Only public phones fail indoors
You do not need private 5G to solve this. Explore DAS and public mobile coverage →
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Private networks · UK business guide
Do I need private 5G?
Choose private 5G when your UK operation needs a controlled cellular network for its own devices. Choose DAS when the problem is public mobile reception indoors. If you need both, plan both together. For a small site where existing Wi-Fi works, you do not need private 5G.
Your site needs both public reception and private device control
Choose a coordinated DAS and private 5G project. This is the route for a factory with staff phones and mobile robots, or a hospital with public reception needs and compatible operational devices.
Seneca can survey and install both together, with one accountable partner for delivery and ongoing support. Define the public coverage requirement and private device requirement separately so neither disappears inside a generic coverage specification.
Five checks before choosing private 5G
Your own devices need a controlled network
Private 5G is a candidate when SIM-based access, mobility, site coverage and control of the data path matter. Explore private 5G deployment →
A small site already works on Wi-Fi
Keep a working solution. A few devices and satisfactory Wi-Fi do not create a private 5G requirement. Assess Wi-Fi and private 5G →
People and operational devices both need coverage
Plan DAS and private 5G together. Public phone reception and private-device access need different services. Compare the combined approach →
Device compatibility is unconfirmed
Check supported bands, standalone-network capability, SIM credentials and application interfaces. Qualify devices or an appropriate gateway before committing to the network.
Private 5G entry costs for a focused factory deployment
Private 5G: £34,957 to £35,187 ex VAT across the two factory scenarios below.
| Indoor factory scenario | Private 5G configuration | Installed example, ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| 500 m², one floor | One indoor radio; 20 SIMs and concurrent devices | £34,957 |
| 1,000 m², one floor | One indoor radio; 40 SIMs and concurrent devices | £35,187 |
These are two small production areas using the Manufacturing model. Both use one indoor radio and the same core and installation allowance; the larger example adds SIMs. The core and delivery costs explain why halving the area does not halve the price.
All figures are installed calculator examples, rounded to the nearest pound: indicative; confirmed by survey; ex VAT. They include equipment, cabling, survey, design, installation, commissioning and one-year support. Private 5G includes core, radios, radio licences and the stated SIMs. Excludes travel and accommodation and optional hardware replacement. Application devices, application integration, internet backhaul and spectrum licence fees are outside these network examples.
Get an instant estimate → · Read the private 5G cost guide →
What to bring to a private 5G assessment
Bring the site layout, device models, working routes and the applications those devices use. Describe what fails today and the operational cost: lost transactions, stopped movements or time spent recovering a connection.
We use that evidence to scope the network and agree an acceptance test. Where Wi-Fi is sufficient, retain it. Where private 5G is justified, start with the coverage, capacity and device requirements that the job actually needs.
Understand how private 5G works → · Explore the managed service →
Explore network options for your industry
Private 5G for manufacturing → · Private 5G for healthcare → · DAS for manufacturing →
Questions about choosing a site network
Do I need private 5G just to improve mobile calls indoors?
No. Start with public mobile coverage through a repeater or DAS. Private 5G addresses a separate requirement for authorised operational devices.
When is Wi-Fi enough for a business site?
When it meets the coverage, capacity, mobility and security needs of the devices and applications. A small site with a few devices and working Wi-Fi does not need private 5G simply because it is available.
What is an entry-level private 5G budget?
The focused factory examples are £34,957 to £35,187 ex VAT for 500 m² with 20 SIMs to 1,000 m² with 40 SIMs. Each includes one indoor radio, core, installation and one-year support. These are indicative scenarios, not a universal minimum price.
What if our devices do not support private 5G?
Assess a compatible gateway or suitable alternative device before selecting the network. Confirm bands, SIM credentials and application behaviour; a device labelled 5G is not enough to establish compatibility.
Discuss the right network for your site
Tell us about your site, devices and the work you need to connect. We will scope delivery and ongoing support around those requirements.
Request a quote →