Private Networks: Saving so much money, even the CFO cracked a smile
While Private Networks might first appear as an investment option out of reach for many, new research from Nokia and Global Data suggests otherwise.
The 2025 Nokia Industrial Digitization Report has shown companies can achieve benefits within a matter of weeks by investing in private networks and on-premises edge solutions. After polling 115 industrial enterprises, 50% of the responders confirmed it took 6 months to achieve RoI, with 2% stating it took less than a week. The longest period to achieve RoI was 3 years, though only 1% of the respondents said it took this long.
“One of the biggest myths when we speak about private networks is that it is unaffordable,” said David de Lancellotti, VP, Enterprise Campus Edge Sales, Nokia“The research shows that Private Wireless networks give a fast return on investment t, and is a key enabler of wider digital transformation initiatives.”
Private Wireless Networks are becoming an increasingly common fixture of the digital landscape because of the advantages offered in terms of customization (private infrastructure owners can define their own parameters and characteristics), but also as a catalyst for digital transformation. In fact, according to GlobalData’s Private Wireless Networks Market Opportunity Forecast, the segment is set to grow 25% over the course of 2025.
One of the reasons for this enthusiasm is the significant benefits to Total Cost of Ownership. Of the companies surveyed, 17% said they achieved more than 20% reduction in the costs of maintaining and running facilities, with an additional 26% suggesting the cost reductions were between 11-20%. 9% of the respondents also said they saved more than 20% thanks to turning off legacy infrastructure, and 26% trimmed the same budget by 11-20%.
“Private Wireless Networks should be viewed as a vehicle to digital transformation and a pathway to operational efficiencies which cannot be realized otherwise,” Lancellotti added.
“We should view these investments as an opportunity to shake off the limitations of today. With private infrastructure, the company is in complete control and defines its own future. This opens the door to experimentation and innovation on your terms.”
In today’s economic climate, companies can’t afford to lose their competitive edge or ignore the bottom line, and digital transformation is fast becoming the most effective way to protect it. From streamlining operations to slashing legacy costs, the shift to digital tools isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s about survival.
Cloud platforms, automation, and smarter data use are helping firms do more with less, freeing up resources for innovation and growth.
In a world where every penny counts, digital transformation isn’t a buzzword, it’s a business imperative. The companies that embrace it will be the ones that stay lean, agile, and ahead.
Private networks are becoming essential as businesses demand faster, more secure, and more reliable connectivity, particularly in environments where public networks fall short. Whether it’s a factory floor, a hospital, or a logistics hub, private networks offer low-latency performance, tailored coverage, and full control over data flow.
It is also worth considering how this success can be compounded by added on-premises edge compute capabilities into the digital environment.
AI's promise in industrial environments depends on one critical ingredient: real-time, high-quality data. To unlock this, 94% of industrial enterprises have turned to a powerful combination of on-premises edge computing and private wireless networks.
Together, they provide the secure, low-latency connectivity needed to operate in complex, often remote settings, ensuring sensors stay online, and data keeps flowing.
The result? AI-driven applications like predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and digital twins are now in active use across 70% of these organisations, signaling a clear shift from pilot to production.
For companies embracing digital transformation, private networks are the foundation that supports real-time automation, advanced robotics, and AI-driven decision-making. They’re not just a connectivity upgrade, they’re a strategic asset for digital-first, future-ready enterprises.