Webinar roundup: Building the business case for private 5G networks
This techUK webinar brought together industry perspectives on one of the most important questions in enterprise connectivity today: how organisations can develop a robust and realistic business case for private 5G. The discussion explored practical experience from early deployments across manufacturing, logistics, campuses and industrial environments, and examined the commercial, operational and technical factors shaping adoption.
Taking part in this session were:
Steve Wylie, Senior Sales Manager, Boldyn Networks
Dez O’Connor - Senior Manager, Cisco
Jess Ellis – 5GIR Programme Director, WM5G
Value drivers and business case development
Our speakers reflected on how the strongest returns from private 5G emerge when the technology is tied directly to operational needs. Productivity improvements, automation, reduced downtime and greater operational flexibility were highlighted as core outcome areas. Examples ranged from condition-based monitoring and reduced cabling requirements in advanced manufacturing environments, through to measurable efficiency gains in ports and logistics where reliable mobile connectivity is essential for autonomous operations and workforce mobility.
A useful framing emerged that business cases typically fall into one of three categories: those that lack clarity or credible benefits; those where multiple smaller gains combine into a compelling proposition; and those where the operational need is so immediate, such as replacing unreliable Wi-Fi in mission-critical areas, that investment becomes straightforward. Across sectors, the most successful deployments were those rooted in demonstrable operational challenges rather than a technology-led ambition.
Integration, skills and organisation change
A recurring theme was that integration work often exceeds the complexity of the network build itself. Ensuring that sensors, devices, applications and data platforms can work together cohesively requires close coordination between IT and OT teams, strong supplier partnerships and, in many cases, new internal capabilities. Many organisations are still early in this journey, leading to a growing interest in managed service models, alongside targeted upskilling to ensure solutions can be sustained at scale.
Cost and commercial models
While cost is frequently cited as a barrier, the session highlighted the importance of shifting the conversation toward outcomes. Flexible commercial models are increasingly enabling organisations to scale investment in line with realised value. Successful cases were those where organisations began with a clear problem statement and then assessed private 5G only where the operational benefits justified it.
Evolving network models
The discussion emphasised that the choice between fully private, hybrid and neutral host architectures depends strongly on sectoral need. Fully private networks remain the predominant model in manufacturing and environments where data sovereignty and reliability are paramount. In contrast, campuses and ports are beginning to explore hybrid and neutral host models, driven by maturing technology, improved roaming capabilities and the need to support multiple tenants or user groups. Continued technology evolution such as eSIM adoption and enhanced operator specifications—is expected to accelerate this trend.
Market dynamics
Comparisons with other European markets highlighted that deployment patterns vary widely depending on digital transformation maturity, spectrum frameworks and wider economic pressures. While spectrum availability and supportive regulation have encouraged experimentation in several countries, deployment volumes tend to be highest where organisations are already advanced in their digital and automation strategies. The UK is seeing increased momentum, supported by innovation funding and accessible shared-spectrum licensing, though challenges remain in stimulating demand, particularly in manufacturing and public-sector environments.
Wi-Fi and 5G
The session underscored the complementary relationship between Wi-Fi and private 5G. Organisations were encouraged to view the technologies as serving different roles, with private 5G best suited to scenarios where mobility, reliability or coverage cannot be achieved through Wi-Fi alone. With the emergence of Wi-Fi 7 and standalone 5G, hybrid environments are expected to become more common, especially in multi-tenant or high-density operational sites.
Proof of Concept
Proof of concept (POC) projects were highlighted as essential tools for validating assumptions, identifying high-value use cases and securing internal buy-in. POCs can help organisations quickly determine where private 5G genuinely delivers value, while also surfacing integration requirements and organisational considerations early in the process. Successful adoption often depended on active engagement from operational leaders and executive sponsors, ensuring that business case development, budgeting and integration planning were approached holistically.
Key takeaways for those interested in private networks
Begin with a clear operational challenge, not a technology-driven ambition.
Focus on credible, high-impact use cases, especially where reliability, mobility or automation are priorities.
Treat the network as only one part of the solution; integration, devices and data platforms are equally critical.
Build cross-functional teams that align IT, OT and operational leadership from the outset.
Consider flexible commercial models that align spend with realised value.
Use POC projects to validate benefits, develop internal champions and de-risk scaling.
