Private mobile networks are communications networks intended for the sole use of private entities such as enterprises, industries or governments, and that are not offered to the general public.

Private mobile networks are used in industrial contexts such as highly automated factories, in advanced logistics, such as in maritime ports, in mining plants, or to run services made available to citizens in smart cities.

Although 5G-based private mobile networks still account for one quarter, approximately, of all private mobile networks worldwide, deployments are on the rise. Several mobile network operators (MNOs) have launched or envision launching business lines focused on the deployment of private mobile networks for the corporate market.

Some governments have also started assigning 5G spectrum to deploy industrial private mobile networks on a local basis. Among the intended users of local spectrum licences are not only the MNOs but also enterprises that have decided to take direct responsibility for installing and operating their own private mobile infrastructure.

According to global research by Cullen International, Australia, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US are among the countries that have decided to license 5G spectrum on a local basis to accommodate growing demand for spectrum for private mobile networks. Korea is now considering assigning 5G spectrum on a local basis in order accelerate local 5G deployments for industrial uses and boost innovation in the country.

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