5 ways to speed private 5G adoption

By: Anne-Queline Keller

When I talk to customers about private 5G deployments, many share that the deployments are not yet providing the expected return on investment. Lack of adoption is a common concern.

Here are five considerations to help address common challenges of adoption and successfully deploy private 5G networks:

1. Build adequate network infrastructure

Inadequate infrastructure, often stemming from fragmented networks and outdated equipment, can lead to poor performance and user dissatisfaction. Users may experience inconsistent connectivity, slower speeds and frequent disruptions, eroding trust in the technology infrastructure their company invested in. This can hinder the widespread adoption of private 5G and make it challenging for businesses to justify the investment in upgrading their systems.

The approach

Before you start down the path of private 5G, sponsor a comprehensive “as-is” assessment of current network infrastructure, including an assessment of security vulnerabilities. The process can help shine a spotlight on the age and performance of existing equipment, as well as application performance and security vulnerabilities. The assessment should help answer questions of whether or not you have the current infrastructure to support a private 5G deployment, and where investments will be necessary.

2. Ensure device compatibility

Device incompatibility can hinder private 5G adoption by causing connectivity issues, limited functionality and increased costs. When organizations do not invest in upgraded devices that are compatible with 5G networks, users may experience difficulties in accessing the full benefits of 5G technology, such as faster speeds and lower latency. This can discourage users from upgrading to 5G and create barriers for businesses looking to implement 5G solutions, ultimately slowing down the overall adoption of the technology.

The approach

Test for compatibility. This may involve collaborating with vendors to address any compatibility issues, such as firmware updates or hardware modifications. Vendors may also need to update software and network configurations to keep operations running smoothly.

In cases where you are working with infrastructure built for 4G, there are cost-effective options to create compatibility with 5G equipment. For example, you may elect to use dongles to upgrade existing devices to be compatible with 5G. This approach provides a cost-effective solution while keeping up with the latest technology.

3. Secure OT environments

Private 5G networks are inherently more secure due to their segmentation and isolation, but they also introduce a layer of complexity due to the use of edge devices. The complexity introduced by the use of edge devices in private 5G networks can hinder adoption because it requires robust management and security measures to ensure seamless integration and protection of data.

Employees' mobile devices and IoT devices often have varying levels of security and compatibility, which can create vulnerabilities and integration challenges. This complexity can lead to increased costs and resource allocation for managing and securing these devices, potentially deterring businesses from adopting private 5G networks. Additionally, the need for specialized skills and knowledge to handle these complexities can further slow the adoption process.

The approach

To mitigate these risks, organizations can implement a zero-trust security model. This approach requires verification for all devices attempting to access the network. Additionally, organizations should implement consistent security policies for all devices and access points. This will help maintain a robust security posture even in environments with diverse device usage.

For instance, an industrial company recently came to us after experiencing equipment issues that forced the shutdown of a production line. By implementing a zero-trust approach and using private wireless and security technologies, they were able to establish role-based access to the devices. This allowed us to diagnose the devices remotely and securely while the customer maintained control.

4. Define, monitor and manage ROI

The initial investment in private 5G networks can be substantial, so it’s important to understand whether you actually need a private 5G solution. Private wireless networks come in various forms, and properly sizing the network infrastructure for your specific use case is a crucial step for achieving a positive total cost of ownership. If the network is overbuilt, it may lead to unnecessary expenses, while underbuilding can result in insufficient performance and scalability issues. This careful assessment and planning process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, potentially delaying the decision-making process and adoption.

The approach

By conducting a proof of concept (POC) using a specific use case, organizations can understand potential ROI from day one. Organizations can conduct advisory sessions and network assessments to determine if private 5G is necessary and to identify the use cases that provide the desired ROI.

Remember, there are still many scenarios where 4G is more than sufficient, especially for communication-related use cases. This is an area where bringing together operation technology (OT) and IT teams will be invaluable. Additionally, build an implementation plan that spans weeks, not months, to ensure a swift and efficient deployment.

5. Prioritize employee engagement

Employees may not fully understand the benefits and potential of private 5G networks, which can contribute to their reluctance to embrace new technologies and delay adoption.

The approach

Involve a diverse set of teams in the initial brainstorming sessions to identify valuable use cases where private 5G connectivity can create a safer environment or reduce waste. Once you have their buy-in and have implemented these use cases, appoint employees as spokespersons to conduct comprehensive training sessions. They can share their experiences using private 5G networks in their daily work routines with their colleagues.

Establish a dedicated helpdesk to address any issues promptly to provide ongoing support to help employees navigate the new system. Record these issues and share the data regularly with your service provider. This information will help them optimize the service to better meet SLAs.

Speed private 5G adoption

By implementing these strategies, organizations can enhance the adoption of private 5G networks and unlock their full potential. Successful implementation requires a holistic approach involving education, infrastructure investment and a supportive culture.

Anne-Queline Keller is Director Offering Management, Alliance Activation Network and Edge at Kyndryl