Innovate to differentiate: Leveraging private wireless networks for demanding use cases 

Innovate to differentiate: Leveraging private wireless networks for demanding use cases 

Private networks are emerging as a prime strategic avenue for enterprises to leverage innovation into their infrastructures and fortify their operations against the uncertainties of a rapidly changing technological landscape.  

Connectivity has become crucial to success, making enterprises increasingly reliant on their technological platforms – and for those navigating exceptionally demanding and unique connectivity needs, off-the-shelf Wi-Fi simply won’t be up to the job. In these cases, private wireless networks can be key to unlocking greater productivity, resilience and sustainability for a future-ready and competitive operation. 

How private wireless technologies can address your connectivity needs 

For organizations grappling with intricate communication needs, private networks go beyond facilitating productivity and flexibility; they serve as a cornerstone for gaining a competitive edge, offering self-sufficiency and differentiation.   

There are numerous environments where a private wireless network could be revolutionary for an organization’s success. This includes enterprises with specific mobility requirements for devices like AGVs or mobile robots, as well as platforms requiring enhanced automation, future AI-based autonomy or reliability for simultaneous communication among multiple devices. My colleagues and I at Cambridge Consultants (CC), part of Capgemini Invent, explore specific use cases in our recent whitepaper – Developing private network technologies for demanding use cases: Finding the right path forward – detailing how we’ve worked with clients to create innovative private network solutions for complex and unique requirements. 

Despite the transformative potential of private networks for a range of industries, their adoption has been slower than anticipated. Yet it appears change is on the horizon as disruptors on the economic and geopolitical landscape make a future-proof operation more critical than ever.  

The industry disruptors necessitating innovation 

The foundation for deploying enterprise private networks has long been laid. 5G standards addressing Industry 4.0 and mobile broadband requirements have been consolidated, and spectrum has been made available in many countries. Even so, private network adoption has been slower than expected – but is now gaining traction. This is in part due to the current challenges in supply chains and labor availability that have underscored the need for greater business agility, while geopolitical factors have further emphasized the importance of security and resilience in supply chains. Meanwhile, new sustainability goals and the rise of generative AI look to also prove vital to businesses of the future.  

These emerging factors highlight the part private networks can play in future-proofing operations for sustained growth, profitability and, perhaps most importantly, differentiation as the technological landscape continues to evolve. 

How to navigate private network adoption

Against this backdrop, private networks are poised to play a pivotal role in enabling enterprises to keep up with future industry trends while maintaining productivity and profitability. By investing in creating vertically integrated technology stacks now, enterprises can reap the benefits of greater control over their technology infrastructure and cut down their reliance on supply chains. This will be essential for enterprises to prepare for the challenges of the future while defining a clear competitive edge.

But navigating the complexities around deploying a private network is no easy task. Despite the clear operational advantages, hesitancy around deployment costs, fear of vendor lock-in, concerns about betting on the wrong technology and a general lack of familiarity with the technology are holding enterprises back – and with good reason. Deciding whether a private wireless network is the right choice isn’t one to be taken lightly, requiring a complete understanding of the enterprise’s specific needs. With this intimidating task ahead, it can be hard to know where to begin.   

So let me offer a starting point. In my experience, I’ve observed two main categories of enterprises that would most benefit from private network-based communications:   

1. Organizations with connectivity needs that are beyond what Wi-Fi can support  

2. Cases with exceptionally demanding and unique connectivity requirements  

If one or both scenarios apply, then private wireless technology could be the answer to taking your operation to the next level.  

But this is of course only the first step when considering the suitability of private network adoption. We delve deeper into how to move forward in our whitepaper on the topic, exploring how to best gauge whether a private wireless network is right for your needs.    

How Cambridge Consultants can help  

It’s clear that embracing private networks has become not just a strategic choice, but a key enabler for enterprises to differentiate from the competition and achieve sustainable success for years to come. While the decision to deploy a private network requires careful consideration, the benefits it can unlock are game-changing. Cambridge Consultants, part of Capgemini Invent, specializes in providing strategic advice and technical development to support enterprises through this transformative process. Reach out to CC to continue the conversation. 

TelcoInsights is a series of posts about the latest trends and opportunities in the telecommunications industry – powered by a community of global industry experts and thought leaders.