Analysts highlight work needed by operators for private 5G

CCS Insight director of network infrastructure Richard Webb told Mobile World Live operators must evolve their private network service proposition and capabilities to avoid being side-lined.

Webb noted operators were yet to tune in to industrial use cases and specific needs, advising they align 5G with automation, analytics, AI, edge computing and data security services.

“To be fair to telcos, this is a steep learning curve and not necessarily their traditional core competencies so it will take time to evolve,” noted Webb. “I expect to see telcos increasingly hire software programmers (as opposed to network engineers) to help boost these skill sets.”

Leo Gergs, senior analyst covering 5G networks at ABI Research, added it was imperative operators “fully embrace either a network-as-a-service or platform-as-a-service model” to provide attractive pricing.

IDC research manager for 5G and enterprise mobility Kevin Restivo described operators as “critical” in private networks deployments because enterprises turn to them for help with connectivity and network problems.

He noted operators are also well-placed when it comes to accessing spectrum for private 5G deployments.