Industrial digitization is driving demand for private networks

Public safety, utilities, oil and gas, and railways are the top industry segments driving the need of private networks globally

- NITIN BANSAL

Connectivity has been the single most important factor in revolutionizing industries. Enterprises have come far from having simple voice and data requirements to now having the need for industrial internet. The rising digitalization in industries is creating the demand for reliable, secure and future proof networks that can support the evolving needs of businesses. According to Ericsson Mobility Report 2019, public safety, utilities, oil and gas, and railways are the top industry segments driving the need of private networks globally. Even though various industries have different needs from their cellular technology it is identified that 90% of network connectivity requirements remain the same.

Most commonly used mobile access technologies such as WiFi or public LTE networks are unable to meet the connectivity requirements of industries. The continuous investments and improvements in cellular technology on a global scale are making it compelling for governments and industries to explore its use for private networks.

Enterprises and service providers both are looking at the efficiencies that a private LTE or 5G network can bring to their business.

IMPROVED SECURITY

Industrial connectivity is business-critical and there can’t be any compromises on the security front. In industries such as public safety, mining, oil and gas, railways etc. their networks are tasked with mission-critical processes where consumer and employee safety are at stake. With a private network, enterprises can get full local control and edge processing to guarantee reliability and security. It can be designed to meet the tough business- and mission-critical requirements of users with critical communication needs to be fully reliable when even lives are dependent on the performance of the communication.