Private 5G is expected to go mainstream in 2025 across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia (excluding China), according to Roy Chua, Principal Analyst at AvidThink. Speaking about Cisco’s recent partnership with NEC, Chua emphasized the growing significance of private 5G networks as the technology matures.
Cisco and NEC have launched a 5G-exclusive program aimed at deploying and maintaining private networks, initially focusing on the Middle East and Europe (EMEA) region, with plans for global expansion. The collaboration leverages Cisco’s standalone 5G core and Cloud Control Center solution alongside NEC’s systems integration expertise and private 5G RAN capabilities. This strategic alliance is set to enhance Cisco’s reach and accelerate private 5G adoption across diverse industries, particularly in verticals like manufacturing, transportation, and mining.
NEC’s XON business unit, with a presence in 16 African countries, is expected to extend Cisco’s private networking reach in the continent, noted Asad Khan, 5G Research Director at SNS Telecom & IT. The partnership also targets vertical-specific applications, offering tailored solutions for sectors like manufacturing, where companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Siemens are already leveraging private 5G.
Why 2025?
The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for private 5G, driven by the shift to standalone 5G networks that operate independently of 4G. Analysts predict that enterprises will increasingly adopt private 5G for use cases that demand low latency, robust connectivity, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional wired Ethernet, particularly in scenarios like factory automation and robotics.
Chua highlighted that after a gradual start, the private 5G market is gaining momentum, with enterprises recognizing its unique value over Wi-Fi for specific applications. However, the Cisco-NEC partnership will face competition from established players like Huawei, with the latter dominating the private network market outside of China, according to Dell’Oro Group.
As the private 5G ecosystem evolves, collaborations like Cisco and NEC’s are poised to play a significant role in reshaping industries and meeting the growing demand for advanced, customized connectivity solutions.
