Private LTE gives businesses their own secure, high-performance mobile network. It offers stronger coverage than Wi-Fi and more control than public cellular. At Meter, we use a neutral host CBRS setup to deliver private LTE where reliability and privacy matter most.

This post will guide you through everything you need to know about private LTE.

What is private LTE?

Private LTE is a wireless network that only your business can use.

Think of it like a smaller, private version of a phone carrier’s network. Devices connect using SIM cards, so only approved ones get access. Each device connects to your own radios and core network right on site.

We install everything for you—radios, SIMs, and the core system. Data can stay local or move through your wired or Wi-Fi networks if needed.

In the U.S., most private LTE runs on CBRS, or Citizens Broadband Radio Service. The CBRS uses the 3.5 GHz band and doesn’t require expensive spectrum licenses. If your business needs extra performance or less interference, licensed spectrum is also an option.

Private LTE vs. public LTE

The following chart summarizes the biggest differences in features between private vs. public LTE setups:

Because a private LTE works like a private version of a mobile carrier’s network, you’re not relying on public towers. A private LTE network gives you stronger privacy, more control, and better predictability than public LTE.

Instead, we build the full network on your property. That includes radios, SIM provisioning, and the mobile core. You can route traffic through your wired or enterprise Wi-Fi network if needed, or you can keep it fully separate.

In the U.S., most private LTE systems use CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service). CBRS gives access to the 3.5 GHz band without buying licensed spectrum. That lowers costs and speeds up deployment. Licensed spectrum is also available for businesses that want more control or need to avoid interference.

Public LTE is shared with everyone in your area. Devices compete for bandwidth, and signal quality changes during busy hours. Carriers also control how data moves, which tools you can use, and how much it costs.

Private LTE avoids all of that. You own the radios, the SIM cards, and the network. Traffic stays inside your system unless you decide to send it out. That leads to more stable connections and more privacy.

We’ve seen private LTE work well in places like logistics yards, where devices need to stay connected across wide areas. Location privacy and real-time data control matter, and public LTE doesn’t always deliver.

Benefits of private LTE for businesses

Private LTE gives businesses more control, stronger coverage, and more reliable performance than Wi-Fi. We use it in places where Wi-Fi can’t keep up and public LTE isn’t private enough. Let’s break down what it offers.

Security and control

Private LTE gives you full control over devices, access, and data in all these ways:

• SIM-based authentication: Every device needs a SIM card to join the network. This adds a strong layer of security. Open Wi-Fi networks or shared passwords don’t offer the same protection.
• Isolation from public networks: Traffic stays off the public internet unless you choose to route it out. That matters in places where sensitive data needs to stay private.
• Data stays on-site: Traffic can stay within your local network or cloud. We help define those boundaries so that they fit your network security needs.
• Custom access rules: You can create access rules per device, block unwanted traffic, and see usage over time—without dealing with a carrier.

Performance

Private LTE keeps speeds steady and latency low, even when many devices are online. Here are the key ways it boosts performance:

• High bandwidth: It supports large amounts of data for video, voice, sensors, and more. Warehouses and logistics sites rely on this for cameras, scanning, and mobile tools.
• Low latency: Robots and machines that need fast response times perform better on LTE. We regularly see delays under 50 milliseconds.
• Fewer signal issues: CBRS channels are managed to reduce interference. Nearby systems won’t knock your signal offline.
• More stable than Wi-Fi: Often you’ll find that Wi-Fi slows down in crowded or reflective spaces. Private LTE avoids those issues with its own dedicated spectrum.

Coverage and mobility

Private LTE works well across wide areas, indoors and out, with all these features:

• Longer range than Wi-Fi: Each radio covers several hundred feet. LTE signals also travel through walls and metal more effectively than Wi-Fi.
• No dropped connections: Devices can move across your site without disconnecting. Workers and equipment stay online the whole time.
• Indoor and outdoor coverage: One LTE network can cover buildings, lots, and open areas. We’ve set it up in warehouses where Wi-Fi failed between loading bays and racks.
• Always on the same system: Devices don’t roam between carriers or networks. Everything runs on your private setup.

Scalability and device management

Private LTE connects more devices than Wi-Fi without slowing down. Consider these advantages for supporting more devices:

• Hundreds of connections per cell: Each LTE radio supports a large number of active devices. That’s useful in places with scanners, tablets, cameras, and sensors all online at once.
• No performance drop-off: Wi-Fi often slows after 50 users. LTE keeps going, even in high-density areas like industrial sites with warehouse Wi-Fi.
• Easy device tracking: SIM cards help you manage who’s connected. You can activate, pause, or remove devices as needed.
• Centralized control: When paired with enterprise devices, your LTE network runs from a single dashboard. Everything’s visible in one place.

Uptime and reliability

Private LTE is designed to run consistently without interruption due to:

• Carrier-grade gear: It uses the same tech as mobile carriers. The system includes backups and checks to keep everything online.
• No outside traffic: Your spectrum is yours alone. You don’t share it with cafes, offices, or neighbors like you would with Wi-Fi.
• Traffic splitting: You can separate video, voice, and control signals into different “lanes” to make sure key data stays fast.
• Dedicated performance: No one else uses your spectrum. Speeds and reliability don’t change based on what’s happening around you.

Private LTE vs. other wireless options

Not all wireless networks offer the same features. Some are better for tight indoor spaces. Others are built for wide areas or higher security needs. 

See this chart to compare the features of private LTE with other wireless options:

Wi-Fi 7 offers better speeds and handles traffic more efficiently than Wi-Fi 6. However, it still shares the same short-range, open-band limitations.

Private LTE covers more ground and doesn’t compete for airspace with other networks. Public LTE works across cities, but performance depends on the carrier and nearby users.

We’ve helped businesses combine Wi-Fi and private LTE to get the best of both. Each has a place, depending on the layout and demands of your site.

When does private LTE make sense?

Private LTE works well when Wi-Fi struggles or public LTE doesn’t offer enough control.

Industrial sites and smart factories

Factories often have thick walls, heavy machinery, and moving parts that weaken Wi-Fi signals. Devices like robots, scanners, and control systems need constant, reliable connections to do their jobs. Private LTE keeps them connected across large floors and metal structures. A single LTE network can support safety systems, machine tools, and mobile gear without slowdowns.

Large campuses or logistics yards

Many business campuses and yards cover more ground than Wi-Fi can reach. Staff, vehicles, and gear often move between buildings or across open areas. Private LTE allows smooth handoffs between radios, so nothing disconnects in transit. There’s no need to constantly adjust Wi-Fi or switch between networks.

Warehouses with AGVs or sensors

Warehouses with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and IoT sensors depend on steady, site-wide connectivity. Wi-Fi may not handle coverage gaps between shelves or through thick storage racks. Private LTE delivers strong, reliable coverage across the entire floor. It also supports hundreds of devices without interference or signal loss.

Venues, ports, or energy facilities

Crowded venues and industrial zones often block signals or experience frequent congestion. Managing device access through SIM cards helps avoid traffic from public users. Private LTE creates a controlled environment where only trusted devices connect. This is useful for secure operations and staff coordination across large or restricted zones.

Remote or low-connectivity environments

Some areas don’t have fiber or stable broadband. Public LTE may also be weak or unreliable in those locations. Private LTE can connect to the internet through LTE backhaul and still provide strong local coverage. With CBRS, businesses can build networks in places that carriers don’t support.

Key considerations for deployment

Before launching private LTE, plan for spectrum, infrastructure, and network integration.

Spectrum options

In the U.S., CBRS is a flexible choice with shared priority access. Licensed LTE bands provide exclusivity for critical use cases.

Infrastructure requirements

You’ll need radios, SIM provisioning, and an evolved packet core (EPC). At Meter, we manage the full installation for you.

Integration with wired and Wi-Fi networks

Private LTE works best when integrated with enterprise Wi-Fi systems and network infrastructure. LTE can offload dense traffic from Wi-Fi while keeping management centralized.

Device compatibility

Only LTE-compatible devices can connect. Many enterprise tablets, handhelds, and industrial modules already support CBRS.

Management and monitoring

You’ll want a system that offers real-time status, provisioning, and alerts. We provide unified tools to handle everything from one screen.

Frequently asked questions

Is private LTE more secure than Wi-Fi?

Yes, private LTE uses SIM-based authentication and isolates traffic from the public internet.

Can I use CBRS for private LTE?

Yes, CBRS allows enterprises to operate private LTE networks without needing full licensed spectrum.

What equipment is needed to deploy private LTE?

You need radios, a local EPC, SIM cards, and management software. We handle every part of that setup.

How does private LTE handle interference?

CBRS uses a dynamic allocation system to reduce conflict. It’s more stable than open-band Wi-Fi.

Can I integrate private LTE with existing enterprise networks?

Meter Cellular connects LTE to your wired and wireless infrastructure and manages it as part of the overall system.

Is private LTE expensive to deploy?

Private LTE costs more than Wi-Fi upfront, but it delivers stronger performance and lower long-term maintenance.

Future-proof your wireless infrastructure with Meter Connect

Meter Connect delivers secure, scalable ISP connections that are designed to grow with your business and all types of networks. But our service doesn't stop at the line. Our approach includes installation and ongoing support, so you’re not left to figure out a new connection on your own.

Meter then goes a step further with Meter Cellular that brings private LTE to businesses that need secure, reliable indoor coverage without extra overhead. Plus, our vertically integrated networks take routine networking tasks—like maintenance and monitoring—off your IT team’s to-do list. Instead of spending time troubleshooting, your team can focus on the bigger picture.

With Meter, you get more than connectivity. You get a partner who adapts to your needs and keeps your business moving with high-performance solutions tailored just for you. 

Request a quote from us today on Meter Connect.