Responses required for ACMA private networks market study

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is seeking industry assistance for a research project on private networks.

The Authority is looking to conduct interviews or receive responses to questions throughout October and November — these interviews are expected to take from 30 to 60 minutes. Input from respondents will assist with making decisions relating to allocating a required input for operating private networks for businesses.

A private network is a network which restricts access to a specific company or users. This contrasts with a mobile network that can be accessed by the general public (such as the ones operated by Optus, Telstra and TPG Telecom).

A significant number of businesses across multiple industries have implemented or are exploring private networks. Some examples include:

• Agriculture — LTE On The Farm - The Rural Cloud Initiative (Celona)
• Construction — The 5G Future Has Arrived: Australian-Based Construction Company Successfully Trials 5G (Cradlepoint)
• Education — Connectivity increases competitiveness on university campuses (Ericsson)
• Energy — Getting the energy utilities industry connected (Ericsson)
• Health — 5 use cases for private 5G networks in hospitals (Healthcare IT News)
• Manufacturing — The Growing Need for Private 5G Networks in Manufacturing Plants (Capgemini)
• Rail — Nokia selected by The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia to modernize rail communications in Perth with private wireless and IP/MPLS technologies (Nokia)
• Transport — The transport and logistics sector looks to upgrade from private LTE and wi-fi to private 5G (Accedian)
• Water — Digital water meters pilot outcomes (South East Water) and New technologies for secure drinking water distribution (Veolia).
   

Information provided by respondents will inform a market study that will be published by the ACMA at a later date. Before publication, the Authority will provide the respondents with the study to ensure that any sensitive information is excluded. An example of ACMA’s published work is the 2021 Australian space sector market study, showcasing business activity in the Australian space sector.

The Australian Radio Communications Industry Association (ARCIA) is encouraging industry members to get involved with the study. As noted by Executive Officer Ian Miller, “The radiocommunications industry has been designing and supplying private communications networks for around 70 years, with private LTE networks simply the next communications system. As technology continues to change and develop, it is our industry that has the skills, expertise and ability to meet these needs. ARCIA strongly supports this research and asks that industry members take the time to respond to the ACMA’s call for information.”

Please contact Marcelo Grosso on (03) 9963 6780 or email markets@acma.gov.au to participate or for further information.

Image credit: iStock.com/Mihajlo Maricic