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When you think of 5G, you might picture faster internet speeds on your phone. But that’s only a fraction of what 5G can do, especially when it comes to private networks. In a recent conversation, Andrew MacKenzie, Director of Sales & Engineering at Galaxy Broadband, sat down with Harsha Bhat, the Global CTO for Nokia Private Wireless and Campus Edge, to talk about the future of private 5G and how it’s transforming industries like mining, ports, and manufacturing.
The discussion wasn’t just about technical specs or the latest gadgets. It was about how private 5G networks are shifting control from traditional telcos to enterprises themselves, creating a new paradigm in industrial communication.
Why Private 5G Matters
If you’re unfamiliar with private 5G, it’s not the same as the 5G network you use on your phone. Public networks, like those provided by big carriers, are built to serve millions of users across a country. Private 5G networks, on the other hand, are designed to serve specific organizations in specific locations—factories, mines, ports, even cities.
Harsha Bhat summed it up well: “ Private 5G is about giving enterprises control over their connectivity. You no longer have to rely on a telco to provide everything. You can own your network. “
“ With the advent of new spectrums coming onto the market, specifically the non-competitive licensing in Canada, enterprises now have the option to own and operate all parts of their network, ” explained MacKenzie. “ This shift de-risks infrastructure investment, allowing companies to manage their networks with full autonomy and flexibility. ” This shift is crucial. Traditionally, enterprises had to depend on telecom companies to manage their connectivity, which limited their flexibility and locked them into long-term contracts. Bhat noted, “Previously, if you were unhappy with your network provider, there wasn’t much you could do. The radios, the spectrum—it was all theirs. “
But with private 5G, that’s changing. Now, companies can own and operate their own networks, choosing their infrastructure, their providers, and how their data is managed. This autonomy opens up possibilities for industries that rely on constant, reliable connectivity—industries like mining and manufacturing, where downtime can be incredibly costly.
Key Industries Leading Adoption
Industries like mining, ports, and advanced manufacturing are at the forefront of private 5G adoption. These industries need reliable, high-speed networks to operate complex machinery, gather real-time data, and ensure safety in environments where human error can be fatal.
Mining, for example, has seen a massive shift toward automation. According to Bhat, “ Autonomous hauling in mines requires predictable, high-reliable mobile connectivity. ” In these environments, where enormous machines operate without human drivers, even a small disruption in connectivity could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Manufacturing 4.0 is another area where private 5G is making an impact. Traditional Wi-Fi networks struggle to handle the sheer amount of data generated by advanced manufacturing processes, not to mention the mobility needs of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and robotics. Bhat explained, “ AGVs and other automated systems simply can’t operate reliably on older networks. 5G gives them the low latency and high throughput they need. “
Ports, too, are benefiting from private 5G. With operations spread across vast areas, ports need seamless connectivity to manage everything from cargo handling to logistics. Real-time data and video feeds are crucial to keeping things running smoothly.
Nokia’s Competitive Edge
When it comes to private 5G solutions, Nokia stands out. Their technology goes beyond just providing fast internet. “ We have radio, core, edge applications, and entire network management—all in one package,” Bhat highlighted. “ This integration makes it easier for enterprises to deploy and manage their networks efficiently. ” Nokia’s unified approach reduces the complexity and costs associated with integrating multiple vendors. This ensures businesses can quickly set up and manage their own networks without technical bottlenecks.
One of Nokia’s standout technologies is their Digital Automation Cloud (NDAC) , which allows companies to quickly set up private networks. “ You can install an enterprise-grade wireless network that takes up a third of a rack of equipment, ” MacKenzie noted. This kind of efficiency makes it easier for businesses to adopt private 5G without needing massive infrastructure investments.
Another innovation is Nokia’s Mission Critical Industrial Edge (MIXI) platform, which integrates 5G with edge computing to provide real-time analytics, low-latency communication, and the ability to handle massive amounts of data on-site. Bhat described MIXI as “ a building block approach. You start with basic connectivity and scale up as your needs grow. “
This modularity is key. Enterprises can start small, focusing on immediate needs like reliable communication and data collection, and expand their networks as their operations grow.
Galaxy Broadband’s Role
Galaxy Broadband is critical in bringing Nokia’s technology to life in Canada. Their experience deploying networks in some of the harshest environments in the world—like the Arctic—sets them apart from other service providers.
“ We’ve deployed Nokia’s equipment across the Arctic, and we’re seeing near 100% uptime in these extreme environments, ” said MacKenzie. This capability not only differentiates Galaxy Broadband but also gives clients the confidence that their operations will remain seamless even in the most remote or challenging locations. Galaxy’s expertise becomes a vital asset for industries where continuity is critical.
“ One of our mining clients refused to start production until their heavy machinery was connected. The risk was just too great without real-time analytics, ” MacKenzie shared. This illustrates the necessity of private 5G in ensuring operational safety and cost management. By leveraging 5G’s low-latency capabilities enabled by Nokia and Galaxy Broadband, companies can monitor equipment conditions in real-time, preventing breakdowns and avoiding costly downtime.
Spectrum and Growth Potential in Canada
The availability of spectrum is a big factor in the growth of private networks, especially in Canada. As more spectrum becomes available, enterprises have more options for managing their connectivity. In the past, telcos largely controlled spectrum, limiting the flexibility for businesses to set up their own networks.
“ With the new spectrum allocations, we’re seeing a leveling of the playing field, ” Bhat explained. “ Enterprises can now purchase standalone equipment and manage their own networks, reducing their reliance on telcos. “
This flexibility not only reduces costs but also de-risks investments in network infrastructure. If a company isn’t happy with its current network, it can easily switch providers or adjust its setup without rebuilding everything from scratch.
Challenges in Adoption
Despite all the advantages, there are still challenges in adopting private 5G. One of the biggest hurdles is spectrum availability, especially in remote areas where industries like mining and oil operate. Bhat noted, “ In some areas, businesses simply can’t get the spectrum they need, so they have to rely on service providers. ”
Another challenge is integrating private 5G with existing infrastructure. Many industries are still using legacy systems that aren’t compatible with 5G, which means upgrading can be a costly and time-consuming.
But Nokia is working to make this easier. Their plug-and-play approach simplifies deployment, enabling enterprises to set up their own networks without needing a team of engineers on-site. Bhat explained, “ We’re focused on business outcomes, not just technology. We want our customers to think about what they need to achieve, not how their network works. “
The Future of Private 5G
So, what does the future hold for private 5G? “ We expect to see significant growth in mining, forestry, and oil and gas, especially as spectrum availability improves, ” Bhat noted. “ Industries like electric vehicle manufacturing are also showing strong potential, given the need for low-latency and high-bandwidth solutions. ” This highlights how private 5G will become a crucial driver of industrial growth in Canada over the next few years, beyond the initial wave of adoption.
Edge computing is another area to watch. As more businesses adopt private 5G, the need for real-time data processing will grow, and edge computing will play a critical role in meeting that demand. Nokia’s MIXI platform is already paving the way for this, allowing companies to process data on-site without sending it to a centralized cloud.
But perhaps the biggest shift will be in how businesses view their networks. Private 5G is no longer a luxury; it’s becoming a necessity. As MacKenzie put it, “ Private networks are becoming foundational. Companies won’t be able to compete without them. “
Conclusion
The conversation between MacKenzie and Bhat clarified that private 5G is not just about faster internet. It’s about giving enterprises control, flexibility, and the ability to innovate in ways that weren’t possible before. Nokia’s technology, combined with Galaxy Broadband’s expertise, is helping industries move into the future, one private network at a time.
Private 5G isn’t just an option anymore—it’s a critical part of the industrial transformation.
