Who Installs Private 5G Networks for Manufacturing Plants in the UK?
Table of contents
Updated September 2025
Private 5G networks are unlocking a new generation of smart factories in the UK—delivering ultra-low latency, strong security, and the flexibility needed for Industry 4.0. From automated guided vehicles to predictive maintenance and connected tools, these networks are fast becoming the backbone of modern manufacturing.
But installing a private 5G system isn’t as simple as buying equipment off the shelf. It requires spectrum expertise, integration with industrial systems, and compliance with Ofcom regulations. This guide explains who supports UK manufacturers with private 5G installations, what service models are available, and how to start your deployment.
Follow-up Questions
Why is private 5G attractive to manufacturers?
- Because it offers secure, low-latency, and highly reliable connectivity without relying solely on public mobile networks.
Who installs private 5G systems?
- Specialist integrators like UCtel, who combine spectrum access, indoor coverage expertise, and tailored installation for industrial sites.
What are the main delivery models?
- Factories can choose from turnkey services, managed solutions, or hybrid models where spectrum and infrastructure are combined.
What are the first steps?
- Define your use case, secure spectrum from Ofcom, deploy a pilot zone, and then scale based on results.
Why Manufacturers Choose Private 5G
Private 5G gives manufacturers full control of their wireless network, delivering:
- Ultra-low latency (<10 ms) for robotics and AGVs
- On-premise data routing for security and compliance
- Network slicing for workload prioritisation
- Massive device capacity for sensors and IoT endpoints
- Edge-ready performance for real-time analytics
Typical use cases include predictive maintenance, AI-based quality inspection, AR-assisted training, and fully connected production lines. In short: private 5G is no longer experimental, it is fast becoming the industrial standard.
Who Installs Private 5G in the UK?
In practice, deploying private 5G is rarely about one vendor. It requires an integration partner who understands both mobile technology and factory operations.
UCtel plays this role by:
- Supporting spectrum applications under Ofcom’s Shared Access framework
- Designing and installing tailored private 5G networks inside UK factories
- Integrating indoor mobile coverage with licence-exempt boosters and DAS
- Providing end-to-end project delivery: survey → design → deployment → monitoring
- Offering managed services and ongoing support for industrial environments
By acting as both integrator and advisor, UCtel ensures networks are compliant, resilient, and built to meet each factory’s unique requirements.
Service Models Explained
Private 5G can be deployed in several ways:
1. Turnkey
- UCtel designs, installs, and manages the entire system for the factory, ideal where internal IT capacity is limited.
2. Managed Service
- The factory owns the infrastructure, while UCtel provides remote monitoring, updates, and SLAs.
3. Hybrid / Spectrum-Only
- Factories secure spectrum directly and rely on UCtel for design and integration.
4. Pilot & Scale
- UCtel installs a limited private 5G zone to test use cases before scaling across the full plant.
This flexibility ensures manufacturers can match the deployment model to their operational maturity and in-house expertise.
What to Look for in a Private 5G Partner
When selecting an installer, UK factories should prioritise:
- Experience in industrial environments
- Ofcom compliance and spectrum licensing expertise
- Integration with MES, SCADA, and ERP systems
- Strong SLAs and remote monitoring capabilities
- Cybersecurity and data privacy alignment with NCSC standards
UCtel combines all these elements, ensuring private 5G is not just installed, but built to last.
Getting Started: From Pilot to Full Rollout
Launching a private 5G network follows a clear roadmap:
- Define your use cases and objectives
- Assess the physical site and coverage needs
- Secure spectrum via Ofcom’s Shared Access Licence
- Select the deployment model (turnkey, managed, or hybrid)
- Deploy a pilot in one production zone
- Measure KPIs and scale to full coverage
UCtel guides manufacturers through each stage, from initial audit to nationwide rollout.
Conclusion
Private 5G is transforming UK manufacturing, enabling automation, real-time analytics, and secure industrial connectivity. But the success of any deployment depends on choosing the right integration partner.
With over 6 years of experience, UCtel delivers end-to-end private 5G solutions for factories: from Ofcom spectrum strategy to tailored indoor coverage and long-term managed support. Whether you’re piloting in one production line or scaling across multiple sites, we ensure your network is compliant, resilient, and ready for Industry 4.0.
📞 Contact UCtel today to book your private 5G consultation and start building the future of your manufacturing connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is private 5G legal in the UK?
- Yes. Ofcom’s shared access spectrum (3.8–4.2 GHz) is available for industrial deployments.
Do I need a public mobile operator to deploy private 5G?
- No. Private 5G can be installed independently with a specialist integrator like UCtel.
How long does installation take?
- Pilot projects typically take 2–3 months, with full rollouts varying by site complexity.
Can private 5G work alongside Wi-Fi and Ethernet?
- Yes. Most factories operate hybrid infrastructures for redundancy and flexibility.
Does UCtel provide managed support?
- Yes. UCtel offers SLAs, monitoring platforms, and ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term performance.
