Public versus private networks

Public 4G or 5G is available to any member of the public who subscribes to a MNO, or MVNO (see UK MVNOs: a guide to virtual networks - Uswitch) service. At the time of writing these mobile networks are provided by EE, Vodafone, VMO2 and Three in the UK.

For public networks, the service provider owns the public spectrum and manages all aspects of the service, including:

• the authentication that allows a device to connect
• managing the radio and core network
• managing the operations support system and business support systems required to manage subscribers, billing and customer service

Private 4G or 5G is extends the signal of one or more of the MNO networks for use indoors and is only available to users authorised to connect by the owning organisation, for example staff or users within one building.

For private networks, the owner organisation manages all aspects of the service, including:

• controlling access to the connectivity, through the use of specific private network SIM cards
• defining and controlling what services or applications can be accessed and from where for example restricting access to only a particular critical system or service within a building

A private mobile network offers seamless handoffs between network cells without loss of connection and can operate on a dedicated spectrum reducing the likelihood of bandwidth congestion. This helps to ensure stable and fast connectivity that is critical for telemedicine, real-time data transfer of medical imaging, and other bandwidth-intensive applications.

Management approaches for private 4G or 5G services can range from being entirely carried out in-house, to some or all aspects contracted out to be managed by the provider. Private 4G or 5G solutions with different degrees of management can be procured from a range of service providers.

Networks can also be configured to be privately owned and provide increased coverage in a building or area but also allow public use to relevant networks. Privately owned infrastructure can be used to repeat (boost the signal strength or extend the signal range) publicly available networks from MNO’s.

If planning to boost or repeat mobile signals you will need to be aware of all applicable legislation, including the Telecommunications Act and the Joint Operator Technical Specification (JOTS) which defines the specification for infrastructure and specifies the performance, coverage and reliability of wireless systems shared between UK mobile operators.

See Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Indoor mobile network for an example of how one NHS trust pd a private indoor mobile network, including considerations on adherence to JOTS and extending mobile connectivity outdoors to cover ambulance bays.