Nokia Plans Shift in Private 5G Strategy Amid Growth in Private Networking Market
Nokia is planning to sell its enterprise and campus edge business to focus on mission-critical private networking, as new CEO Justin Rotard aims to secure larger contracts while still supporting campus deployments through partners. This strategic shift comes amid significant growth in the private 5G market, which added approximately 1,300 projects in 2025 and is projected to exceed $7.2 billion in spending by 2028. Analysts expect this narrower focus to influence growth rates for Nokia's private wireless business compared to competitors like Ericsson.
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In late November 2025, Nokia announced a potential sale of its enterprise and campus edge business to concentrate on mission-critical private networking. This decision follows a review period for the campus business.
New CEO Justin Rotard aims to pursue larger contracts despite still providing equipment for campus deployments through partners. AT&T's controversial proposal to auction the 3.5 GHz band for 5G services, impacting the CBRS, has garnered mixed reactions, although the Department of Defense supports it.
The private 5G sector experienced substantial growth, adding approximately 1,300 projects in 2025, with projections for spending to exceed $7.2 billion by 2028. Notable entrants like HPE are emerging, while Ericsson continues to secure various private network agreements, positioning itself differently from Nokia's focused strategy. Analysts anticipate a shift in growth rates for Nokia's private wireless business due to its narrower focus.
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