June 23, 2026
Latency Benchmarks for Private 5G Networks
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Private 5G networks are helping industrial businesses save money and improve efficiency faster than ever. 87% of organisations report achieving a return on investment (ROI) within 12 months by reducing setup and operational costs, while also benefiting from advanced AI applications like predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring. Here’s what you need to know:
The combination of private 5G and on-premise edge computing enables businesses to adopt advanced technologies, improve performance, and meet sustainability goals – all while recovering costs quickly. Solutions like Firecell‘s pre-configured packages make deployment easier, ensuring businesses can focus on high-impact use cases like predictive analytics and automation.
Private 5G ROI Statistics: Cost Savings and Benefits Within 12 Months
Recent research reveals that 87% to 90% of industrial enterprises using private wireless networks with on-premise edge computing recover their investment within just 12 months. This swift return is largely due to private 5G’s ability to immediately support complex and revenue-generating use cases. In fact, 70% of surveyed enterprises are already leveraging private 5G for advanced AI applications like predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and digital twins. These technologies boost productivity, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency, directly translating into measurable financial gains.
Beyond financial outcomes, companies also report additional benefits. For instance, 94% noted reductions in carbon emissions, 89% achieved energy savings, and 71% experienced improved worker safety – further solidifying the case for private 5G adoption.
The financial advantages of private 5G go beyond rapid ROI, significantly cutting both initial setup and ongoing operational costs. Research shows that 81% of industrial organisations found their setup costs to be lower compared to alternative connectivity solutions, with over 50% reporting at least 11% savings on capital expenditure.
The operational cost reductions are even more pronounced. A striking 86% of companies reported lower ongoing expenses post-deployment, and 60% saved at least 11%. These savings stem from factors like automation, quicker fault isolation, and improved energy efficiency. For example, reduced field visits, lower fuel consumption, and less downtime all contribute to operational savings. In industries like automotive manufacturing, avoiding just one minute of downtime can save between £24,000 and £32,000.
Energy efficiency is another key area of cost reduction. 44% of adopters have cut energy use by more than 10%. Additionally, sustainability benefits – such as better emissions tracking and reduced waste through predictive maintenance – help lower costs while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Private 5G networks offer a significant edge when it comes to reducing setup costs, largely thanks to their impressive coverage capabilities. Unlike Wi-Fi, which often requires multiple access points to cover a given area, a single private 5G antenna can handle the same footprint. In fact, studies show that private 5G networks need 4 to 6 times fewer indoor access points compared to Wi-Fi 6, with outdoor setups requiring 5 to 6 times fewer access points.
This reduction in hardware requirements has a ripple effect, cutting costs on cabling, installation labour, and mounting infrastructure. Additionally, private 5G’s ability to penetrate barriers like metal walls – common in industrial settings – eliminates the need for extra boosters. These efficiencies make deployment smoother and more affordable, with 81% of industrial businesses reporting lower costs compared to other connectivity options.
"One private 5G antenna can cover as much ground as multiple WiFi6 access points." – GXC Onyx
The benefits don’t stop at installation. With fewer nodes in the system, long-term maintenance becomes less demanding. Private 5G networks also operate on licensed or shared spectrum, which avoids the interference issues that often plague Wi-Fi networks using unlicensed bands. This means fewer adjustments and less equipment fine-tuning over time. Altogether, these factors make private 5G a cost-effective choice for organisations seeking efficient connectivity solutions.
When comparing costs, private 5G stands out not just for its setup savings but also for its long-term affordability. While initial hardware costs for private 5G may be higher due to specialised equipment, the total cost of ownership over three years reveals major savings. Depending on the scenario, private 5G can offer 30% to 200% cost reductions compared to Wi-Fi or traditional cellular networks during this period.
| Category | Private 5G | Wi-Fi 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Access Point Density (Indoor) | Baseline: 1 unit | 4x to 6x more units required |
| Access Point Density (Outdoor) | Baseline: 1 unit | 5x to 6x more units required |
| Coverage & Penetration | Superior range and obstacle penetration | Limited range; struggles with metal/walls |
| Security Infrastructure | SIM-based security | WPA3 protocol; software-based |
| Maintenance Needs | Lower due to fewer nodes and less interference | Higher due to congestion and coverage gaps |
This comparison highlights how private 5G’s efficiency in coverage, security, and maintenance can lead to substantial cost savings, making it an attractive option for organisations prioritising both performance and budget control.
Operational improvements after deployment can lead to notable cost reductions. In fact, 60% of enterprises report saving at least 11% on ongoing expenses. Two key factors driving these savings are energy efficiency and predictive maintenance.
Private 5G networks provide extensive sensor coverage across large industrial sites, offering real-time data that AI can use for optimisation. Instead of waiting for equipment to fail, businesses can now anticipate and prevent breakdowns. This shift to predictive maintenance ensures machines run at optimal efficiency, cutting down on energy wasted by faulty equipment. Impressively, 89% of industrial enterprises using private wireless and edge computing reported energy savings.
These changes also bring environmental benefits. 94% of surveyed industrial enterprises reduced their carbon emissions, with 41% achieving reductions of over 20%. This progress stems from improved energy monitoring, moving from manual, periodic checks to automated, real-time systems. Additionally, automated inspections lower both fuel consumption and labour costs.
"Private wireless and edge have helped enterprises to improve worker safety, support sustainability and create a delivery platform for AI-powered solutions such as process automation and predictive maintenance." – Gary Barton, Research Director, GlobalData
Take the example of BASF Antwerp, which rolled out a Nokia private 5G network in September 2025 across its 6 km² chemical manufacturing site in Belgium. Under the leadership of Steven Werbrouck, Expert Network Connectivity at BASF, the facility integrated AI and sensor-driven real-time monitoring with predictive maintenance. This allowed the company to improve automation, safety, and environmental outcomes while achieving ROI within two years.
The financial advantages of private 5G networks become clear when comparing operations before and after deployment. Traditional facilities often rely on reactive maintenance, manual checks, and periodic energy monitoring, all of which increase costs and inefficiencies. In contrast, private 5G and edge computing enable automation, predictive analytics, and improved efficiency. The table below highlights these shifts:
| Operational Category | Pre-Deployment | Post-Deployment |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Approach | Reactive (fix after failure) | Predictive (AI-driven prevention) |
| Facility Inspections | Manual, fuel-intensive travel | Automated drones and sensors |
| Energy Monitoring | Periodic, manual tracking | Real-time, automated tracking |
| Ongoing Costs | High due to inefficiency | 11%+ reduction for 60% of firms |
| Carbon Footprint | Standard baseline | Up to 20%+ reduction for 41% |
| ROI Timeline | Often multi-year | 87% achieve ROI within 12 months |
This shift is more than just a cost-cutting exercise – it represents a complete overhaul of industrial operations. With 70% of enterprises now combining on-premise edge technology with private wireless to support AI-driven tools like digital twins and predictive maintenance, the savings continue to grow over time. Lower energy bills, fewer emergency repairs, and reduced manual inspections create long-term financial and operational advantages.
When private 5G teams up with edge computing, it unlocks a range of AI applications, including predictive maintenance, digital twins, AI-assisted monitoring, connected worker tools, and drone inspections. This powerful combination is crucial for delivering the low-latency, high-bandwidth environment needed for real-time AI inference and decision-making. Unsurprisingly, 94% of enterprises deploying private wireless also utilise on-premise edge technology to support these advanced use cases.
These technologies shine in several areas:
This setup is not just about performance – it’s also about scalability. Enterprises can integrate new AI-driven applications without having to overhaul their networks. For example, Lufthansa Technik leveraged private wireless and edge analytics for virtual aircraft inspections, eliminating the need to transport bulky servers and significantly simplifying maintenance processes. In fact, 70% of surveyed organisations already use AI for predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring, with the flexibility to expand into new applications seamlessly.
The benefits of private 5G and edge computing extend far beyond operational improvements – they also make a meaningful impact on sustainability. These AI-driven solutions not only optimise performance but also help enterprises reduce their environmental footprint. Among industrial enterprises using private wireless and edge computing, 94% reported reductions in carbon emissions, with 41% achieving cuts of more than 20%. Additionally, 89% of these organisations saw energy savings, thanks to AI’s ability to optimise processes and minimise waste.
AI-assisted drone inspections and fixed-camera systems are standout examples, reducing fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions. On-premise edge computing further enhances these efforts by enabling sub-second latency, allowing AI to make real-time adjustments that prevent energy-intensive errors. This also improves the accuracy of carbon tracking and verification.
"Private wireless and edge have helped enterprises to improve worker safety, support sustainability, and create a delivery platform for AI-powered solutions such as process automation and predictive maintenance."
– Gary Barton, Research Director, GlobalData
Sustainability has become a central factor in the business case for private 5G. By cutting energy use and reducing emissions, these technologies directly lower total cost of ownership, helping enterprises achieve ROI in as little as 12 months.
At LAX, private 5G has transformed cargo operations by enabling streamlined access point deployment and automated inspections, resulting in significant cost savings. These savings stem from requiring fewer access points compared to Wi‑Fi setups, simplified backhaul infrastructure, and automated inspection processes that remove the need for costly manual truck rolls.
Large industrial sites benefit from private 5G’s ability to cover vast areas with minimal infrastructure, supporting high-mobility applications like autonomous vehicles and real-time cargo tracking. These advantages aren’t limited to cargo handling; other demanding industrial environments also experience similar operational efficiencies.
In oil and gas operations, private 5G delivers measurable ROI by enabling automated drone inspections, cutting fuel and labour costs. The network also supports connected worker tools, such as automated alarms for gas-leak sensors and AI-assisted video monitoring, ensuring safety in hazardous environments. Additionally, predictive maintenance capabilities help detect equipment faults in real time, preventing costly unplanned downtime.
These operational efficiencies are further enhanced by turnkey solutions, which simplify deployment and integration, ensuring faster returns on investment.
Firecell offers pre-configured, scalable solutions designed to eliminate deployment complexity and speed up ROI. Their Pegasus Network is tailored for large-scale industrial sites over 10,000 m², while the Orion Labkit (£11,900 one-off, £5,580/year) allows businesses to trial private 5G applications before committing to a full rollout. For those opting for subscription models, Firecell provides packages starting at £99 per 1,000 m² per month, covering installation, maintenance, and monitoring software.
These solutions address the needs of the 81% of organisations that report lower setup costs with private wireless compared to alternatives like industrial Wi‑Fi. By simplifying deployment, Firecell enables businesses to focus on high-impact applications such as predictive maintenance, drone inspections, and digital twins. These use cases often yield measurable returns within a crucial 12-month period, ensuring that infrastructure challenges don’t hinder the cost recovery and efficiency gains that private 5G can deliver.
Private 5G networks are proving their worth quickly, with 87% of industrial enterprises achieving a return on investment (ROI) within 12 months. Key findings reveal that 81% of businesses report lower setup costs, 86% experience reduced operational expenses, and 60% achieve ongoing savings of at least 11%.
Applications like predictive maintenance, digital twins, and connected worker tools are driving these gains. They help reduce downtime, improve safety, and significantly contribute to ROI. When combined with on-premise edge computing – which 94% of enterprises have adopted – private 5G supports real-time AI processing, cutting both latency and cloud-related costs.
Steven Werbrouck from BASF Antwerp highlighted the transformative impact:
Private 5G has been a game changer for BASF Antwerp. We’re unlocking automation, strengthening occupational safety, accelerating innovation and meeting ROI targets in just two years.
These financial advantages are paired with environmental benefits. Ninety-four per cent of enterprises report reduced carbon emissions, with 41% cutting emissions by over 20%, and 89% note energy savings. These outcomes align with ESG goals while also lowering fuel and utility expenses.
To get started, businesses should set clear goals and pilot high-value use cases before scaling. Firecell offers solutions that simplify deployment, such as the Orion Labkit (£11,900 one-off, £5,580 per year) for testing and subscription packages starting at £99 per 1,000 m² per month. These options enable companies to focus on applications that deliver measurable returns within the critical 12-month window.
Industrial sites like manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, ports, and airports are well-suited to seeing a return on investment (ROI) from private 5G within just 12 months. These settings thrive on dependable, low-latency connectivity, which not only boosts productivity but also helps cut down on infrastructure expenses. Private 5G networks play a key role in enabling automation and simplifying operations in these industries.
When comparing the total cost of ownership (TCO) between private 5G and Wi-Fi, you need to account for initial setup costs and ongoing operational expenses.
Private 5G networks often require fewer access points, which can significantly lower infrastructure costs upfront. Over time, 86% of enterprises have reported reduced operational expenses when using private 5G. To get an accurate comparison, you’ll need to combine capital expenditure (CAPEX) – covering equipment and deployment – with operational expenditure (OPEX), which includes maintenance and management.
Wi-Fi, on the other hand, tends to come with higher infrastructure costs and additional expenses related to interference challenges, making it essential to weigh these factors carefully.
No, on-premise edge computing isn’t an absolute requirement for achieving a quick return on investment (ROI) with private 5G. While 87% of businesses saw ROI within a year when using private wireless alongside on-premise edge, this combination can improve reliability, provide real-time data access, and facilitate AI integration – all of which can speed up ROI even further.
