In a recent SE Webinar, John Themmes (Solutions Engineer) and Jamal Purvis (National Wireless and IoT Specialist) broke down an important segment of the Intelisys catalog: private cellular networks (PCNs).
Below, we’ve laid out the key talking points from the webinar.
You might be unsure of what a PCN is, or maybe you’re curious about how PCNs can transform a business’s operations. You might also be wondering how to address PCN opportunities in specific industries. Read on to learn all of that and more.
What Is a Private Cellular Network (PCN)?
A private cellular network (PCN) is a private section of spectrum services that companies can use as an internal or external network. Companies can then leverage the network to connect the same devices you would typically use with a public network, including those with a SIM card or an antenna system/router.
In many cases, the signals from a PCN network are stronger than those from a typical Wi-Fi network, which allows them to penetrate walls and other structures. This gives PCNs a variety of use cases across industries.
*Note – Private cellular networks (PCNs) are sometimes called CBRS networks.
Why Are PCNs Important for Businesses?
PCNs are popular because they provide tangible operational benefits – and in the years ahead, we expect to see major growth in the area.
Improved Business Operations
The enhanced technical capacities of a PCN can have a game-changing effect on a business’s operations, which in turn makes the business more competitive.
A PCN can increase operational efficiency by:
- Allowing more devices to connect to the network
- Reducing congestion
- Improving connectivity (both inside and outside)
- Allowing for rapid updates to the network.
Estimated Growth of PCNs
The prevalence of PCNs is expected to increase by 25% between 2025 and 2030. Key drivers of this expected growth include:
- The increased demand for reliable and secure connectivity
- The expansion of IoT deployments
- Advancements in 5G technology
- The increased need for data-driven decision-making
We’re entering a new era – often called “Industry 4.0” – in which businesses will rely more than ever on acquiring real-time data from digital devices. In such a world, the increased connectivity of a private cellular network (PCN) is especially valuable.
A Roadmap for PCN Opportunities
Businesses from various industries can benefit from adopting PCNs – but they might need some help recognizing where the use cases lie. As an Intelisys Sales Partner, this is where you can add value, gain trust, and ultimately close the deal.
Here’s a repeatable 3-step plan for selling PCN solutions:
- Make a strong business case. Identify clear business needs and then demonstrate why a PCN would bring ROI and provide competitive advantages.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the business environment. Take some time to research the business’s infrastructure and tech landscape, while also assessing their risk tolerance, security needs, and regulatory obligations.
- Advise a strategic approach to implementation. Draw up a realistic deployment timeline, and select PCN vendors that can provide ongoing support.
Securing PCN Deals Across Industries
In any industry, companies can achieve enhanced operations, efficiency, and security from a private LTE network. But to consistently close deals, you should offer more than vague, high-level promises. The most successful Sales Partners understand exactly how businesses in different areas can leverage the power of a PCN.
Below, we’ve outlined use cases for 4 main industries. We’ve also provided industry-specific questions to help you kickstart the PCN conversation.
Education (K-12)
By using a private network, school systems can provide increased connectivity for students – including remote learners – while also ensuring connectivity for safety-related IoT devices. These capabilities are especially valuable for rural schools that suffer from unreliable Wi-Fi coverage.
PCN “questions to ask” for education:
- Have you had any issues with off-site connectivity for students or faculty?
- Wouldn’t reliable connectivity improve learning opportunities?
- What additional features would enhance a future school’s security?
Note – These deals are especially common in the summer, when districts recalibrate their tech capabilities for the coming school year.
Logistics
For logistics companies, a PCN can optimize a wide range of business operations – including automation, smart shelving, and efficient picking. Workers can also connect to a private LTE with their own devices. All of this will improve the company’s efficiency and security – in the warehouse, as well as out on the road.
PCN “questions to ask” for logistics:
- How would it impact your operations to have a network that’s always reliable and secure?
- What if you could keep your drivers connected at all times, even in remote areas? Could this improve driver safety?
- Wouldn’t the ability to track shipments in real time avoid costly delays?
Manufacturing
Due to the structural challenges of warehouses and other industrial buildings (metal ceilings, interference from machinery, large floor areas, etc), manufacturing businesses are especially prone to connectivity issues. And when devices fail to connect, outages often follow.
A PCN can improve cellular coverage while reducing the number of access points (APs). Among other benefits, this enhanced connectivity allows “bring your own device” (BYOD) policies to actually work. Private networks should also improve the functionality of IoT devices like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), augmented reality devices, and video surveillance systems.
PCN “questions to ask” for manufacturing:
- How often do you experience disruptions because of connectivity issues?
- If the machines on your factory floor could reliably exchange real-time data, what effect would that have on efficiency?
- Would it improve data security to have complete control over your communication network?
Healthcare
PCNs can have a transformative effect on healthcare facilities of all sizes, from massive hospitals to smaller clinics.
A private LTE network often provides:
- Improved public cellular coverage
- The ability to separate staff and patient networks (which enhances security)
- Reliable staff connectivity
PCNs can also improve connections for security systems, environmental controls, and patient monitoring devices. All of this will optimize operations for the facility while improving patient outcomes.
PCN “questions to ask” for healthcare:
- How would instant access to data improve patient care and staff efficiency?
- If you could improve your control over key resources, what impact would it have on your bottom line?
- How important is it to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access?
Ready to Learn More About PCNs?
For many of your clients, adopting a private LTE network makes total “cents.” So why haven’t they made the switch? It’s time for you to ask them!
For even more PCN insights, watch the whole SE Webinar.
