Private 5G Networks Are Bringing Bandwidth Where Carriers Aren’t

Players large and small are now building specially designed private 5G networks. In contrast with the 5G networks celebrated during the launch of the latest iPhone, these are intended as much for machines as people. Private networks are geographically constrained areas of coverage, intended to keep a local set of sensors, machines and computers in sync, and allow communications with the rest of the world as needed. Utility companies, retailers and other large enterprises have in the past made use of private 4G cellular networks. These can be more customizable than a carrier’s existing network, and offer better reliability and security than Wi-Fi, especially over large areas. With 5G, it’s suddenly possible for many companies—even rural broadband providers—to bypass the traditional network gatekeepers and create their own 5G wireless networks, with more bandwidth than ever.