Private Mobile Network Deployments Have Reached 2,031
The Global mobile Suppliers Association recorded international network growth across 88 countries.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Telecommunications
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The Global mobile Suppliers Association has tracked 2,031 private mobile network deployments globally as of late 2026. The data highlights a significant expansion in specialized connectivity for various industrial and educational sectors.
Why it matters
Private networks provide essential dedicated infrastructure for enterprises, with a market expected to grow from $2.3 billion in 2025 to $22 billion by 2030. This shift marks a transition toward custom, high-speed cellular solutions for large-scale operations.
The recorded deployments include 1,385 LTE-based networks, with 5G technology currently utilized in 49% of all documented references. These contracts range from €50,000 to over €100,000 in value.
The players
Global mobile Suppliers Association
This trade organization represents the mobile telecommunications industry and monitors global network infrastructure deployment trends.
The details
The manufacturing sector leads current adoption with 393 identified deployments, while the education sector accounts for 173 networks. Europe holds the largest share of these references at 36.6%, followed by North America at 32%.
Timeline
From 2020 to 2025, the total compound annual growth rate reached 34%.
The year 2022 served as a peak for the industry with 321 new customers added.
The industry added 241 new customers throughout 2025.
GSA began tracking smaller contracts between €50,000 and €100,000 in early 2024.
A total of 76 new customer announcements were recorded in the first six months of 2026.
The Tech Race
The rapid expansion of private 5G and LTE networks reflects a broader shift toward replacing legacy wired local area networks with more flexible, industrial-grade cellular infrastructure. This transition positions the current wave of deployments as the foundation for future factory automation and high-capacity institutional connectivity.
Businesses and schools adopting these private networks gain access to dedicated bandwidth that is not susceptible to the congestion of public cellular services. This ensures consistent connectivity and enhanced security for critical data operations within their local facilities.
The takeaway
The move toward private networks illustrates how enterprises are prioritizing data reliability and internal security over public internet reliance. Organizations should consider these infrastructure upgrades to support long-term digital transformation and high-demand operational needs.
Further reading
For more background on the evolution of cellular connectivity, visit the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Light Reading.
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