Private networks and edge – a dream combination, but not just for MNOs

Two of the most talked-about growth opportunities for mobile operators are edge computing and private LTE/5G networks. Both looked to be high on the agenda of Mobile World Congress – always a good bellwether for the year’s trends – until it was cancelled last week. But despite the allure of likely growth in revenues from these nascent sectors, they are challenging for MNOs. Unlike previous growth opportunities based on cellular voice or broadband networks that only they controlled, edge and private networks are open to competition from a wide range of other players too, including cloud providers and equipment vendors. There is considerable growth potential in both these markets, and they are, of course, interrelated. A private network for an…