Just over seven weeks until the GSMA throws open the doors for Mobile World Congress, which is still the most influential and prestigious event in the telecoms industry with more than 101,000 attendees and 2700+ exhibitors, sponsors and partners expected from 205 countries.

In last week’s blog we talked about why Santa needs a Private Network (aka NPN) - and Telecom26’s global mobile data connectivity service. In short, so that he can run a fully digitised, automated operation that covers his toy factory, warehouse and distribution centre.

2024 was a year of growth and innovation for Telecom26’s global mobile data connectivity services with more customers than ever before, innovative and impactful product launches, and new and expanded global partnerships.

Telecom26’s team of global mobile data connectivity experts is busy preparing new Private Network packages for both land and sea customers which will be launched early next year. (Also known as Non-Public Networks or NPNs, in the context of mobile).

As we have explained in this ongoing series, private networks (or NPNs, as they are correctly called in the context of mobile) are typically deployed for two primary reasons. First, to provide dedicated connectivity in a specific location, with tightly defined performance characteristics. Second, to shift processing resources to the source of demand to support applications that require lower latency than can be delivered by a public mobile network.

Last year we wrote a blog Starlink, Telecom26 and maritime connectivity about how our global mobile data connectivity team had received an urgent ‘Please Help Me’ call from a shipping company. Despite Starlink’s global reach, there are still some areas where it doesn’t yet have coverage. You can see all Starlink’s dark countries in the map on its website. And, these gaps can shift, as some regulators enforce a change in policy. 

Last time, we dived into the topic of non-public networks, focusing on mobility aspects and the new capabilities brought by advanced mobile technology (e.g. 5G SA) that will drive a host of new use cases and deployments. Now, let’s look at what makes this kind of private network different from others with which you might be familiar.

How do your team stay connected while they’re abroad for work? The smart companies are moving away from using their domestic operator for roaming or buying local SIM cards or relying on Wi-Fi hotspots.

Next week Telecom26’s Jake Picache will be attending Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global which takes place in his home city of Manila in The Philippines.