Amazon Web Services has announced the general availability of AWS Private 5G, a managed service that helps enterprises set up and scale private mobile networks in their facilities in less time. Using the AWS Management Console, customers can specify the location of a mobile network and the number of devices to be connected. AWS then delivers and maintains the small cell radio unit, the mobile network core and radio access network (RAN) software, and the subscriber identity modules (SIM cards) required to set up a private mobile network and connect devices. AWS Private 5G automates the setup and deployment of the network.
Mobile network technology, such as 4G/LTE and 5G, augments existing networks with higher bandwidth, lower latency and reliable long-range coverage to an increasing number of devices. With AWS Private 5G, private mobile networks can be set up to take advantage of the technological benefits of 4G/LTE, which it currently supports, or 5G while maintaining the security and granular application and device controls of a private network.
AWS Private 5G aims to address the networking challenges that come with increased video content, new applications requiring ultra-low latency connectivity to end-user devices and thousands of smart IoT devices that demand extended coverage, more capacity, better reliability, and robust security and access control.
AWS says no upfront fees or per-device costs are incurred with AWS Private 5G, apart from the cost of requested network capacity. Each radio unit is billed at $10 per hour, with a 60-day minimum. Current private mobile network pricing models charge for each connected device, making it costly for each additional connected device.
AWS Private 5G uses the Citizens Broadband Radio Service’s (CBRS) Generally Authorized Access (GAA) spectrum tier in the US. AWS Private 5G integrates with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), which helps to securely access and manage AWS services and resources, including all devices connected to your AWS Private 5G network. AWS Private 5G publishes metrics to Amazon CloudWatch for network health visibility. In CloudWatch, customers can query metrics for AWS Private 5G resources, including network status, the number of connected access points, or SIMs, and usage, such as the uplink and downlink traffic broken down by network, access point or SIM.
AWS Private 5G is currently available in the following AWS Regions: US East (Ohio), US East (N. Virginia) and US West (Oregon).
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