These networks have become the cornerstone of transformative change, empowering industries across the spectrum to unlock unparalleled efficiency, reliability, and innovation.
The global forecast for private wireless, by nearly every firm that tracks the market, is projected to grow as fast and furious as the Wi-Fi market did at the turn of the century.
By 2027 the private wireless market is expected to top US $8 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 37 percent.
At Celona, we've witnessed a groundswell of momentum as large enterprises, from diverse sectors have all embraced private wireless, recognizing their immense potential to revolutionize operations and fuel a new wave of technological advancement.
In 2023, Celona experienced extensive growth in our customer base, exiting the year with well over 100 private wireless networks in production around the world. Some of the more significant annual growth in new customers was driven by Global 2000 companies where Celona more than doubled their customer base.
But one of the defining characteristics of 2023 was the sheer breadth of industries that tapped into the power of private cellular networks. Notably, industry titans like manufacturing giants, logistics enterprises, healthcare institutions, and oil refineries have eagerly incorporated these networks into their existing network infrastructure.
To objectively judge the success that private wireless enjoyed in 2023, just look at those who have actively adopted the new technology.
- World-class companies such as BMW, John Deere, Schneider Electric, Lyondell, BP, Stanford Healthcare, Norfolk Southern, DOT Foods, and many others, have all embraced private wireless to revolutionize operations where conventional wireless technology has simply failed. These are just a few of the enterprise pioneers who have successfully deployed private cellular networks, setting the stage for others to follow suit.
- In 2023, we also saw telecom regulators around the world begin codifying swaths of mid-band spectrum for shared use opening the door to private wireless in Bands 77, 78 and 79.
- The industry also saw device manufacturers, such as Zebra, Samsung, and Apple rush to support private wireless across their products – understanding the inherent benefits that customers can realize from owning and operating their own cellular mobile networks.
But what has been truly remarkable are the unique use cases these networks have facilitated.
In the manufacturing sector, for instance, private cellular networks have catalyzed automation by enabling seamless connectivity among machinery, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and sensors.This has elevated operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced overall productivity.
Companies around the world are harnessing this technology to create agile, adaptive manufacturing processes that respond dynamically to evolving demands, a feat previously unattainable without robust connectivity.
As a recognized pioneer in the private wireless space, Celona is proud to have introduced innovative new products and services that are propelling the market to new heights – such as a full portfolio of indoor/outdoor 5G NR products supporting a myriad of international bands, the first multimode 4G/5G system supported by a converged and concurrent 4G/5G core and the delivery of the first turnkey neutral host service that strengthens private wireless indoors to solve the long-standing problem of enabling strong cellular signals within challenging building environments.
As the only pure-play private wireless company, we firmly believe that private wireless is best consumed as a turnkey, end-to-end solution that can be easily integrated within the existing enterprise IP architectures already in place – taking full advantage of the QoS, security and IP domain frameworks that companies have spent countless dollars and time perfecting.
The benefits reaped from the adoption of private cellular networks extend far beyond industry-specific advancements. The market has witnessed a seismic shift in reliability, security, and scalability,which were previously elusive with traditional networking solutions. The inherent characteristics of these networks - low latency, high bandwidth, and robust security - have propelled businesses towards a future where connectivity is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative.
Looking ahead, it's undeniable that private wireless networks will pave the way for a new era of Industry 4.0 applications. Meanwhile Private wireless and Wi-Fi convergence will meet at the policy and management levels.
If 2023 taught us anything it’s that private wireless networks are poised to become the linchpin for driving the digital revolution by empowering enterprises worldwide to embrace automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) at an unprecedented scale.
The integration of private cellular networks with Industry 4.0 technologies will unlock a realm of possibilities.
- Smart factories will thrive on real-time data analytics, enabling predictive maintenance, optimizing workflows, and fostering autonomous operations.
- Supply chains will become more agile, responsive, and transparent, capable of adapting swiftly to market fluctuations and customer demands.
Moreover, the convergence of private cellular networks with edge computing will usher in a new paradigm where processing power and intelligence reside closer to the data source. This fusion will not only enhance operational efficiency but also enable real-time decision-making, crucial in mission-critical scenarios across industries.
As we reflect on the milestones of 2023, it's evident that the journey towards a more connected, efficient, and technologically advanced future has only just begun. At Celona, we remain committed to driving innovation and supporting enterprises in their quest to leverage the full potential of private cellular networks.
The achievements of this year serve as a testament to the transformative power of technology when coupled with visionary leadership and a drive for continuous evolution. With our loyal customer base,we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible while embracing the promise of private cellular networks to shape a future where innovation knows no bounds.
