Mobile private network deployments return to growth following 2024 dip
3 min read- Mobile private network deployments have returned to growth in 2025, after a brief slowdown in 2024
- Enterprises are turning to private networks to enhance efficiency and data-driven control, not just connectivity
- The share of 5G jumps to 73% of announced MPN projects over the last 19 months
- The private network vendor landscape is diversifying, with specialist and smaller players gaining traction
LONDON – 22 August 2025 – Mobile private network (MPN) deployments in the first half of 2025 point to a return to growth following a dip in activity in the second half of 2024, according to new analysis from STL Partners.
The latest update to STL Partners’ ‘Private network deployment tracker’ includes 98 new announcements in 2025 to date (between January and July), bringing the total to 962 recorded deployments since tracking began in 2014.
Analysis of the tracker indicates that deployments in 2025 have been driven by strong demand from manufacturing, which accounts for 22% of new activity, followed by ports (12%), airports (10%) as well as media, entertainment and sport (10 percent).
“Since early 2024, we have seen a real shift in how private networks are being used across industries. They are no longer just about enabling basic connectivity but now power frontline operational efficiency and real-time control. This change in purpose is a key driver of renewed growth”, said Krsna Singh, research analyst at STL Partners. Enterprises are increasingly deploying private networks to enable automated operations and internet of things (IoT).
According to STL Partners’ findings, 5G is the dominant choice for private network deployments, outpacing alternatives such as network slicing, 4G and dual 4G-5G setups (as shown in figure below). With its high performance, 5G often meets enterprise needs on its own, reducing the need for more complex network slicing or dual technology deployments. Almost three in four (73%) MPN deployments since January 2024 are on 5G alone.
Source: STL Partners
Another major recent trend is the growing presence of smaller, specialised network vendors within the top ten. While large players including Nokia and Ericsson continue to dominate, providers such as Mavenir and Boldyn Networks are steadily gaining market share.
‘’The growing diversity of suppliers shows that the private network market is evolving beyond its early, OEM-led phase. We are now seeing a more solution-focused landscape, where enterprises choose partners based on fit and expertise rather than size alone. This shift is driving more differentiated offerings, making it crucial for companies to have a clear, industry-specific strategy backed by strong industry relationships”, Singh concludes.
The Private network deployment tracker will continue to provide up-to-date insights to support telcos, as they navigate this rapidly evolving and expanding sector. You can find more information about the tracker here.
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STL Partners is a leading research and consulting company that focuses on the telecom industry and adjacent markets by helping telcos and their partners innovate, grow and stay ahead of the competition.
