A Comprehensive Look at the Private Networks Announcements from MWC Barcelona 2023

The biggest tech event of the year – the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023- has occurred in Barcelona. The MWC has always been the hub of technological advancements, product launches, and game-changing announcements, and this year was no different.

In the run-up to the event and during MWC, a plethora of tech giants and startups have made exciting announcements related to private networks. The private network ecosystem is seeing significant movements from partnerships to product launches.

You’ll find some key announcements, categorizing them into clear sections for convenience. Whether it’s new initiatives, collaborations, or product launches, it’s covered.

Partnerships

1. Microsoft and Qualcomm made one of the most significant announcements related to Private 5G at MWC 2023. The two companies announced they are partnering to deliver Private 5G networks to enterprises. Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform will provide the backbone for the Private 5G network, while Qualcomm will provide the necessary hardware and software components. This partnership aims to bring the power of Private 5G to more businesses and organizations, enabling them to take advantage of the benefits of 5G connectivity.
2. Google and AT&T announced another notable partnership related to Private Networks. The two companies are working together to provide Private LTE networks to businesses. AT&T will provide connectivity and network management, while Google will provide the software and applications running on the network. Their goal from this collaboration is to enable businesses to take advantage of the low-latency and high-bandwidth capabilities of Private LTE networks.
3. Cisco and Intel have announced a collaboration to develop private 5G networks that will provide enterprises with secure, high-performance wireless connectivity. The partnership aims to enable businesses to deploy customized 5G networks that will support a variety of use cases, including manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. The collaboration will leverage Cisco’s network infrastructure and Intel’s expertise in wireless technologies, with both companies committed to helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation efforts.
4. Cox Business, Intel, and Future Technologies have teamed up to deliver end-to-end private networks enabling commercial customers to meet their business needs. The collaboration will leverage Intel’s 5G technology and Future Technologies’ expertise in designing and implementing custom wireless solutions to provide businesses with a reliable, secure, high-performance wireless network. Cox Business will offer end-to-end network management and customer support to ensure customers have a seamless experience.
5. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has acquired Athonet, which specializes in providing private wireless network capabilities. The acquisition is part of HPE’s strategy to expand its edge-to-cloud capabilities and provide customers with secure, high-performance connectivity. Athonet’s technology enables businesses to deploy private 4G and 5G networks that can support a range of use cases, including IoT, manufacturing, and transportation. With the acquisition, HPE aims to help customers accelerate their digital transformation efforts and drive innovation.
6. Comsol, a South African wireless network provider, and Ericsson have announced a partnership to accelerate digital transformation in South Africa’s mining sector. The collaboration aims to provide miners with secure, high-speed wireless connectivity to enable them to deploy new technologies and improve operational efficiency. The partnership will leverage Ericsson’s expertise in wireless technologies and Comsol’s knowledge of the South African market to provide customers with customized solutions that meet their specific needs.
7. Microsoft has added BICS to its private MEC (mobile edge computing) bundle, enabling private-to-public network roaming for businesses. BICS provides companies access to global connectivity services, allowing them to connect to public networks when needed. Adding BICS to Microsoft’s private MEC bundle will enable businesses to deploy customized 5G networks that can support a range of use cases, including IoT, manufacturing, and logistics.
8. Deutsche Telekom and Microsoft have announced a partnership to provide private 5G networks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The collaboration aims to provide SMEs with secure, high-speed wireless connectivity that will enable them to deploy new technologies and improve operational efficiency. Deutsche Telekom will provide the network infrastructure, while Microsoft will provide the cloud services and applications needed to run the network.

Product Launches

1. Dell has launched a new range of PowerEdge servers at MWC 2023, specifically designed for Private 5G networks. The servers are equipped with the latest processors and memory modules, which enable them to handle the high bandwidth and low-latency requirements of Private 5G networks. The new servers are expected to be popular among enterprises that want to build their own Private 5G networks.
2.  Ericsson also announced the launch of a new Private 5G network solution. The solution, Ericsson Private 5G, is designed to provide enterprises with a complete Private 5G network that includes hardware, software, and services. The solution aims to simplify the process of building Private 5G networks, making it easier and more affordable for businesses to adopt this technology.
3. Life of Pi, a company specializing in wireless technology, has launched an innovative solution that allows customers to create their own private 5G network. The solution, called Life of Pi Private Network, extends the capabilities of existing wireless networks and enables businesses to have complete control over their network’s performance and security. With Life of Pi Private Network, companies can customize their network settings to meet their specific needs, including bandwidth allocation and security protocols.
4. Celona, a provider of private wireless networks, has expanded its 5G private wireless offerings to two more spectrum bands. The company’s platform now supports CBRS and C-band, enabling businesses to deploy private 5G networks in more locations across the globe. Celona’s platform includes a range of features such as automation, orchestration, and network slicing, allowing businesses to manage their networks easily.
5. Athonet, a provider of mobile core network software, has expanded its 5G solutions for private networks. The company’s software enables businesses to create their own private 5G networks, which can be customized to meet specific requirements. Athonet’s solution includes features such as network slicing, edge computing, and multi-access edge computing (MEC), enabling businesses to optimize their network’s performance.
6. Liteon, a networking solutions provider, has unveiled its 5G and beyond private network RAN solutions at MWC 2023. The solutions include a range of products such as radio access network (RAN) equipment and small cell systems, enabling businesses to deploy private 5G networks in a range of settings. Liteon’s solutions include advanced features such as network slicing, automation, and end-to-end security.

New Initiatives

Huawei announced a new initiative related to Private Networks at MWC 2023. The company is launching a new program called the Huawei Private Network Alliance, which aims to bring together leading companies in the Private Network space. The alliance will provide a platform for members to share their expertise and resources, enabling them to collaborate on developing new solutions and services related to Private Networks.

Nokia announced another initiative related to Private 5G. The company is launching a new program called Nokia Private 5G Accelerator, which aims to help businesses accelerate their adoption of Private 5G networks. The program will provide businesses with access to Nokia’s expertise and resources, enabling them to build and deploy Private 5G networks quickly and easily.

Final Thoughts

Overall, MWC 2023 has been a significant event for the Private Network space, with numerous announcements related to these technologies. Partnerships, product launches, and new initiatives have all been announced, reflecting the growing interest and investment in Private Networks. As more businesses and organizations adopt these technologies, it is certain we will see further innovation and growth in this space in the coming years.

Learn more about Private LTE Network