What a private 5G network costs depends less on the radios than on everything around them: the core, the design work, the installation and, above all, who runs the network after day one. This guide breaks down the cost drivers and shows how autonomous private 5G changes them.
The short answer
For traditionally built private cellular networks, Resolution Wireless’s 2026 cost guide puts deployments between $50,000 for small, targeted sites and over $1 million for multi-campus enterprises, with annual operating costs of 15 to 20 percent of the initial investment. Autonomous private 5G removes much of what drives that cost. EdgeNectar’s private 5G is priced comparably to Wi-Fi: it ships pre-configured, needs no site survey or specialist installation, and runs without a dedicated network team.
The five cost drivers
Core network
The core is the software that authenticates devices and routes traffic. EdgeNectar delivers it as software-as-a-service under a three-year license, with both cloud and on-premises deployment options.
Radios and access points
Radio hardware is the most visible cost. According to Resolution Wireless, a single 5G base station can cost between $100,000 and $200,000, while 5G small cells typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 per site. How many you need depends on the area: with Edge-20 5G, a single access point covers up to 30,000 sq ft.
Site survey and design
A traditional deployment starts with surveying and designing the network around the building, whose size, geometry and materials Resolution Wireless counts among the biggest drivers of total project cost. EdgeNectar systems ship pre-configured, so no site survey is required. For the full process, see how to deploy a private 5G network.
Installation and integration
Physical installation and electrical work typically account for 20 to 30 percent of the total project budget, according to Resolution Wireless. EdgeNectar systems need no specialist installation and are live in 10 minutes.
Ongoing operation and staffing
Operation is the cost that keeps coming back. Resolution Wireless puts annual operating expenses at 15 to 20 percent of the initial investment. With autonomous private 5G, no dedicated network team is needed: AIDEN (Artificial Intelligence Delivery Edge Network), EdgeNectar’s patent-protected Edge AI engine, monitors, predicts and corrects the network 24/7.
Why traditional private 5G has been expensive
Traditional private 5G has typically needed telecom specialists or managed services to deploy and run. That means paying for expert design and installation up front, then for specialist staff or a managed service for as long as the network runs.
How autonomous private 5G changes the cost
Autonomous private 5G takes the specialist work out of each stage. The system ships pre-configured, so there is no site survey or specialist installation, and it is live in 10 minutes. After that, AIDEN runs the network, so no dedicated network team is needed. The architecture also scales from 100 to 100,000 connected devices without changing platform, so growth does not mean starting over. See EdgeNectar’s solutions.
Private 5G vs Wi-Fi: total cost
EdgeNectar’s private 5G is priced comparably to Wi-Fi, and Edge-20 5G has up to 30% lower total cost of ownership than enterprise-grade Wi-Fi. For the full comparison on coverage, moving devices, security and staffing, see private 5G vs Wi-Fi.
How to get a quote
EdgeNectar does not publish a single flat rate, because pricing depends on your site size, hardware needs and deployment model. EdgeNectar sells through channel partners and system integrators, with online demo, ordering and technical support. Tell us about your site to get a quote.
FAQ
How much does a private 5G network cost?
For traditionally built private cellular networks, Resolution Wireless puts deployments between $50,000 for small, targeted sites and over $1 million for multi-campus enterprises. EdgeNectar’s autonomous private 5G is priced comparably to Wi-Fi, and the exact price depends on site size, hardware needs and deployment model.
What are the ongoing costs of private 5G?
For traditionally built networks, Resolution Wireless puts annual operating costs at 15 to 20 percent of the initial investment, covering everything from software updates to 24/7 network monitoring. With autonomous private 5G, AIDEN monitors, predicts and corrects the network 24/7, so no dedicated network team is needed.
Is private 5G more expensive than Wi-Fi?
Not with EdgeNectar. Its private 5G is priced comparably to Wi-Fi, and Edge-20 5G has up to 30% lower total cost of ownership than enterprise-grade Wi-Fi.
How is EdgeNectar licensed?
EdgeNectar is a software-as-a-service platform sold under a three-year license through channel partners and system integrators.