Unlike public 5G networks, private 5G networks provide enterprises with dedicated spectrum, ensuring reliability, security, and operational efficiency.
This is particularly crucial for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and smart cities, where uninterrupted connectivity and data privacy are paramount.
In 2023, the Asia Pacific accounted for 29.1% of the global private 5G network market, solidifying its position as a key player. The region is expected to maintain its lead and dominate global revenue share through 2030.
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Asian Private 5G Network Landscape in 2025
According to Grand View Research, the private 5G network Asia Pacific market is expected to reach USD 12,007.2 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53.9% from 2025 to 2030. In 2023, the market generated USD 587.6 million in value, with hardware being the largest revenue-generating segment. However, services are projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Country-wise, China is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2030.
Adoption is currently concentrated in highly digitalized markets such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, where both public and private sectors are advancing rapidly. However, other countries, including India and Thailand, are beginning to see growing interest, driven by Industry 4.0 initiatives and increasing ecosystem maturity.
A GSMA Intelligence survey found that 16% of operators in the Asia Pacific expect private networks to contribute over 20% of their enterprise revenues through 2025. Countries in the region are implementing three main private 5G deployment models: standalone enterprise-led, standalone operator-led, and hybrid approaches.
Despite growing demand, operators face competition from network vendors in private 5G deployments. Less than one-third of enterprises in the Asia Pacific prefer operators as their private network partners, compared to the 55% who favor network vendors. However, operators still see strong demand for private networks, particularly in logistics, media, and healthcare. With over 15% of operators expecting private 5G to generate more than 20% of enterprise revenues in 2025, the sector presents significant growth opportunities, provided operators can position themselves as key enablers in the evolving ecosystem.
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Key Drivers of Private 5G Network Adoption
Several factors are fueling the growing interest in 5G private networks:
- Advanced Use Cases and IoT Integration: The integration of 5G private networks with the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing industries. In manufacturing, for instance, autonomous guided vehicles(AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) require low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity to function efficiently. Similarly, edge video analytics for real-time monitoring and security depends on the high-speed capabilities of 5G private networks.
- Operational Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for organizations to build operational resilience. With private 5G networks, enterprises can mitigate supply chain disruptions and future-proof their operations by ensuring reliable and secure connectivity for remote monitoring, automation, and predictive maintenance.
- Enhanced Security Requirements:Cybersecurity remains a top priority for businesses undergoing digital transformation. Compared to traditional Wi-Fi networks, private 5G networks offer superior security features, such as SIM-based authentication and on-premise user plane functions, reducing exposure to cyber threats.
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How Telcos Can Approach Private 5G Network Adoption
To capitalize on the private 5G market, telecom operators must adopt a strategic approach by identifying high-impact industry verticals, such as manufacturing, logistics, and mining; developing tailored deployment models; creating value-driven propositions by offering integrated solutions, such as edge computing and cloud-based platforms; demonstrating return on investment (ROI) through tangible benefits, such as increased productivity, reduced downtime, and enhanced security; and building an ecosystem of partners to expand their service offerings.
Private 5G network development in Asia has gained significant traction in recent years, with major telecom operators and technology providers driving innovation across various industries. In 2020, PCCW Global partnered with RingCentral to establish on-demand private network connections for consumers, marking an early move toward private 5G adoption. By 2021, Chunghwa Telecom and Thai National Telecom collaborated to build a private 5G network, while ZTE introduced its i5GC solution to support private 5G networks for vertical industries.
The momentum continued in 2023 with several high-profile deployments. HKT leveraged private 5G to revolutionize healthcare, enhancing connectivity and efficiency in medical services. Ericsson deployed the first full-scale private 5G network for CJ Logistics, transforming logistics operations through automation and real-time data exchange. In the Philippines, PLDT and Nokia signed an MoU to develop private wireless networks, Globe launched the country’s first private 5G standalone (5G SA) network, and Now Corp. partnered with Celona to deliver cutting-edge private 5G solutions.
Looking ahead, private 5G expansion is continuing in the nascent stages of 2025. Echelon Edge and BSNL recently announced a collaboration through which they will deploy private 5G for Coal India Ltd. to enhance mining operations with advanced connectivity and automation.
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Challenges and Opportunities
While Asia’s telcos are leading the charge, private 5G networks come with challenges. Spectrum allocation remains a critical issue, with some governments still defining regulations for enterprise 5G deployment. In contrast, countries such as China, South Korea, and Malaysia have allocated spectrum for enterprise use, encouraging rapid deployment. Additionally, the high cost of infrastructure and integration with existing enterprise systems may slow down adoption.
However, the opportunities outweigh the hurdles. The increasing adoption of Industry 4.0, the rise of edge computing, and the push for digital transformation are all fueling the demand for private 5G networks. Asian telcos that can offer seamless, cost-effective solutions will have a competitive edge in this rapidly growing market.
According to Kailem Anderson, Vice President of Portfolio and Engineering at Blue Planet (Ciena), private 5G and network slicing present key monetization opportunities for telcos, and the use cases vary by region. He explained that, in Australia, telcos are targeting the mining sector with private 5G networks. In Southeast Asia, private 5G/network slicing is being used to support gaming tournaments. Meanwhile, in manufacturing-driven economies, 5G is being leveraged for industrial automation and robotics.
To support all these use cases and more, automation is a critical pillar. Essentially, each telco has to chart out its strategy based on its footprint, geographic location, as well as vertical market appeal and competency to monetize 5G.
By forging strategic partnerships, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, and working closely with governments and enterprises, leading telcos in the region are shaping the future of enterprise connectivity. As more industries embrace private 5G, Asia is set to remain a global leader in next-generation network solutions.
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