Industry leaders have established the 5G Operational Technology Alliance (5G-OT Alliance), a network owner-led initiative aimed at enhancing the secure and efficient integration of private 5G and LTE networks within operational technology (OT) settings. This Alliance is unique in its approach, as it places decision-making power firmly in the hands of network owners, fostering impartial knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation.
www.eenewseurope.com, May. 14, 2025 –
The primary objective of the 5G-OT Alliance is to expedite the adoption of private 5G and LTE networks in OT environments. By fostering collaboration, empowering innovation, and driving market transformation, the Alliance aims to inspire and shape the future of OT, maximising the capabilities of 5G to revolutionise industries, enhance connectivity, and create smarter, more efficient, and secure global operations. Its vision encapsulates a connected, intelligent, and secure industrial future.
Looking ahead, the Alliance envisions that private 5G and LTE will significantly transform industrial operations by enabling real-time data usage for automation and faster decision-making, thereby increasing efficiency. Enhanced security measures will safeguard crucial systems, reducing risks. Intelligent connectivity will optimise resource usage, paving the way for sustainable practices, while flexible networks will adapt to evolving industry needs. Through best practices and the development of concrete use cases, the Alliance seeks to unlock the full potential of private 5G, fostering smarter, more efficient, and secure industries worldwide.
“The 5G-OT Alliance is uniquely positioned to accelerate the adoption of private 5G by focusing on practical, real-world use cases,” explains Tripp Winkler, Executive Director of the 5G-OT Alliance. “We are bringing together network owners to share knowledge and drive innovation, ensuring that private 5G solutions are tailored to the specific needs of industrial operations. This member-led focus will be the key to our success.”
Industry 4.0 promises automation, real-time data analysis, and interconnected systems, all reliant on strong wireless connectivity. Private 5G and LTE networks are crucial for providing the low latency, high bandwidth, and secure communications necessary for these advanced industrial applications. The Alliance facilitates collaboration among network owners on private 5G and LTE deployments, addressing Industry 4.0’s challenges and opportunities by focusing on practical use cases, sharing best practices, and ensuring operator-led governance. This approach enables industries to harness private networks, shaping the future of connected industrial operations.
Michael Krumay, Head of Technics at Hamburger Containerboard, notes, “Private 5G enables us to unlock new levels of connectivity and automation in our operational processes and is a key enabler for optimisation. The 5G-OT Alliance will play a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring seamless integration of 5G technologies.”
Deploying private 5G and LTE networks is complex and poses significant barriers to entry that hinder operators’ ability to capitalise on the transformative potential of Industry 4.0. The 5G-OT Alliance addresses this issue by creating standardised use cases, implementation guides, and security frameworks tailored to OT needs. This operator-led approach ensures practical and relevant solutions, enabling smaller industrial operations to leverage private networks and join the Industry 4.0 revolution. Through collective efforts, the Alliance promotes broader industry participation, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
Steven Werbrouck, 5G Technical Lead at BASF Antwerp, states, “BASF is committed to leveraging advanced technologies to drive operational excellence and sustainability. The 5G-OT Alliance provides a platform for us to collaborate with industry partners and accelerate the adoption of secure and reliable private 5G networks in our manufacturing facilities.”
OneLayer offers vital expertise in tackling the unique challenges of industrial 5G deployments. Dave Mor, Co-Founder and CEO of OneLayer, emphasises, “Securing and managing devices connected to private 5G networks in OT environments is paramount. Tthe establishment of the 5G-OT Alliance will strengthen the adoption of private 5G networks so members can confidently embrace this transformative technology.”