What is Private LTE and how can you start using it in 2026?
Updated on July 28, 2026
What is Private LTE?
Organizations with a Private LTE network have their own dedicated piece of spectrum on the 3.5 GHz band, which they manage entirely themselves. As a result, they do not rely on a mobile service provider like KPN or VodafoneZiggo. Private LTE uses the exact same technology that smartphones use to connect to an operator's network. It is an excellent alternative for organizations that specifically want that extra level of control over their environments.
LTE undergoes continuous Release updates, with each Release introducing new capabilities. Starting from Release 15, Phase 1 of the 5G NR standard was introduced. 4G/5G offers several advantages over legacy 2G/3G, such as support for smaller endpoints, additional data connections, and longer battery life. In short: perfectly suited for the network of the future.
What can Private LTE do for businesses?
| Security
Private LTE utilizes the same digital protocols and security technologies used to safeguard commercial mobile networks. Furthermore, operational traffic and service traffic are strictly isolated from one another. Unauthorised parties cannot register on a Private LTE network. |
Compatibility
As long as the user's mobile device operates on the same spectrum (band) as the LTE eNodeB, businesses and users can choose any compatible end device. The LTE network determines who and what gains access to the network. |
Upgradeability
Because it shares the same core technology as commercial networks, businesses can immediately benefit from technological advancements as soon as improved standards are developed. |
| Configurability
Private LTE networks provide the flexibility to tailor wireless connections precisely to meet the specific requirements of an organization. |
Scalability
LTE networks are inherently scalable, allowing them to effortlessly expand alongside an organization's growing demands. |
Many companies still rely on narrowband ecosystems, such as PMR/two-way radio, Private GSM, DECT, and BLE. While these legacy technologies have proven themselves over many years, they are becoming increasingly unsuitable for future mission-critical networks. Modern operations demand high standards for security, reliability, availability, bandwidth, Quality of Service, and low latency. With a straightforward architecture and maximum assurance of high-speed internet, Private 4G/5G is the premier technology for mission-critical networks.
Choosing between 4G and 5G depends heavily on the use case, required frequency, and necessary bandwidth. Most private networks utilize the DECT guard band. On Band 3 (1800 MHz), 5 MHz is available license-free, which is sufficient for voice and basic data. If you need to build a larger outdoor network, or require higher bandwidth and lower latency, 5G SA (Standalone) is an ideal solution. This does require submitting a license application to the Dutch Radiocommunications Agency (RDI). Alcadis can fully assist you with this application process.
What do you need for a Private 5G network?
EquipmenteNodeBs & gNodeBs: Celona
There are various suppliers of eNodeBs (4G) and gNodeBs (5G), ensuring that your specific requirements can be met regardless of the type or size of the Private LTE network. Alcadis is a big fan of Celona's solutions. This provider of end-to-end Private 5G networks was founded by former employees of well-known Enterprise Wi-Fi vendors (such as RUCKUS and Juniper), allowing them to perfectly bridge the gap between Private 5G and Wi-Fi networks. Do you primarily have experience with Wi-Fi? You can still easily get started with Private 5G using Celona. Just like a Wi-Fi setup, the Celona solution consists of Access Points, an Operating System, and a cloud management platform. Check out our Celona page for more information on this unique solution. |
SpectrumIn the Netherlands, businesses can apply to the RDI for a local spectrum license in the 3.5 GHz band. Do you operate on an industrial estate with insufficient internet capacity, or a closed industrial site where you need high-uptime mobile broadband communications? You can apply for a "Plot-bound" (Perceelgebonden) license to use frequency space in the 3.5 GHz band. The sub-bands 3400–3450 MHz and 3750–3800 MHz in the Netherlands are reserved for plot-bound licenses. A plot-bound license may only be used on the specific premises owned or occupied by your business or organization. All issued licenses are valid by default until December 31, 2040. Alcadis can support you in determining the required band and handling the license application. Contact us via sales@alcadis.nl or 030 - 65 85 125 to discuss the possibilities. |
Which industries benefit most from Private LTE?
- Industrial environments
- Transport & logistics
- Warehouses
- Hospitals & healthcare facilities
- Corporate & office buildings
Want to learn more?
Curious about what Private LTE can do for your organization? Feel free to contact us for more information. At Alcadis:
- Our team consists of experts in (wireless) connectivity;
- We have a live Private LTE demo environment available;
- We are happy to handle the spectrum application with the RDI on your behalf;
- We can help you build your business case;
- We offer network and client solutions from various top brands;
- We provide cost-effective Private LTE solutions that are simple to deploy and maintain.
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