Private 5G is rapidly becoming a game-changer in industrial operations and critical infrastructure, offering enterprises the ability to securely connect and scale their operations in real time. 

As industries face increasing demands for faster, more reliable systems, private 5G networks provide the backbone for digital transformation, driving efficiency, safety and productivity. With the power to integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and edge computing, private 5G is poised to redefine how businesses manage their most essential assets and processes.

During a recent discussion at MWC25, in Barcelona, Paul Savill (pictured, left), global practice leader of networking and edge compute at Kyndryl Inc., and David de Lancellotti (pictured, right), vice president of enterprise campus edge business, Cloud and Network Services, at Nokia Corp., discussed how their partnership is redefining worker safety, operational efficiency and scalability for multinational enterprises. The conversation, hosted by theCUBE’s Dave Vellante and Savannah Peterson, shed light on the transformative power of private 5G and how enterprises can leverage this technology to enhance their operations. (* Disclosure below.)

Why it matters: Bridging connectivity and security

As industries across the globe digitize their operations, worker safety and data security have become paramount concerns. Kyndryl, with its expertise in managing critical infrastructure, and Nokia, a leader in private wireless networks, are combining their strengths to address these challenges. The two companies aim to provide enterprises with a robust end-to-end solution that not only ensures secure and efficient connectivity, but also integrates AI, edge computing and safety applications directly into the operational workflow.

Vellante and Peterson opened the discussion by exploring the real-world implications of private 5G, particularly in areas such as safety and agility. While Vellante highlighted the critical need to protect both data and employees in digitally transformed environments, Peterson brought attention to how private 5G can enhance operational flexibility, offering faster and more reliable connectivity for remote workers and facilities.

“We’re talking about a lot of different edge devices,” Peterson said. “Fifty percent of data is at the edge. I know your edge partnership is really critical and also helpful in this scenario.”

Transforming industry with real-time data and AI

Kyndryl’s role in integrating Nokia’s private 5G solutions into corporate IT environments highlights the future of industrial operations in seamlessly deploying AI and edge technology. These innovations help eliminate paper-based processes and improve worker safety by providing real-time data and automated monitoring. Kyndryl’s global services expertise, combined with Nokia’s wireless technology, delivers a complete solution tailored to each enterprise’s needs, according to Savill.

“Nokia really brings the wireless tech and hardware expertise, and we bring the systems integration that ties everything into the customer’s IT,” Savill said. “That combination means we can deliver a complete, end-to-end solution — whatever the client needs.”

Nokia’s de Lancellotti highlighted the company’s leadership in the private wireless space, emphasizing that the true value of this partnership goes far beyond basic connectivity. By integrating Nokia’s network equipment and edge computing capabilities with Kyndryl’s systems integration, the partnership provides enterprises with a comprehensive solution that addresses security, safety and operational efficiency.

“Connectivity alone is just one part of the story,” de Lancellotti said. “We differentiate by going beyond basic networking — integrating AI, worker safety applications and more at the far edge to solve real business problems.”

Expanding the reach of private 5G

Private 5G networks are already making waves across industries such as oil and gas, mining and manufacturing, where the need for secure, real-time data and communication is crucial. However, deploying private 5G is complex, with varying regulatory environments and the challenge of accurately sizing the market. The panel discussed how these challenges are being addressed and emphasized that consistency and compliance are key when scaling deployments across multiple sites.

The discussion also delved into the role of edge computing and the “far edge.” Edge computing involves processing data close to its source, while the far edge takes it even further, placing compute capabilities directly in the field or facility. This strategy significantly reduces latency, enabling near-real-time data processing and localized decision-making — essential for mission-critical tasks.

AI adoption is becoming increasingly vital in this context, with AI-powered insights enabling enterprises to make faster, more informed decisions. The far-edge approach, according to theCUBE Research analysts, is a game-changer for AI, making it possible to leverage advanced technologies in environments where speed and reliability are critical.

Security and compliance: Navigating the regulatory landscape

As governments worldwide raise the bar on critical infrastructure security, enterprises must update their systems to comply with new regulations. The partnership between Kyndryl and Nokia underscores the importance of integrated solutions that address both security concerns and operational needs. By offering a global approach to systems integration, they help enterprises scale solutions efficiently while ensuring compliance.

Both Savill and de Lancellotti emphasized the continued expansion of private 5G into industries beyond oil and gas and manufacturing. The potential for private 5G extends to sectors such as healthcare, logistics and even smart cities, where connectivity and operational efficiency are crucial for success.

In addition, the future focus of their collaboration lies in leveraging the far edge and AI to deliver even more value to enterprises. While stable connectivity remains the foundation, the next frontier is to enable enhanced applications that improve safety, security and overall operational intelligence.

The bottom line: A digital revolution in the making

Private 5G and edge computing are no longer abstract concepts — they are actively reshaping industries by providing secure, efficient and scalable solutions that address the evolving needs of critical infrastructure. As enterprises face increasing pressure from regulatory requirements and the demand for faster, more reliable systems, those who adopt integrated solutions — infused with AI and edge computing capabilities — will be well-positioned to lead in the next phase of digital transformation, according to theCUBE Research analysts.

Kyndryl and Nokia’s partnership exemplifies how complementary strengths in technology and services can drive real business outcomes. As regulatory pressures mount and technology evolves, the companies’ focus on AI, safety and operational intelligence is set to play a critical role in helping enterprises unlock new levels of productivity and security in an increasingly connected world.

Here’s theCUBE’s full video interview with Savill and de Lancellotti:

(* Disclosure: Kyndryl Inc. sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither Kyndryl nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE