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This article is part of: Private Networks
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This report acts as a companion to our full private network forecast, last published in July 2026. It analyses the new private network sub-segment of 5G tactical bubbles – temporary 5G networks designed for tactical use on the battlefield and in other emergency situations.
The third iteration of the main private network forecast was published in July 2026 and can be found here. In this update, one of the new features was the addition of 5G tactical bubbles – this deployment type was not previously considered. The main forecast report did not thoroughly explore this new aspect to the forecast, and this is what this report will do.
A 5G tactical bubble is a private network that travels to the mission. A rapidly deployable, self-contained private 5G network that creates a secure coverage zone wherever it is needed — a forward operating base, a battlefield, a disaster site — rather than at a fixed enterprise site.
What is a tactical bubble?
Basic portable private networks have existed for a while, but to be suitable for battlefield connectivity and communications, significant further development was required. There are examples in the market already: Nokia Banshee 5G Tactical Radio (launched in September 2025); Telefónica 5G tactical bubbles, used in 15+ NATO operational testing exercises; and the European Union’s 5G-MILNET portable tactical communications bubbles. But development is still ongoing to reach the level of guaranteed coverage, security and performance needed for live military operations. This is an evolving market.
