Top 5 Myths of Private 5G Debunked
By The Telit Cinterion Team
June 10, 2025
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Fast, secure wireless connectivity is essential for long-term growth. Private 5G networks are a key enabler. In 2022, the global wireless connectivity market was valued at $80.4 billion, according to Allied Market Research. It is now projected to reach $294 billion by 2032.
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Emerging technologies like smart infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) adoption rely heavily on wireless connectivity. Traditional public cellular networks often struggle to address growing use cases and regulatory requirements.
Technologies like private 5G help resolve these challenges. Companies across numerous industries that require automation and low-density, long-range coverage are adopting private 5G.
As with any evolving technology, private 5G has led to a surge of new information. Sifting through the facts and updates can be challenging. Let’s examine five common myths about private 5G networks.
Table of Contents
- Myth 1: Private 5G Is Too Complex for Most Enterprise Environments
- Myth 2: Private 5G Is Only for Large Enterprises
- Myth 3: Private 5G Requires Contracting with a Mobile Network Operator
- Myth 4: Private 5G Is the Same as Private LTE
- Myth 5: Private 5G Will Replace Wi-Fi
- Optimize Private 5G Networks with Telit Cinterion
- Key Takeaways
Myth 1: Private 5G Is Too Complex for Most Enterprise Environments
Deploying and operating a private 5G network demands specialized knowledge in the IT and telecom domains. Few enterprises have the network expertise to deploy a solution that addresses their unique requirements. Moreover, they often lack the resources to handle evolving compliance regulations and security risks as technologies rapidly change.
There are solutions that simplify planning and deploying private 5G. Enterprises can lessen or even remove the complexity and barriers to a private 5G network.
Here are three ways to remove the complexity:
Trustworthy Experts
Partner with hardware, software and integration experts. They should have proven experience and success in planning and deploying private 5G networks.
In the United States, leaders in the OnGo Alliance’s OnGo service deploy private 5G networks using the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum. They are seeing positive results with enterprise clients and small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
At the OnGo Forward Conference, Sam Ingalls of Barich, Inc. shared that the Las Vegas Airport deployed a CBRS-based private 5G network. Pilots could track passenger bags across 14 miles of baggage conveyors and underground facilities surrounded by steel and concrete. They experienced no interference.
Reliable Testing Services and Support
Choose reliable module or device providers with robust field testing and security capabilities to decrease risks before deployment. Testing and support should be done in real-world environments.
Device performance may vary in specific locations, affecting service quality if not accurately tested. Thorough testing mitigates these risks and ensures consistent performance to avoid an unexpected service drop.
Efficient Network Management
There are many concerns around managing private 5G networks. Network slicing is a key advantage of private 5G. Slicing creates multiple virtual networks (i.e., slices) within a public 5G infrastructure. Each slice can have functions to meet specific device or operator requirements.
Resources are dynamically allocated to network segments based on priorities and congestion levels. Network slicing streamlines workflows and enables more efficient network management.
Private 5G networks can be complex based on the use cases and technology. However, technological advancements, such as network slicing and managed services, are simplifying implementation. The right expert can help you streamline the process.
Myth 2: Private 5G Is Only for Large Enterprises
Large enterprises were early adopters of private 5G networks and could manage significant upfront costs. Today, private 5G is more accessible, with flexible deployment options for SMBs that make it more affordable.
These options include:
- The OnGo service enables licensed and unlicensed private cellular networks to make them more flexible and cost-efficient. One use case for SMBs was RippleLink.
The company implemented a CBRS-based private network. It connected a robot’s AI-enabled cameras to detect intruders and send security alerts in real time. RippleLink completed the private network installation in a few hours, costing $10,000. This makes it affordable for small businesses. - SMBs that find it challenging to cover upfront costs can choose 5G as a service in which an external provider absorbs the overhead costs.
- While upfront costs may be higher, private 5G can reduce long-term costs through improved automation and reduced downtime.
Private 5G costs can vary based on requirements like project size and existing infrastructure. Other factors include the type of 5G network and equipment needed.
In scenarios requiring more access points for Wi-Fi, it may cost less to deploy a private 5G network. For instance, mining sites can achieve complete coverage with far fewer base stations than Wi-Fi requires.
Private 5G is scalable, with flexible and affordable deployment options for SMBs.
Myth 3: Private 5G Requires Contracting with a Mobile Network Operator
While contracting with a mobile network operator (MNO) is one option, it’s not the only way to implement private 5G. Enterprises can work with various partners or even deploy networks, depending on their needs and capabilities. There are alternatives to architect, deploy and manage private 5G networks.
Three models include:
1. Stand-Alone Private 5G
Enterprises can deploy a private 5G network without involving an MNO. Organizations own or lease the spectrum with base stations and core network components. This approach offers maximum control over resources, security and policies. It enables the complete isolation of network users from public service provider networks.
2. Hybrid Private-Public Cloud 5G Network
A hybrid private-public cloud 5G network combines private and public 5G infrastructure elements for a flexible, scalable solution. The company owns or leases the equipment at its location and connects to a service provider’s network. This gives the organization more control over data and security while adding flexibility to customize its network.
3. Sliced Private 5G Network
Once again, network slicing offers a flexible alternative. An MNO manages slicing and shares infrastructure with the public network.
Multiple virtual network slices are created within the 5G public network. 5G slicing takes advantage of the structure of a 5G public network but is not bound to a specific geography. You can control the slices in a private part of the network with all 5G’s benefits.
Other options allow various levels of control and resource allocation. Enterprises must choose the approach that fits their needs. This includes their desired level of network management and what partner to provide missing expertise.
Myth 4: Private 5G Is the Same as Private LTE
While private 5G and private Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technologies offer private cellular networks, they differ in capabilities and applications. LTE has been the standard for the past decade. It’s suited to organizations that need a reliable, private connection at a lower price.
Private 5G is the next generation of cellular networks. It leverages new radio technology (i.e., 5G NR) with high-frequency radio waves to deliver significant improvements.
The key benefits include:
- Ultralow latency
- Increased bandwidth
- Faster, real-time speeds
- Greater network capacity and coverage
These enhancements allow more users and devices to connect to the network at the same time without decreasing performance. They are essential for connecting many IoT devices and supporting advanced applications.
Other differentiators over private LTE include enhanced security and the ability to use network slicing to manage the network. Private 5G also is more energy efficient, saving on battery life.
Private LTE remains viable for more basic yet reliable connectivity needs. For high-tech environments like Industry 4.0 and smart cities, private 5G’s advanced features support enhanced performance and reliability.
Myth 5: Private 5G Will Replace Wi-Fi
Private 5G was not designed to replace Wi-Fi. They are complementary wireless technologies. Each offers advantages for internet access and network services. Private 5G and Wi-Fi can be used in the same space since they rely on different radio spectrum.
Wi-Fi connects devices through a router using radio waves of unlicensed spectrum within a limited range. In contrast, private 5G is a dedicated cellular network in exclusively licensed spectrum, connecting through cell access points. Private 5G networks offer 5G benefits in a controlled, secure environment.
Enterprises often combine private networks for critical applications and public Wi-Fi for day-to-day business. If you need nationwide or global coverage, combining a private wireless network with an MNO public network is the best alternative.
Private 5G can be used to slice a part of the network. The slice can be configured to guarantee KPIs, such as low latency service-level agreements (SLAs) and added security.
While private 5G and Wi-Fi can coexist and work together, they differ in their capabilities and applications.
Wi-Fi is a widely adopted standard used in billions of devices worldwide. It is essential for home internet access. Moreover, it supports everyday activities, from work to connecting smart home devices, making it crucial to modern life.
Traditionally, Wi-Fi dominated the enterprise. However, emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) and telemedicine require secure, high-speed communication.
The advantages of private 5G over Wi-Fi include:
Greater Performance
Wi-Fi is prone to bandwidth limitations and interference issues. High traffic and large-scale device deployments can degrade performance. As more devices are on the network, the demand for bandwidth grows.
Private 5G provides the reliability that companies need to use advanced technologies. It provides faster speeds (especially in uplink), high reliability and ultralow latency for greater performance.
Customized Coverage
Organizations are no longer dependent on public, one-size-fits-all networks. They can customize settings for the requirements of each use case. An example would be network slicing. Each slice can have unique settings for options like latency and security.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
While Wi-Fi and private 5G offer secure communication channels, 5G provides superior security. Even when encrypted, Wi-Fi networks broadcast their identity, potentially attracting malicious actors. This vulnerability, combined with weak encryption and misconfigured access points, can compromise security.
It enables identity and access control per device. Authentication can’t be shared or written down like passwords to compromise security.
Despite these protections, it is still critical to find a reputable module provider that can ensure module and data security. The provider should also offer testing and support for your network’s best performance and security.
Optimize Private 5G Networks with Telit Cinterion
Private 5G networks open new IoT markets but introduce complex design challenges for OEMs. Experienced and new cellular manufacturers must understand 5G’s technical requirements and network capabilities to overcome the hurdles.
Telit Cinterion is a trusted global IoT enabler with over 30 years of experience. We support the adoption and development of cellular solutions.
Telit Cinterion is the first top-tier IoT and mobile broadband module vendor. We joined the OnGo Alliance to drive private cellular network innovation and adoption. Our modules, SIM cards, global data plans and platforms make cloud solutions simple and effective across any network.
Speak with our experts to learn how to optimize a private 5G network and set up secure architecture.
Key Takeaways
- With advancements like network slicing and managed services, private 5G networks have become easier for SMBs to deploy and manage.
- Private 5G offers flexible deployment models, including 5G as a service and CBRS-based networks. These models are affordable for SMBs and large enterprises alike.
- Instead of replacing Wi-Fi, private 5G networks can enhance it with secure, high-performance connectivity for use cases like telemedicine. These technologies can complement each other for robust network solutions.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on 21 April 2020 and has since been updated.
