walmart, and numerous other household names and industrial giants; service territory-wide private wireless projects of 450connect, Ameren, Cemig, CPFL Energia, EDP Brasil, ESB Networks, Evergy, LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority), MLGW (Memphis Light, Gas and Water), Neoenergia, PGE (Polish Energy Group), SCE (Southern California Edison), SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric), Tampa Electric, TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad), Xcel Energy, and other utility companies; local wireless networks at the power plants of EDF, Eletrobras, Enel, KHNP (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power), and Kyushu Electric Power; Saudi Arabia's $8.7 billion mission-critical broadband network project for the country's defense, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies; Aramco Digital's phased rollout of its nationwide 450 MHz 5G-ready radio network across 50 industrial zones; ADNOC's (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) buildout of a multi-band private 5G network to connect thousands of remote wells and pipelines over an 11,000 square kilometer area; Tampnet's 5G NR upgrade and vendor swap of 120 base stations and converged 4G-5G packet core deployment across its global offshore mobile network; Equinor’s multi-band 5G network upgrade for its offshore installations in the North Sea; Maersk’s ongoing deployment of private wireless network equipment on board 450 vessels in its fleet;  Gogo Business Aviation's 5G A2G network for inflight connectivity in North America, which spans 2,400 Open RAN-compliant RUs (Radio Units); Sweden’s $35 million VGR (Region Västra Götaland)-5G initiative for indoor private 5G coverage at over 500 critical properties and hospitals in Västra Götaland County; defense sector 5G programs for the adoption of tactical cellular systems and permanent private 5G networks at military bases in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Finland, Qatar, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore; DB's (Deutsche Bahn) and Adif’s rollouts of FRMCS-ready cell sites along major rail routes and 5G campus networks at their maintenance and logistics facilities; and New York City Subway’s implementation of a private 5G network to support CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control) operations.

SNS Telecom & IT projects that global spending on private LTE and 5G network infrastructure for vertical industries will grow at a CAGR of approximately 22% between 2025 and 2028, eventually exceeding $7.2 billion by the end of 2028. More than 70% of these investments – an estimated $5.1 billion – will be directed towards the buildout of standalone private 5G networks, which are well-positioned to become the predominant wireless connectivity medium for Industry 4.0 applications in manufacturing and process industries, as well as critical communications over mission-critical broadband networks for sectors such as public safety, defense, utilities, and transportation. This unprecedented level of growth is likely to transform the private RAN, mobile core, and transport network segments into an almost parallel equipment ecosystem to public mobile operator infrastructure in terms of market size by the late 2020s. By 2030, private networks could account for as much as a fourth of all mobile network infrastructure spending.

The “Private LTE & 5G Network Ecosystem: 2025 – 2030 – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals & Forecasts” report presents an in-depth assessment of the private LTE and 5G network ecosystem, including the value chain, market drivers, barriers to uptake, enabling technologies, operational and business models, vertical industries, application scenarios, key trends, future roadmap, standardization, spectrum availability and allocation, regulatory landscape, case studies, ecosystem player profiles, and strategies. The report also presents global and regional market size forecasts from 2025 to 2030. The forecasts cover three infrastructure submarkets, two technology generations, four spectrum licensing models, 16 vertical industries, and five regional markets.

The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report, as well as a database of over 8,800 global private LTE/5G engagements – as of Q4’2025.

The key findings of the report include:

New Project Additions

• 2025 has been a transformative year for the private LTE/5G market, with 5G deployments overtaking LTE across many vertical industries. Over the last 12 months, SNS Telecom & IT has added nearly 1,300 new projects to our database of private cellular network engagements – up from 900 additions a year earlier. Annual numbers vary from anywhere between 10 and 30 deployments reported individually by smaller vendors to 50-170 global projects attributable to each of the European and Asian telecommunications equipment giants.

• These deployments range from localized wireless systems for dedicated connectivity in factories, warehouses, mines, power plants, substations, offshore wind farms, oil and gas facilities, construction sites, maritime ports, airports, hospitals, stadiums, office buildings, and university campuses to regional and nationwide sub-1 GHz private wireless broadband networks for utilities, pre-FRMCS networks for train-to-ground communications and hybrid government-commercial public safety broadband networks, as well as rapidly deployable LTE/5G network-in-a-box systems for professional TV broadcasting, sports and entertainment events, emergency response operations, and tactical communications.

Market Growth Potential

• SNS Telecom & IT estimates that global spending on private LTE and 5G network infrastructure for vertical industries will grow at a CAGR of approximately 22% between 2025 and 2028, eventually exceeding $7.2 billion by the end of 2028. More than 70% of these investments – an estimated $5.1 billion – will be directed towards the buildout of standalone private 5G networks, which are well-positioned to become the predominant wireless connectivity medium for Industry 4.0 applications in manufacturing and process industries, as well as critical communications over mission-critical broadband networks for sectors such as public safety, defense, utilities, and transportation.

• This unprecedented level of growth is likely to transform the private RAN, mobile core, and transport network segments into an almost parallel equipment ecosystem to public mobile operator infrastructure in terms of market size by the late 2020s. By 2030, private networks could account for as much as a fourth of all mobile network infrastructure spending.

Spectrum Availability

• Spectrum liberalization initiatives – particularly shared and local spectrum licensing frameworks for mid-band frequencies such as bands 40/n40 (2.3 GHz), 38/n38 (2.6 GHz), 48/n48 (3.5 GHz), 42/43/n78 (3.3-3.8 GHz), n77 (3.8-4.2 GHz), and n79 (4.6-4.9 GHz) – are playing a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of private networks. Telecommunications regulators in multiple national markets – including the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Moldova, Bahrain, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina – have released or are in the process of granting access to shared and local area licensed spectrum.

• Depending on the national regulatory environment, other spectrum options suitable for specific verticals or use cases also exist in many countries. For example, in the United States, in addition to shared Band 48/n48 (3.5 GHz) CBRS spectrum and service provider licensed frequencies, other options include Globalstar's Band 53/n53 (2.4 GHz) spectrum; Band 41/n41 (2.5 GHz) EBS licenses; Band 71/n71 (600 MHz), Band 26/n26 (800 MHz), Band 8/n8/n106/n106 (900 MHz), and Band 54/n54 (1.6 GHz) spectrum for utilities; and dedicated federal government, defense, and public safety broadband spectrum.

Practical & Quantifiable Benefits

• As for the practical and quantifiable benefits of private LTE and 5G networks, end user organizations have credited private cellular network installations with productivity and efficiency gains for specific manufacturing, quality control, and intralogistics processes in the range of 20 to 90%, cost savings as high as 60%, and an uplift of up to 80% in worker safety and accident reduction.

• Among other impactful examples, Peel Ports Group has experienced a tenfold increase in network performance at the Port of Liverpool’s metal-heavy environment, which previously hindered Wi-Fi connectivity; Lufthansa has achieved a 75% improvement in operational process speed at its LAX cargo facility; Tesla has eliminated AGV stoppages at its Gigafactory Texas facility in Austin; and police forces in Ontario’s Peel-Halton Region have had uninterrupted in-vehicle data access – especially during outages affecting public mobile operator services – since adopting their independent public safety broadband network, which has recently undergone a 5G core upgrade.

Relationship With Wi-Fi & Neutral Host Connectivity

• Enterprises and industrial customers – depending on their specific connectivity needs – are adopting private LTE and 5G networks both as a complement to and as a replacement for Wi-Fi solutions. Kyushu Electric Power, for instance, leverages a local 5G network to provide outdoor coverage and backhaul for an indoor Wi-Fi 6 network at its Matsuura thermal power plant. Similarly, KHNP (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power), Hyundai Motor, and John Deere are pursuing a multi-technology wireless access strategy that integrates private 5G with Wi-Fi. Others – including Airbus, Lufthansa, LG Electronics, Tesla, Toyota, Newmont, Prinzhorn Group, Chevron, BD SENSORS, CJ Logistics, Del Conca, and Wonderful Citrus – have deployed private cellular networks with a relatively small number of radio nodes to replace dozens of Wi-Fi access points, which had previously failed to deliver reliable coverage in large facilities.

• Over the past two years, small cell-based neutral host systems have gained recognition as a cost-effective alternative to DAS in both carpeted enterprise spaces and industrial facilities, whereby staff and visitors gain access to multi-operator public cellular coverage – and optionally private wireless connectivity with an on-site core – over the same RAN infrastructure. 

• In the United States, the open accessibility of the GAA (General Authorized Access) tier of 3.5 GHz CBRS spectrum has led to the operational deployment of around 120 CBRS small cell-enabled neutral host networks using MOCN architecture, from smaller deployments at hotels, schools, higher education campuses, hospitals, factories, and warehouses to Meta's in-building wireless network, which spans 1,500 small cells at its corporate properties.

• However, as a result of mounting pressure from the mobile operator community – including T-Mobile’s pivot away from CBRS spectrum – CBRS RAN vendors are increasingly being pushed to support operator-licensed frequencies and adopt the MORAN approach, where each participating operator is required to provide their own signal source and spectrum while small cell radios remain shared as in MOCN.

• In Europe, the predominant model for neutral host small cells is MORAN with operator-licensed frequencies. In Saudi Arabia, trials are underway using MOCN and shared Band n77 (4.0-4.1 GHz) spectrum to co-deploy indoor public cellular coverage and private 5G networks. MOCN is also being explored in Japan, where mutual roaming and neutral host operation are permitted in license-exempt 1.9 GHz sXGP spectrum.

Mobile Operators, System Integrators & Other Channel Partners

• By capitalizing on their extensive licensed spectrum holdings, standalone 5G infrastructure assets, and cellular networking expertise, national mobile operators are seeking to strengthen their presence in the market by adopting new approaches to deliver both physically isolated SNPNs (Standalone Non-Public Networks) and hybrid public-private networks. For example, in the United States, operators have recently introduced integrated neutral host-private 5G systems, sliced virtual/shared private 5G networks, and local breakout solutions with on-premise UPF (User Plane Function) nodes, the latter two of which have been widely employed by Chinese operators.

• Although countries with a lack of shared/local spectrum options, such as China and the United Arab Emirates, are largely dominated by operator-led private network deployments, system integrators and other channel distributors are increasingly finding success in other national markets, in some cases, slowly displacing the influence of operators by winning a growing proportion of new private network contracts. There are also instances where mobile operators have formed partnerships with specialist integrators to leverage their collective strengths in joint value propositions. For example, Telefónica Germany has been collaborating with BAYFU (Bayerische Funknetz) to deliver 5G campus network projects, while T-Mobile US has partnered with SEMPRE and Oceus Networks to target customers requiring military-grade private 5G solutions. 

• Examples of global system integrators and new classes of private network service providers that have gained traction in the market include but are not limited to NTT, Fujitsu, Accenture, Capgemini, Kyndryl, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, Oceus Networks, Hughes, Future Technologies Venture, STEP CG, Kajeet, Federated Wireless, InfiniG, Betacom, CTS (Communication Technology Services), Imagine Wireless, Invences, TLC Solutions, 4K Solutions, Lociva, INS (Industrial Networking Solutions), Clover IQ, Clovity, KCCTech, Revells, Ballast Networks, Hawk Networks (Althea), Airtower Networks, Fortress Solutions, HALO Networks, Ramen Networks, Meter Cellular, Tampnet, iNET (Infrastructure Networks), Ambra Solutions, Westcan ACS, PMY Group, Vocus, Aqura, CID Group, Teleauora, VirtuGrp, Proptivity, Sigma Wireless, m3connect, MUGLER, Opticoms, COCUS, TRIOPT, Xantaro, Alsatis, Axians, Axione, Hub One, SPIE Group, TDF, Weaccess Group, ORAXIO Telecom Solutions, Unitel Group, Numerisat, Sistelec, Telent, Logicalis, AWTG, Telet Research, Citymesh, Eurofiber, Grape One, NS Solutions, OPTAGE, Wave-In Communication, LG CNS, SEJONG Telecom, CJ OliveNetworks, Megazone Cloud, Nable Communications, Qubicom, NewGens, and Comsol. Also active in this space are the private 5G business units of Boldyn Networks, American Tower, Boingo Wireless, Freshwave, Shared Access, Digita, IONX Networks (formerly Dense Air), Tillman Digital Cities, and other neutral host infrastructure providers; cable operators' enterprise divisions such as Comcast Business and Cox Private Networks; and global IoT connectivity providers Onomondo, Monogoto, and floLIVE.

Vendor Landscape

• Although traditional wireless infrastructure players – from incumbents Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, and ZTE to the likes of Samsung and NEC – continue to lead the private cellular market in terms of infrastructure sales, there is much greater OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and vendor diversity than in the public mobile network segment with other players making their presence known in markets as far afield as the United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Australia. 

• Examples of other RAN, mobile core, and transport network equipment vendors include Celona, Globalstar, Airspan Networks, Moso Networks/Sercomm, Ataya, Mavenir, GXC, Baicells, Telrad Networks, BLiNQ Networks, Ceragon Networks, JMA Wireless, Abside Networks, SEMPRE, Eridan Communications, AmpliTech, ANDREW (Amphenol), Ubiik, Ciena, Canoga Perkins, Aviat Networks, Star Solutions/BTI Wireless, EdgeNectar, Expeto, Druid Software, HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise), Cisco Systems, RADTONICS, Pente Networks, Blue Arcus, Axyom.Core, A5G Networks, Radisys, Wilson Connectivity, Nextivity, SOLiD, EUCAST, EasyCell, HFR Mobile, Qucell, Askey Computer, Saviah Technologies, QCT (Quanta Cloud Technology), G REIGNS, Pegatron, CloudRAN.AI, IPLOOK, Comba Telecom,  AsiaInfo Technologies, AI-LINK, FLARE SYSTEMS, Hytec Inter, Siemens, Firecell, Obvios, Eviden, Kontron, Teltronic, BubbleRAN, Amarisoft, CampusGenius, GuardStack/Blackned, Cumucore, Apeiroon, Accelleran, IS-Wireless, Effnet, Node-H, SRS (Software Radio Systems), Benetel, AttoCore, cellXica, JET Connectivity, Neutral Wireless, Wireless Excellence, Antevia Networks, ASOCS, ASELSAN, i2i Systems, PROTEI, Trópico, Niral Networks, Tidal Wave, and Lekha Wireless.

• Some mobile operators and system integrators have chosen to develop their own infrastructure solutions for private networks. For example, Vietnamese national mobile operator Viettel’s private 5G product portfolio includes both RAN and core network functions, while German system integrator COCUS has an in-house 4G/5G packet core software solution, with RAN and hardware components sourced from its partners. LG Electronics has also entered the market using Open RAN-compliant RUs manufactured by South Korean OEM Samji Electronics.

Nokia & Ericsson Divergence

• Nokia and Ericsson – the two leading suppliers outside China – are diverging sharply in their approach to the campus network segment. Just as it is approaching the milestone of 1,000 private network deployments, Nokia has disclosed plans to divest its ECE (Enterprise Campus Edge) integration and software business, while continuing to provide small cell radios together with its own and third-party mobile core solutions through channel partners – channel sales already account for 70% of Nokia’s private network deals.   

• On the other hand, Ericsson is doubling down on its enterprise wireless push with an end-to-end portfolio comprising compact and scalable private 5G solutions, a small cell-based neutral host coverage system, Cradlepoint routers, and AI-enabled management and orchestration. The Swedish vendor claims to have won several two-digit million dollar deals for multi-site campus networks, and 83% of its new deployments are based on 5G.

• What remains common between the Scandinavian giants is their commitment to MCN (Mission-Critical Network) solutions for public safety, utilities, railways, and other verticals requiring wide area coverage. MCN infrastructure is built on the same components as commercial macro-grade networks with enhanced features and capabilities. Both vendors have also established defense business units that offer tailored solutions for military communications.  

Private 5G Security, Orchestration & Hyperscaler Retreat

• There is a growing focus on private 5G security solutions enabling device management, network visibility, traffic segregation, access control, and threat prevention across both IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) domains. Some of the key players in this segment include OneLayer, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, SecurityGen, Zscaler, Trend Micro’s subsidiary CTOne, and Thales. Network orchestration and management is another area garnering considerable interest, with solutions from companies like Highway 9 Networks, Neutroon Technologies, Nearby Computing, NEC’s Netcracker division, and Weaver Labs.

• Hyperscalers have scaled back their ambitions in the hypercompetitive private LTE/5G market as they shift towards AI and other high-growth opportunities better served by their cloud infrastructure and service ecosystems. Amazon has discontinued its AWS (Amazon Web Services) Private 5G managed service, while Microsoft has also retired its Azure Private 5G Core service. Although Amazon’s exit has had a minimal impact on the broader market, Microsoft’s withdrawal has been a blessing for other mobile core vendors that have won EPC/5GC replacement deals. 

Startup Funding & Investments

• SNS Telecom & IT has been approached by multiple investment firms for market projections as they pursue strategic opportunities, some of which have already culminated in venture funding. As the market moves towards mainstream adoption, investment activity is ramping up across both startups and established private 5G specialists.

• This year, OneLayer raised $28 million in a Series A round, bringing its total funding to $43 million; SEMPRE closed a $14.3 million Series A round to support deployments of secure and resilient 5G infrastructure across defense and commercial markets; Druid Software secured $20 million in strategic growth capital to expand into verticals such as defense, shipping, and utilities; and Future Technologies Venture completed a strategic recapitalization with Battle Investment Group to accelerate growth and broaden its connectivity solutions business.

• Last year, Firecell and Highway 9 Networks raised $7.2 million and $25 million, respectively, in seed funding, while Monogoto secured $27 million in a Series A round. Also worth mentioning are Celona’s $135 million in total venture funding to date and Boldyn’s $1.2 billion debt financing deal to expand its private wireless and neutral host infrastructure footprint throughout the United States.

M&A Activity

• An atmosphere of acquisitions persists, as highlighted by several deals in 2025 and 2024, including the divestiture of Corning's small cell RAN and DAS portfolio to Airspan Networks, Amphenol's acquisition of CommScope's wireless assets, Motive Companies' acquisition of private cellular technology provider GXC, Riedel Communications' buyout of former Nokia spinoff and 5G campus network specialist MECSware, Rheinmetall's share purchase agreement for majority ownership of tactical core middleware developer Blackned, and Nokia's acquisition of tactical communications technology provider Fenix Group to strengthen its position in the defense sector. An earlier example is HPE’s acquisition of Italian mobile core technology provider Athonet two years ago.

• The service provider segment is not immune to consolidation either. For instance, earlier this year, Boldyn acquired SML (Smart Mobile Labs), a German provider of bespoke private 5G networks and turnkey applications. This follows Boldyn's 2024 takeover of Cellnex's private networks business unit, which largely included Edzcom – a private 4G/5G specialist with installations in Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. 

• Another recent development is Day Wireless Systems' acquisition of Sigma Wireless, a leading private 5G system integrator in Ireland. Consolidation activity has also been underway in other national markets. In Australia, for instance, BAI Communications recently completed its acquisition of Titan ICT, an engineering company specialising in dedicated networks for the mining, resources, and energy industries. Previously, Vocus acquired Challenge Networks in 2023, and Telstra Purple took over Aqura Technologies in 2022 – both well-known pioneers in industrial private wireless networks.

The report will be of value to current and future potential investors into the private LTE and 5G market, as well as LTE/5G equipment suppliers, system integrators, private network specialists, mobile operators, and other ecosystem players who wish to broaden their knowledge of the ecosystem. 

For further information concerning the SNS Telecom & IT publication “Private LTE & 5G Network Ecosystem: 2025 – 2030 – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals & Forecasts” please visit: https://www.snstelecom.com/private-lte

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Notes for Editors

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About SNS Telecom & IT

SNS Telecom & IT is a global market intelligence and consulting firm with a primary focus on the telecommunications and information technology industries. Developed by in-house subject matter experts, our market intelligence and research reports provide unique insights on both established and emerging technologies. Our areas of coverage include but are not limited to 6G, 5G, LTE, Open RAN, vRAN, small cells, mobile core, xHaul transport, network automation, mobile operator services, FWA, neutral host networks, private 4G/5G cellular networks, public safety broadband, critical communications, MCX, IIoT, V2X communications, and vertical applications.