Private cellular networks built for enterprise and industrial use are entering a phase of scaling. The key enabler in many markets outside China is the availability of mid-band spectrum and shared-access frameworks. This article examines how spectrum regulation is evolving in selected regions, how enterprise private 5G networks adopt those regulatory models, what technical and business drivers apply, and what barriers remain. So, now let us see Can Mid-Band Access Drive the Next Phase of Global Private 5G Growth in China along with Accurate LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom and Accurate 4G Tester, 4G LTE Tester, 4G Network Tester and VOLTE Testing tools & Equipment in detail.
Spectrum Fundamentals for Private 5G
The performance of a private 5G network depends significantly on the frequency band used, the licensing regime applied, and the match between deployment model and enterprise requirements. Mid-band spectrum (commonly defined somewhere between roughly 1 GHz to 6 GHz) offers a good balance of capacity, coverage and propagation characteristics.
Regulators and industry players recognise this: many national authorities are now targeting mid-band frequencies for private network use, including dedicated allocations or shared-access licences.
Shared or local-area licences are particularly attractive for enterprises because they reduce the cost and time associated with full mobile-operator licensing.
In private networks, enterprises value control, deterministic behaviour (for example low latency, high reliability) and security. The availability of spectrum that supports these metrics becomes a central constraint.
Regulatory Models and Shared Spectrum Frameworks
Different regulatory models have emerged in markets outside China. At a high level, these models fall into two categories:
- Dedicated enterprise/private licence model: The regulator grants spectrum directly to an enterprise (or via a small-licence scheme) for exclusive use.
- Shared/licensing-lighter model: The regulator allows access to spectrum under a shared or local-area scheme, often with coordination mechanisms or spectrum-access systems (SAS).
For example, in the United States the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band (3.5 GHz) is being used for private networks under a shared-access model. The SAS allocates spectrum dynamically to ensure interference coordination.
In Europe, regulators are making portions of mid-band (for example around 3.7 GHz in Germany) available for enterprise use.
In Asia-Pacific, countries such as Japan and India are building frameworks where enterprises can apply for licences under simplified procedures.
The regulatory model influences capital cost, operating cost, time to deploy, and the level of control the enterprise has. For example, a shared-licence model will reduce spectrum cost but may require more coordination and may place constraints on transmit power or coverage. A dedicated licence model may provide more control but incurs higher regulatory overhead.
Why Mid-Band and Shared Spectrum Matter for Scaling
Scaling private 5G networks means moving from pilots to multi-site, multi-facility deployment under repeatable architectures. One of the main bottlenecks is spectrum.
When spectrum is available under enterprise-friendly terms, enterprises can design once and deploy across sites with consistent performance. On the technical side, mid-band spectrum enables the radio access network (RAN) to deliver good throughput and moderate range (better than high-band mmWave and better capacity than low-band) which suits industrial campus sites, factories, warehouses, ports, etc.
Shared-access or local-licence frameworks further enable more enterprises to enter the market (not just major mobile operators). This expands architectural innovation: enterprises or neutral hosts can provide private 5G as a service, system integrators can bundle RAN, core, edge compute, and enterprises can deploy faster.
In many regions analysts are tracking growth of private network deployments across enterprise verticals—manufacturing, mining, logistics, ports. These sectors require predictable performance (low latency, high reliability) and the regulatory frameworks that allow enterprise spectrum access are enabling this shift.
Regional Markets Outside China: Selected Examples
Although each country has its own technical and regulatory specifics, a few common themes emerge.
Europe
In Europe a significant share of enterprise private 5G deployments are in countries that have opened mid-band/shared spectrum. According to one dataset, about 36 % of tracked private networks (outside China) are in Europe. Germany has made spectrum around 3.7 GHz available to enterprises under dedicated licences. The UK has signalled 3.8–4.2 GHz bands for enterprise use. These allocations mean that RAN equipment and devices are increasingly certified for these bands, creating economies of scale. The result: enterprises can roll out private 5G networks with fewer custom RF-engineering steps and less reliance on full mobile-operator engagement.
North America
In North America (roughly 33 % share in one dataset) the shared-access model is a key driver. For example the CBRS band and SAS architecture allow enterprises to acquire spectrum more rapidly. Enterprises in factories, ports, logistics hubs are deploying private 5G based on shared licences or enterprise-spectrum leases from operators. The technical implication: since the spectrum is shared, there must be dynamic coordination (via SAS) and the network design needs to account for possible interference and coexistence. However, the cost advantage and speed to deploy make it attractive.
Asia-Pacific (excluding China)
The Asia-Pacific region is at various maturity levels. In Japan and India regulatory frameworks have matured: India’s Department of Telecommunications has a “Captive Non-Public Network” (CNPN) framework, where enterprises above a certain net-worth can obtain a spectrum assignment. While China leads overall in private 5G deployments, we focus on the non-China APAC markets. The challenge in many APAC markets is still spectrum allocation (especially mid-band) and ecosystem maturity of device/handset/RAN vendors. But as spectrum becomes available, a rush of new deployments is expected.
Technical and Deployment Considerations for Enterprises
When an enterprise considers deploying a private 5G network, especially at scale (multi-site, repeatable), a set of technical and operational considerations matter:
- Spectrum band selection and regulatory regime: The enterprise must assess whether the spectrum band allocated suits their use case (coverage vs capacity vs latency). Mid-band is a strong candidate for most industrial use. The regulatory licence must allow the enterprise the necessary coverage (indoor/outdoor), power, mobility.
- RAN architecture and core/edge integration: A private network may require a dedicated core (on-premises), possibly connected to centralised cloud or enterprise data centre. Edge-compute may be needed for ultra-low-latency control systems. Many vendors are packaging “private 5G solutions” (RAN + core + orchestration) to simplify rollout.
- Device ecosystem and band support: Even if spectrum is allocated, devices (UEs) must support the specific band and private-network features. Enterprises need to check vendor compatibility and certification.
- Coexistence and interference: If the spectrum is shared (rather than exclusive licence), the network must handle coexistence conditions — for instance dynamic frequency allocation, interference mitigation, possibly prioritising enterprise traffic.
- Repeatability and multi-site deployment: If the aim is scaling (across factories, warehouses, campuses), the enterprise should design a reference architecture (site design, RAN parameters, core connectivity, edge compute) that can be replicated. Mid-band availability enables more consistent behaviour across sites. The regulatory model must allow multiple site licences or a nationwide private licence.
- Operational cost and business case: The cost of spectrum, network hardware, devices, integration, operations must be weighed against benefits: higher throughput, deterministic latency, better reliability, improved automation. Market research shows the private 5G market is growing rapidly — one forecast estimates a CAGR of over 40 % between 2025 and 2035.
Barriers and Challenges
Even with favourable mid-band/shared spectrum regulation, scaling private 5G still faces several challenges:
- Spectrum availability and fragmentation: Not all markets have allocated mid-band or local-licence spectrum for enterprises. Some allocate only operator-led models or impose large fees/licensing complexity.
- Regulatory uncertainty and complexity: Processes for obtaining private spectrum may be slow, involve multiple agencies, or have unclear rules. Especially if enterprises deploy across multiple countries, each jurisdiction may differ.
- Integration complexity: Enterprises often already have Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet, industrial IoT networks. Migrating to or integrating private 5G requires system integration, new RAN/core hardware, and coordination with OT teams.
- Device and equipment cost: While RAN equipment for private 5G is becoming more standardised, devices that support enterprise bands, private-network features (e.g., network slicing, URLLC) are still more expensive than commodity Wi-Fi devices.
- Operational expertise: Running a private cellular network (planning, optimisation, maintenance) is more complex than typical enterprise Wi-Fi. Enterprises may need to partner with system integrators or managed service providers.
- Interoperability and repeatability across sites: When scaling across many sites, variation in local RF conditions, building layouts, and spectrum policy may cause deviation from the reference model, which complicates scaling.
Implications for India and Similar Markets
For markets like India, where industrial digitalisation is a strategic objective, the regulatory direction shows promise. India’s CNPN framework allows enterprises to obtain spectrum under specific eligibility (for example net-worth thresholds) and the process has been simplified in certain cases.
If mid-band spectrum (for example 3.3-3.8 GHz or 3.8-4.2 GHz) is made available under enterprise-friendly terms (reasonable cost, multi-site licence, indoor/outdoor coverage), then enterprises can deploy private 5G networks similar to models seen in Europe and North America.
For system integrators and network vendors in India, the opportunity lies in offering turnkey private 5G solutions (RAN + core + devices + edge compute) that map to the regulatory licence model and can scale across multiple customer sites.
For enterprises, the strategic decision is whether to deploy a private 5G network now (pilot) or wait until regulation, device ecosystems and costing improve further. When regulation is favourable (mid-band allocation, shared licence structure, clear process), the business case becomes stronger.
Summary
Private 5G networks outside China are gaining traction as more regulators open mid-band spectrum and adopt shared or local-licence frameworks. The mid-band is especially suited for enterprise use because of its balance between coverage and capacity. Regulatory models that reduce barriers for enterprises (via direct enterprise licensing or shared-access schemes) accelerate deployment.
Technical and operational factors—including device support, RAN/core architecture, and multi-site repeatability—must align with the regulatory regime to enable scaling. Key barriers remain spectrum availability, cost, complexity of deployment and operations.
For markets such as India, the regulatory direction is favourable. If mid-band spectrum is allocated under enterprise-friendly terms, scaling of private 5G networks in manufacturing, logistics, utilities and other verticals becomes feasible. Enterprises and vendors should align their strategy now: design the architectural model, understand regulatory conditions, and prepare for multi-site roll-out using the mid-band/shared-spectrum route.
As private 5G moves from isolated projects to scalable deployments across sites and geographies, the regulatory foundation (spectrum allocation + licence model) becomes a differentiator for success.
About RantCell
RantCell is a mobile network testing and monitoring solution that enables users to measure 2G/3G/4G/5G network performance using off-the-shelf smartphones. It supports automated drive tests, indoor walk tests, QoE evaluations, and real-time analytics through a cloud-based platform. Network teams, system integrators, and telecom enterprises use RantCell to improve coverage, capacity, and service quality without heavy investment in traditional tools. Also read similar articles from here.
