Private 5G Network Spending to Surpass $7.2B by 2028

SNS Telecom forecasts global spending on private 4G & 5G networks will exceed $7.2 billion by 2028, driven by industrial IoT and enterprise digital transformation.

The global market for private cellular networks is poised for explosive growth, with SNS Telecom forecasting that cumulative spending will surpass $7.2 billion by 2028. This projection underscores a fundamental shift in enterprise connectivity, as industries move beyond Wi-Fi limitations to deploy dedicated 4G LTE and 5G NR infrastructure. This surge represents a strategic reallocation of capital towards mission-critical communications, enabling unprecedented control, security, and performance for industrial IoT applications, smart manufacturing, and logistics automation.

This rapid adoption contrasts sharply with the previous decade's reliance on public carrier networks for all mobile connectivity. Enterprises are now embracing an infrastructure-first strategy, building private networks as a core digital foundation. The forecasted $7.2 billion spend is a powerful deliverable that validates private networks as a key enabler of Industry 4.0. This matters because it reflects a growing recognition that ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), network slicing, and guaranteed data sovereignty are non-negotiable for competitive advantage in sectors like automotive, energy, and ports & logistics.

For telecom equipment vendors, system integrators, and enterprise CIOs, the implications are transformative. This growth trajectory necessitates massive investment in spectrum acquisition (via CBRS, local licensing), small cell deployment, and specialized network management software. The forecast demands that mobile network operators pivot from pure service providers to managed service partners. Decision-makers must now develop clear ROI models for private networks based on operational efficiency gains and new revenue streams. The next imperative is to forge vertical-specific partnerships that bundle connectivity with industry applications, moving beyond mere pipes to become architects of the digitized enterprise. The race to capture this multi-billion dollar market is officially on, redefining the landscape of both telecom and industrial technology.