Over two-thirds of early adopters reported productivity improvements as a direct result of operating a private LTE or 5G network, with 55% achieving a return on investment in less than two years. Improved coverage, security, reliability and network performance were identified as top reasons for choosing private 5G over Wi-Fi, however, the lack of fully integrated, off-the-shelf 5G solutions continues to hinder scalability and limits the technology’s potential across industries.
These insights are drawn from CCS Insight’s latest survey of 500 IT decision-makers about private LTE and 5G networks. The research, which covers the US, the UK, Germany, Asia–Pacific and Latin America, focuses on industries where private 5G adoption is growing — such as manufacturing, mining, transportation and logistics, energy and utilities, and healthcare.
Our survey included early adopters already operating private networks and prospective customers who recognize the potential of private 5G but have yet to invest. The goal was to uncover key insights to help vendors better understand their target customers and market opportunities.
Private 5G Is the Future of Industry Connectivity
Many respondents view private 5G as the key to future-proofing their businesses. With promises of ultralow latency, greater capacity and unmatched coverage, private 5G is often seen as a foundation for Industry 4.0 — enabling data-driven automation, advanced analytics and smart sensing to boost productivity.
However, the reality is more complex. Market maturity remains a barrier, with high initial costs and the complexity of deployment deterring wider adoption. Respondents emphasized the need for easier, integrated solutions. One interviewee noted,”we don’t see many off-the-shelf fully 5G integrated solutions available to us. We shouldn’t have to build this capability. We want to buy it off the shelf”.
For vendors, this highlights an urgent need to address ecosystem gaps and offer simplified deployment options.
The Killer Use: Sitewide Connectivity
Industry evangelists often focus on advanced applications like robotic automated guided vehicles and remote-operated machinery, but our findings reveal that the real “killer” use for private 5G is surprisingly straightforward: sitewide connectivity.
The ability to seamlessly connect mobile devices, sensors and cameras across indoor and, especially, outdoor environments is a key driver of adoption. Predictive maintenance and inventory management are also gaining traction, allowing businesses to anticipate equipment repairs and track assets efficiently.
The value of reliable, secure, extended coverage shouldn’t be diminished. Solving these connectivity and coverage problems is of value to our interviewees: 55% of early adopters achieved a return on investment in less than two years, and over two-thirds reported productivity improvements, shown in the chart below.
One manufacturing respondent told us that private 5G saved them $1.5 million over five years compared with Wi-Fi. By reducing the number of access points and associated cabling, installation and energy costs — and minimizing downtime — the business achieved significant operational gains.
Private 5G (Mostly) Outshines Wi-Fi
Respondents overwhelmingly recognized private 5G’s superior reliability, security and coverage compared with Wi-Fi. With its higher throughput, extended range and ability to handle dense device environments, private 5G is increasingly favoured for mission-critical applications.
That said, Wi-Fi still plays a crucial role. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported using Wi-Fi alongside private 5G, often assigning each technology distinct roles. For example, 24% use private 5G exclusively for mission-critical functions, reserving Wi-Fi for less-critical tasks. Meanwhile, 48% use Wi-Fi indoors and private 5G for outdoor coverage. This hybrid approach underscores the complementary nature of the two technologies.
The Role of Systems Integrators and the Challenge for Mobile Operators
To navigate the complexities of private 5G deployment, most respondents turn to managed service providers and systems integrators. Systems integrators are seen as trusted partners for their expertise, reputation and ability to manage network intricacies in industry-specific scenarios.
Unfortunately for mobile network operators, they consistently rank near the bottom for consideration. Outside China, operators have struggled to establish themselves in this market, especially in countries where spectrum is leased out to enterprises directly. In contrast, IT giants like Amazon Web Services, Cisco and IBM — which are well-embedded in enterprise environments — are viewed as better equipped to deliver private 5G solutions.
Multisite Deployments on the Rise
Among early adopters, multisite deployments are becoming the norm. Nearly half of respondents reported operating private networks on four to nine sites (see chart below), with plans to expand further once operational value and return on investment are demonstrated.
For industries like mining and utilities — often early leaders in private LTE and 5G adoption — connectivity over multiple locations has been a natural next step. Hybrid deployments, where private networks are integrated with public cellular cores, could prove especially advantageous for this next phase of scaling.
Realizing the Potential of Private 5G Networks
The private 5G market is still in its infancy, with significant hurdles to overcome. Yet, for those who have invested, the returns are clear: transformative productivity gains, cost savings and enhanced operational capabilities.
For vendors, the message is equally clear: simplifying deployment, addressing ecosystem gaps and demonstrating real-world return on investment will be critical to driving broader adoption.
To explore these findings in greater detail, including over 50 pages of research highlights and access to raw survey data, contact us or visit us at MWC 2025.