Mobile Command and Control: Creating Resilient Communication Structures with Private 5G Bubbles and Rugged Devices

Private 5G Networks for Mobile Operations

This is precisely where so-called 5G bubbles, such as those developed by Panasonic in collaboration with partners, come into play. These are mobile, private 5G networks, independent of the public network, that can be set up directly at the deployment site. Operators retain control over access rights, data flows, and network capacities, thus creating a secure communication environment for voice, data, and video.

Situation across Europe

The setup of the system itself is simple and fast. However, the local regulatory framework for private 5G spectrum licenses make it harder to spontaneously set up ad-hoc networks. The regulations differ across Europe. For example, in Germany, local spectrum licenses must be obtained in advance. Thus, private 5G networks are typically deployed for planned operations, exercises, large events or temporary infrastructure projects rather than as ad hoc communication networks.

The United Kingdom follows a more flexible approach through Ofcom's Shared Access Licence framework, which allows organisations to obtain local access to spectrum for private network deployments. France also requires spectrum authorisation but is increasingly focusing on long-term industrial and campus-based private 5G deployments. As a result, the practical deployment model and lead times for private 5G networks can vary from country to country, although advance planning remains an important factor across Europe