GSMA Liu Hong: Who will build the 5G private network? Let the operators do it

[[383535]]

5G has the characteristics of high speed, large capacity, and low latency, which will bring revolutionary changes to thousands of industries. Relatively speaking, the 5G public network cannot meet the needs of enterprises for high security and high stability, so the construction of 5G private networks will become a general trend. With the in-depth promotion of 5G commercial use, the demand for 5G private networks has exploded rapidly, and the construction model and construction subject of 5G private networks have also become hot topics discussed in the industry.

During the 2021 MWC Shanghai, Liu Hong, technical general manager of GSMA Greater China, was interviewed by a reporter from Communication World All Media. He said that there is no fixed rule for the construction of 5G private networks, and specific analysis is required for specific situations. Operators have outstanding advantages in the construction of 5G private networks and should play a core role.

Liu Hong believes that 5G private networks are part of 5G independent networks. China has played a global leading role in the formulation of 5G independent network standards, product development, and network commercialization. In 2020, China's 5G independent network set sail, and the world's largest 5G SA network was commercially launched in China, witnessing the empowering role of 5G independent networking in thousands of industries.

Generally speaking, there are three ways to implement 5G independent networking: network slicing, NPN (enterprise private network), and virtual private network. As for the specific form to be adopted, Liu Hong believes that it depends on the enterprise's application scenarios and security needs. Among them, security is the primary consideration and the main difference between different enterprises. Even for the same enterprise, the demand for the same business may change in different historical periods, and the choice of 5G private network may switch back and forth between virtual private network and physical private network. Therefore, there is no fixed rule for the construction of 5G private network.

Liu Hong believes that no matter what network construction model is adopted for 5G private networks, operators should play a core role in it. "With the development and maturity of 5G, and the increasing demand for reliability, economy, and sustainable development in various industries, we believe that operators building 5G enterprise private networks is the best choice for enterprises, operators, and even other players." Liu Hong said clearly.

The reason why he holds the above view is that in Liu Hong's view, operators have a good record in business credibility and responsibility, rich experience in network planning and operation optimization, unique advantages in the combination of public and private networks and interconnection, scale advantages in equipment bargaining and upgrade services, and have long-term strong strength in customer service and on-site support.

It is reported that even if foreign manufacturing giants have obtained private network spectrum, most of them still choose operators to help them build 5G private networks. This is because they do not want to be tied to a certain manufacturer, nor do they want to invest too much resources and energy in maintaining, operating, and optimizing the network. After comprehensive consideration, it is the best choice to let operators build 5G private networks.