February 25, 2026
CloudRAN.AI and Firecell Partner to Cut the Cost and Complexity of Private 5G
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BREAKING NEWS: Firecell and Accelleran Merge to Deliver Sovereignty-Compliant Industrial Private 5G Learn more
Private 5G and LTE networks are transforming industries by offering secure, reliable connectivity tailored for business needs. While LTE has been a trusted solution for over a decade, 5G introduces faster speeds, lower latency, and advanced features for next-generation applications. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Private LTE (4G) | Private 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Latency | 30–50ms | <10ms (as low as 1ms) |
| Throughput | Up to 300 Mbps | Multi-gigabit speeds |
| Device Density | Standard IoT deployments | Large-scale IoT ecosystems |
| Mobility | Effective for moving assets | Advanced mobility for drones, etc. |
| Security | SIM-based authentication, encrypted | End-to-end encryption, zero-trust |
| Cost | Lower upfront investment | Higher cost, scalable subscriptions |
Key takeaway: Choose LTE for current needs and 5G for advanced, future-ready capabilities. Many businesses combine both in hybrid setups to balance cost and performance.
Private 5G vs LTE Network Comparison: Speed, Latency, Cost and Use Cases
Private 5G slashes latency from 30–50ms to less than 10ms, with optimised setups achieving as low as 1ms. This improvement makes real-time control possible, enabling industrial control loops that were previously out of reach with older technologies.
Bandwidth gets a substantial boost as well. While LTE typically delivers speeds in the range of tens to hundreds of Mbps, 5G offers multi-gigabit throughput. This kind of capacity supports applications like high-definition video analytics for AI-driven quality control and digital twin technologies.
Another standout feature is network slicing, which allows a single network to be divided into virtual networks, each tailored for specific tasks. For instance, one slice can be optimised for ultra-low latency robotics control, while another can handle high-bandwidth video surveillance.
These advancements in speed and capacity lay the groundwork for large-scale, high-density deployments.
Building on its performance edge, Private 5G is designed to scale for a wide range of industrial needs. It operates across three frequency bands:
This flexibility makes it possible to connect a massive number of devices. For example, in large manufacturing or logistics operations, 5G can support thousands of IoT devices and sensors within a single facility. Real-world applications include the Ningbo Zhoushan Port Authority, which uses 5G for remote monitoring and video surveillance of gantry cranes, and Sandvik, which implemented it in mines to power Automated Guided Vehicles.
Modern deployment models make scaling even more practical. Subscription-based offerings, like those from Firecell, allow businesses to expand their infrastructure as needed without heavy upfront investment. For instance, Firecell charges £86 per 1,000m² per month (approximately €99), with initial infrastructure costs covered by the provider for spaces exceeding 10,000m².
Security is a top priority for industrial applications, and Private 5G delivers robust, industrial-grade protections. Unlike Wi-Fi, which relies on credential-based authentication, 5G requires a physical or electronic SIM card for device access, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised entry. As Cisco highlights:
"Private 5G communications are encrypted, and an appropriate SIM card must be present in the endpoint device to enable access."
Private 5G also includes native end-to-end encryption, ensuring that all communication between devices and the core network remains confidential and secure. For maximum protection, organisations can deploy standalone Non-Public Networks (NPN Model C), which physically separate industrial data from public cellular traffic, ensuring complete data sovereignty.
Additionally, the technology supports zero-trust security frameworks, a critical feature for safeguarding sensitive assets. Ericsson underscores this point:
"Private networks are expected to provide full end-to-end security to ensure information, infrastructure and people are protected from threats."
Given its advanced capabilities, Private 5G comes with a higher price tag compared to LTE. However, subscription models can help offset the initial costs. For example, Firecell offers a starter fee of £390 per 1,000m² (around €450) and monthly subscriptions of £86 per 1,000m² (approximately €99).
For organisations planning to adopt cutting-edge technologies like automation, AI, or augmented reality in the next 3–5 years, investing in 5G now ensures they have the infrastructure to support these advancements.
Private LTE has been a trusted industrial standard for over a decade, delivering secure connectivity and sufficient bandwidth for applications like mobile asset tracking, warehouse vehicle management, and voice communications. Its bandwidth typically ranges from tens to hundreds of Mbps, which is suitable for these tasks. However, it falls short when it comes to supporting the multi-gigabit requirements of emerging technologies such as high-definition video analytics and digital twins. As Cisco explains:
"Private LTE (4G) networks have been in use for more than 10 years, providing secure connectivity in use cases where coverage and reliability are needed."
One of LTE’s standout features is its ability to maintain reliable connectivity across large areas, making it a better option than Wi-Fi in such scenarios. For example, large warehouses, remote mining sites, and sprawling logistics centres benefit from LTE’s superior mobility and reliability. Unlike Wi-Fi, which can suffer from lags or dropouts during handoffs, LTE ensures consistent performance, making it an ideal choice for wide-area scalability.
Private LTE is particularly effective in providing wide-area coverage for industries like utilities, airports, and mining. Using low-band spectrum (below 1 GHz), it can cover hundreds of square miles, while mid-band spectrum (Sub-6 GHz) typically offers coverage spanning several miles. While this makes LTE a good fit for general enterprise needs, it does have limitations, particularly when it comes to supporting environments with a high density of IoT devices.
Security is one of the key strengths of Private LTE. It uses SIM-based authentication to tightly control network access, ensuring that only authorised devices can connect. All communications are encrypted, which adds an extra layer of protection – especially crucial in industrial environments or remote locations where data integrity is critical.
When it comes to cost, Private LTE is generally less expensive to deploy than 5G, though it does cost more than Wi-Fi due to the complexity of its cellular components, originally designed for public networks. However, the market is evolving, with subscription-based models becoming more common. This shift lowers the financial barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to adopt this technology.
For organisations assessing their current and future needs, LTE offers a cost-effective solution for reliable coverage and mobility. However, facilities planning to adopt high-density sensor networks or real-time robotic control may find 5G’s capabilities more aligned with their long-term goals. While LTE delivers proven reliability at a lower upfront cost, its features are distinct from the advanced possibilities that 5G brings to the table.
Deciding between private 5G and LTE depends largely on your organisation’s specific needs, budget, and long-term connectivity goals. Each technology brings its own strengths to the table, making them suitable for different operational demands. Below is a comparison to help illustrate how these technologies stack up in various industrial scenarios.
| Feature | Private LTE (4G) | Private 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Strength | Reliable and cost-effective for current connectivity demands | Ultra-low latency and ability to handle high device density |
| Latency | Adequate for most enterprise applications | Ultra-low – ideal for real-time robotics and precise control systems |
| Throughput | Standard broadband speeds (up to ~300 Mbps) | Multi-gigabit speeds, especially in mid and high frequency bands |
| Device Density | Handles standard IoT deployments | Supports large-scale IoT ecosystems |
| Mobility | Effective for moving assets | Advanced mobility for high-speed autonomous systems like drones |
| Security | Trusted and tested over a decade of industrial use | Incorporates modern zero-trust security methods |
| Cost | Lower initial costs – suitable for immediate needs | Higher upfront investment but offers long-term scalability |
| Use Cases | Examples include AGVs, voice/video communication, asset tracking, and remote monitoring | Ideal for collaborative robotics, AR/VR applications, swarm intelligence, and advanced manufacturing processes |
| Flexibility | Limited configurations with fixed capabilities | Network slicing for tailored optimisation of tasks |
Private LTE works well for established applications like warehouse vehicle management, voice and video communications, and asset tracking. For example, Osram successfully deployed private LTE for managing automated guided vehicles (AGVs), while Ocado used it to remotely control semi-autonomous vehicles in its warehouses.
On the other hand, private 5G is designed to meet the needs of next-generation industrial automation. Its ability to deliver high bandwidth and ultra-low latency makes it perfect for advanced use cases that go beyond LTE’s capabilities, such as real-time robotics and augmented reality.
The demand for private LTE and 5G networks is growing rapidly. In fact, the number of private networks is expected to rise from around 500 in 2020 to 14,000 by 2025, generating cumulative revenues of approximately £7.2 billion.
Rather than replacing existing systems entirely, many organisations are opting for a hybrid approach. By combining private cellular networks with Wi‑Fi and industrial Ethernet, businesses can continue to rely on LTE’s proven reliability for current operations while gradually introducing private 5G to prepare for future needs. This blended strategy reflects how industries are adapting to the evolving demands of connectivity.
When deciding between private 5G and LTE, it’s essential to weigh your current operational needs alongside your long-term growth plans. Private LTE is a dependable and cost-efficient choice for established applications like voice communications, asset tracking, and automated guided vehicles. On the other hand, private 5G is designed to handle next-level automation, offering ultra-low latency and the capacity to support dense sensor networks, collaborative robotics, augmented reality (AR) applications, and real-time control systems.
As highlighted earlier, 5G introduces advanced capabilities such as network slicing and Time-Sensitive Networking, which are not available with LTE. Many UK businesses are already adopting hybrid networks, using LTE for its proven reliability in existing operations while gradually integrating 5G where its advanced features can bring the most benefit.
For organisations in the UK considering private 5G, Firecell provides customised solutions tailored to the unique challenges of industries like manufacturing, logistics, and energy. Whether you’re starting small with a lab kit or moving to a full-scale network deployment, working with a partner that understands the specific needs of British businesses can significantly ease the transition. This hybrid approach ensures that your technology aligns seamlessly with your operational goals.
Ultimately, the choice isn’t about picking one technology over the other – it’s about building a network that aligns with your operational demands, budget, and future ambitions. Carefully evaluate your current needs and long-term objectives to select the solution that best supports sustainable growth.
Private 5G stands out with its blazing data speeds, ultra-low latency, and capacity to support a greater number of connected devices than private LTE. These capabilities make it perfect for applications like real-time control and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
What sets private 5G apart even further is its integration with Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) and time-sensitive networking. These technologies boost its ability to handle complex industrial tasks with precision. On top of that, private 5G offers enhanced security features and improved reliability, making it an excellent choice for sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and energy – industries that demand dependable and scalable connectivity.
The cost of setting up private LTE and private 5G networks can vary quite a bit, mainly due to differences in hardware, spectrum availability, and ongoing operational needs.
Private LTE tends to have lower upfront costs (CAPEX). This is largely because the technology is well-established, with mature hardware that’s readily available. On top of that, LTE spectrum is often more affordable and, in some cases, can be accessed through unlicensed bands, making it a more budget-friendly choice at the start. On the other hand, deploying private 5G comes with higher initial costs. This is due to the need for newer hardware, like advanced high-frequency radios and denser antenna infrastructure, along with access to mid-band spectrum, which is usually more expensive.
When it comes to operational costs (OPEX), LTE has the advantage of being around for years, so many enterprises already have the expertise and maintenance systems in place to keep costs manageable. Private 5G, while offering better performance – such as ultra-low latency and the ability to handle more devices – can lead to higher energy costs and may demand specialised skills for fine-tuning and maintenance. That said, newer pricing models, like subscription-based private 5G services, are emerging. These allow businesses to spread the costs over time, easing the burden of a large upfront investment.
Yes, combining private 5G and LTE networks into a hybrid setup is entirely possible. This approach lets organisations take advantage of the high performance and speed of 5G while benefiting from LTE’s extensive coverage and proven reliability.
That said, hybrid deployments aren’t without their challenges. They might introduce slightly higher latency or pose some security concerns. To make this work effectively, meticulous planning and management are crucial. This ensures the network aligns with your specific connectivity requirements while addressing these potential trade-offs.
