Over 50% of organizations have experienced a data breach due to employee negligence and inappropriate access, yet 82% still operate on a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model. This calls for security measures beyond device-level protection, and private cellular networks (PCNs) have surfaced as effective solutions.

With a well-configured PCN, you can safeguard your organization’s data and communication from both internal and external attacks.

What Is a Private Cellular Network?

A private cellular network (PCN) is a custom wireless network owned and operated by a single organization. It’s separated from the public network and operates on its own piece of radio spectrum that only covers a dedicated location (e.g., a factory or campus).

PCNs typically use the same LTE/5G protocols as public networks but on a smaller scale. Each network gets dedicated wireless bands allocated to it, which ensures private and consistent performance.

Since privacy is the main purpose of a PCN, the network has closed access—only approved SIM or eSIM cards can join, which blocks external entry.

How Do Private Cellular Networks Work?

A PCN requires much of the same hardware and software as public networks. The following table outlines the key components:

Why You Should Use a Private Cellular Network

The main reason to use a private cellular network is enhanced security. As the network is isolated from the vulnerable public network, there’s a lower default risk of intrusions, data breaches, and other malicious attacks.

Other benefits of a PCN include:

• • Enhanced control: Unlike public networks, PCNs offer a great deal of customization, letting you configure everything from coverage and capacity to access policies. You can also secure the network with additional measures like strong encryption for more privacy and safety.
• • Solid coverage: PCNs often provide better coverage than typical Wi-Fi or public networks. You can cover larger areas (including outdoor and even underground locations), which makes PCNs a great option for remote locations that require consistent connectivity.
• • Reliability: Unlike public networks, PCNs aren’t prone to congestion. You get dedicated resources for a closed network, so you can enjoy low-latency and high-bandwidth connections.
• • Independence: PCNs have a proprietary infrastructure that doesn’t rely on a public carrier. This means that even if a major provider’s service is down, a private network will keep running to ensure uninterrupted business operations.
• • Data ownership: Once you configure a PCN, all data shared through it remains on the premises. Sensitive information can’t leave the network without authorization, which minimizes the risk of leaks.
• • Scalability: As your organization grows, you can scale your PCN without too much effort. All you need to do is deploy more hardware to connect new devices and expand the network as needed.

Use Cases of Private Cellular Networks

Thanks to their versatility, PCNs can be used across industries. The most common use cases include:

• • Transport: A private cellular network for public transportation enables streamlined connectivity of GPS solutions, telemetry devices, onboard cameras, and other devices that require a reliable and safe connection.
• • Healthcare: Hospitals can link medical devices and patient monitors on private networks to protect sensitive data, such as protected health information (PHI). The low latency and reliability ensure that critical alerts and patient data are delivered quickly and securely.
• • Education: A private cellular network for campuses of all sizes can be deployed to cover classrooms, labs, and offices. It supports campus-wide services like security cameras, access control, and additional wireless coverage beyond public networks.
• • Government and defense: Government agencies and military bases use private networks to secure communications and keep sensitive data off public infrastructure.
• • Mining: Mining operations or oil and gas sites often deploy private networks to connect critical equipment underground or in remote areas without public network coverage. PCNs can support drilling rigs, remote sensors, and safety systems in locations where other connectivity options are unavailable.
• • Large businesses: Organizations of all sizes can configure a private cellular network for enterprise-level coverage to secure their data and prevent data breaches caused by employee negligence.

How To Make a Private Cellular Network

Creating a private cellular network from scratch can be challenging. You’d need the aforementioned equipment and quite a bit of technical knowledge, so DIY-ing it isn’t feasible in most cases.

That’s why users often get the necessary equipment and guidance from private cellular network providers. They offer the infrastructure, spectrum, and software you need to get started, and you can expect support throughout the process.

AWS Private 5G is a great example. It’s mainly aimed at enterprises looking for PCN solutions, offering everything users need to set up their network. You get:

• • Hardware and software
• • Device policy management features
• • CBRS spectrum
• • Network monitoring

You can find various additional providers of private cellular networks—some popular solutions are outlined in the following table:

Key Challenges of Private Cellular Networks

When setting up a private cellular network, users typically encounter at least some of the following five challenges:

1. 1. Complexity: Deploying and managing a cellular core and radio network requires specialized knowledge, so you may need to hire telecom experts. Mistakes in setup can cause coverage gaps or security issues, so it’s best to have the network configured by professionals.
2. 1. Initial cost: Building a private 4G/5G network can require significant investment in equipment and expertise. It usually costs more than a comparable Wi-Fi system, though enterprises and other commercial/industrial users often still opt for it when Wi-Fi doesn’t meet their security and coverage needs.
3. 1. Legacy integration: Your current hardware might not support LTE/5G, especially if you have quite a few older devices. In this case, you might either have to use gateways or upgrade your equipment, which exposes you to additional costs.
4. 1. Limited coverage: By design, private networks only cover their intended area (e.g., a campus or facility). Devices outside that area won’t connect unless you set up special roaming.
5. 1. Maintenance: Your network will require ongoing maintenance to ensure reliability and security, which includes both hardware maintenance and software updates (e.g., core updates). Unless you have in-house expertise to ensure maintenance, you might need to invest in managed service providers.

Can You Set Up Individual Private Cellular Networks?

Private cellular networks are almost exclusively used by commercial and industrial users. Due to the amount of software and hardware required, building a network for personal use isn’t feasible in most cases.

The good news is that there’s an effective alternative that shields your data from big telcos and third parties—secure phone services.

Due to the increased number and complexity of mobile attacks, we’ve seen a rise in privacy-first mobile carriers that offer comprehensive data protection you don’t get with a traditional carrier.

Such carriers have commercialized private networks by offering their main features to individuals at a tiny fraction of the cost and without complex setups. All you need is a dedicated SIM/eSIM, and you can join a secure network to minimize the risks of threats like:

• • SIM swapping
• • Interceptions
• • SS7 attacks

The only downside is that you don’t have full control of the network because you don’t manage it. That’s why you need to find a reliable provider that offers the service without asking you to entrust them with your data.

If you’re looking for such a provider, check out Cape.

Cape: Privacy and Security for Every Subscriber

Cape is a privacy-first cell phone service built around security and a minimal-trust philosophy. Unlike traditional carriers, it doesn’t collect and store data like:

• • Personal information (names, addresses, etc.)
• • Email
• • Location data

Thanks to Cape’s minimal data collection, you can sign up while maintaining complete anonymity. When you do, your device generates a private encryption key used to safeguard your data and communication.

The key never leaves the device, so nobody (including Cape’s team) can access it or make changes to your account. If you want to initiate a change (like porting a number), you need to enter a unique digital signature—a unique 24-word phrase generated at signup.

Cape’s secure account authentication replaces outdated measures like passwords, ensuring you retain control and ownership of your data.

For additional security, Cape implements the following security measures:

• • Mobile network: Cape operates its own cloud-based mobile network similar to the cores used in PCNs. This means all subscriber data is concealed from big telcos, and all communications are funneled through the core to ensure their security through measures like strong encryption.
• • Enhanced signaling protection: Cape’s core allows it to control network requests and spot those from suspicious networks in real time. If you get such a request, it will be blocked automatically to prevent issues like interceptions and surveillance.
• • Private payment: Cape doesn’t collect or store credit card information—it’s turned into a token used to process a payment through Stripe, and the token can’t be connected to the actual card number or other user information.
• • Encrypted voicemail: Cape encrypts all contents and key metadata of your voicemails. They’re then re-encrypted using your private key, ensuring that only you can access your messages.

Enjoy Reliable Network Performance Without Security Concerns

Cape combines its various security measures with superb network performance to ensure strong connectivity across the nation. You get unlimited texts, calls, and 4G/5G data, as well as free international roaming for eligible devices and locations.

Thanks to Cape’s high network density (the highest in America, specifically), you can expect the reliable network performance that many traditional telcos offer, minus the security and privacy concerns.

Unlike PCNs, Cape caters to individuals and businesses alike—anyone in need of a secure, reliable network can join.

Uplevel Your Security and Privacy With Cape

Cape only offers eSIM options at the moment, which shouldn’t be an issue because most modern phones are eSIM-enabled. If this includes your device, you can get started with Cape by taking these steps:

1. 1. Verify your eligibility on the website
2. 1. Download the Cape mobile app from the Play Store/App Store
3. 1. Choose a new number or port in your existing number
4. 1. Save your unique 24-word passphrase
5. 1. Download and activate eSIM

To ensure transparency, Cape offers one straightforward plan—you get all of the service’s features and security measures for $99/month, and there are no hidden fees or additional expenses. All federal, state, and municipal taxes and fees are included in the plan, so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises.

Cape partnered with Proton to help you stay safe beyond network communications and safeguard your emails, browsing, and other online activities. Cape subscribers get Proton Unlimited or Proton VPN Plus for only $1 for six months.