Give Me 5 - Embracing Private 5G Network Connectivity

Embracing The New Age of Private 5G Network Connectivity

Why Your Business Can't Afford to Miss Out

From real-time data at your fingertips to intelligent decision-making, Private Cellular Network technology is no longer just a convenience—it’s the backbone of our connected society. As more industries adopt these innovations, new ways emerge to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and meet evolving sustainability goals. Private 5G Network solutions transform organisations across sectors, enabling smarter, safer, and more sustainable operations while empowering businesses to manage data closer to the source.

Modular technologies, including IoT sensors, AI-assisted Computer Vision, and Edge Computing, provide robust and secure connectivity environments at the heart of this transformation.

In this ‘Give Me 5’ Interview, we sit down with John O’Rourke, Business Development Manager at Clarke Connect, to explore the key technologies powering this shift. John shares his insights and explores the increasing adoption of Private 5G Networks. Businesses embrace the ability to manage data close to the source and unlock possibilities for flexible, data-driven operations.

#1

Exploring Private 5G Networks

Thanks for joining us, John, can you explain what makes Private 5G so essential today?

John: Thanks, and of course, I’m delighted to share my thoughts and experiences with our audiences.

Private 5G Network technology is really about enabling organisations to connect, collect, and act on data without the physical limitations of cables or fixed connections. This flexibility is invaluable today, providing real-time communication and data transfer, regardless of where people, equipment, or systems are.

From high-traffic environments like hospitals, warehouses, transport hubs and factories to remote project sites, Private 5G Networks open up a world of possibilities for data gathering and operational control.

What makes the systems and technology so impactful is versatility. It enables us to create networks that scale up or down depending on specific needs, making it ideal for dynamic environments. By implementing Private 5G Networks, businesses can deploy connected devices—like IoT sensors or high-definition cameras. These devices continuously gather data, allowing teams to remotely monitor environmental conditions and comply with health and safety without being on-site or tied to physical infrastructure. This flexibility gives everyone insight and control, which wasn’t possible before.

The instantaneous delivery of information ensures that businesses and people can keep pace with the world around us. The decision to embrace and implement Private 5G Networks may range from enhancing productivity, safety, and even sustainability. Still, the overarching reason is to have a more connected, seamless and accessible structure for digital information collection, monitoring and knowledge to act upon.

#2

Key Technological Building Blocks

Thanks John, that's helpful. Could you explain the core technologies driving these networks?

John: Absolutely. Each of these components adds a unique dimension, and together, they form a modular system that people can tailor to specific needs. At the core of this ecosystem is the 5G Private Network, which acts as the high-speed, secure backbone connecting all the other technologies.

Unlike public networks, a private cellular network offers enhanced security, control, and bandwidth, enabling organisations to customise their connectivity for mission-critical operations. This dedicated network is especially beneficial for industries that need secure, real-time data handling across large sites or remote locations, such as commercial and industrial locations, transport hubs including ports and the rail network, manufacturing, and healthcare. Let’s look at each of the core technologies.

IoT Sensors Icon

IoT Sensors

IoT sensors are essentially the eyes and ears of the network. We can place these sensors almost anywhere to monitor everything from temperature, air quality and noise to asset performance and operational efficiency. For project managers and on-site teams, IoT sensors provide a continuous flow of real-time data that helps track conditions, predict maintenance needs, and ensure compliance with safety standards—all without being physically present.

AI-assisted Computer Vision

AI-assisted Computer Vision

AI-assisted Computer Vision takes things a step further by making sense of video data in a way that was previously only possible through human interaction. With AI-driven analysis, we can monitor security, detect movements or safety risks, and even assess worker compliance with health and safety standards. This technology also excels in manufacturing environments, ensuring quality control by automating defect detection, component measurement, and dimensional inspection on production lines. In the healthcare sector, AI-assisted Computer Vision supports medical imaging by interpreting X-rays, MRIs, and other scans, as well as enabling advanced applications like cell counting and analysis in microscopy, remote patient monitoring, and fall detection. The technology is an incredibly powerful tool, allowing for proactive responses and identifying and addressing risks or inefficiencies as they occur. This capability is invaluable for improving industry efficiency, safety, and accuracy.

Edge Computing

Edge Computing

Processing data closer to the source means we don’t need to rely on centralised data centres. The proximity enables faster analysis and decision-making. This technique is especially valuable in real-time operations in sectors like utilities or transportation. It also addresses challenges with generative AI, which processes massive data sets. Handling AI computations using Edge Computing bypasses latency and bandwidth constraints that come with sending large volumes of data to the cloud.

Edge Computing offers stronger data governance and security. By keeping sensitive information local, organisations reduce vulnerability to external breaches, maintain regulatory compliance, and align more closely with evolving privacy standards.

Consider sectors and organisations that gather, process and manage volumes of critical data: Government and Public Sector, Energy and Utilities, Aerospace and Defence, Telecommunications and Retail and E-commerce, amongst many more; data governance is essential, and Private 5G Networks are providing seamless connectivity, and security for these sectors.

These technologies form a powerful ecosystem that is far more impactful together than each component alone. At the heart of this ecosystem is the Private 5G Network, supporting vast amounts of data and allowing for customisable connectivity. The result is a dynamic network that can evolve with the organisation’s needs, offering real-time insight and action that keep operations safe, efficient, and responsive.

It’s not just a collection of systems; it’s a responsive, data-driven framework transforming how businesses operate in complex and fast-paced environments.

#3

Beyond Wi-Fi: The Difference

We often hear about Wi-Fi, Private Cellular Networks and Private 5G Networks. Can you explain their differences?

John: “That’s a fantastic question and one that often comes up in conversations we have when organisations are exploring options for their connectivity needs. At first glance, Wi-Fi, Private Cellular Networks and Private 5G Networks serve the same purpose—providing wireless connectivity. However, when we look closer, we see significant differences, particularly in robustness, stability, and security.

Traditionally, the system design of Wi-Fi networks was for local, consumer-scale applications. They operate on an unlicensed spectrum, meaning multiple devices and users can share the same frequencies, sometimes leading to interference and congestion in high-demand environments. While Wi-Fi is convenient for some applications, it becomes less reliable and secure in larger, more complex environments.

In contrast, Private Cellular Networks operate on a licensed spectrum, ensuring a dedicated, interference-free communication channel. This configuration alone makes them far more stable and reliable than Wi-Fi. But stability is just one aspect. Private 5G Networks, as a next-generation form of Private Cellular Networks, provide superior speed, ultra-low latency, and enhanced scalability. This functionality makes them more robust and efficient for demanding, data-intensive environments.

For example, imagine a government agency responsible for national security needing to coordinate operations across a large-scale critical infrastructure site, such as a border checkpoint or disaster response area. These sites require real-time monitoring of multiple high-definition surveillance cameras and environmental IoT devices with the ability to securely transmit classified communications between field agents and command centres.

A Wi-Fi network would struggle to manage the demands of such a high-stakes environment, particularly with the risk of interference, limited coverage, and insufficient security protocols. However, a Private 5G Network excels by providing a dedicated, high-speed, and interference-free communication channel.

The network’s robust encryption ensures sensitive data remains secure, while its low latency and high reliability enable rapid decision-making and seamless coordination across teams.

Security is another critical distinction where this level of security is non-negotiable for businesses handling sensitive data—whether patient records in healthcare, financial transactions, or intellectual property.

Private 5G Networks also bring flexibility and scalability to the table. We can tailor them to meet an individual organisation’s needs with modular capabilities that evolve with your business.

At Clarke Connect, we’re using Private 5G Networks to transform operations across many sectors. It’s more than connectivity—it’s creating a resilient, future-ready framework for organisations and situations.”

#4

Green Goals and Private 5G Networks

How can Private 5G Networks help us meet sustainability targets?

John: “Quite simply, significantly. Private 5G Network technology is transformative in helping industries meet sustainability and carbon reduction targets. One of the most impactful ways it does this is by enabling remote monitoring and data collection, drastically reducing the need for on-site visits and travel.

By cutting down on travel, organisations can measurably lower their carbon footprint. Instead of deploying teams to travel the length and breadth of the UK, checking on equipment or monitoring environmental conditions, Private 5G Network technology collects and transmits real-time data that teams can analyse and act upon from any location.

A great example of this is our recent work with Network Rail on the Hague Bar embankment project. This site faced unique challenges, from environmental impact concerns to community disruption risks, while ensuring the safety of the workers, the site, and the neighbouring public. To address these, we deployed IoT sensors to monitor factors like noise levels and air quality, which helped Network Rail meet environmental standards and minimise disturbance to residents.

This system reduced the need for on-site personnel. It supported round-the-clock monitoring, all of which aligned with Network Rail’s sustainability objectives by reducing the number of physical site visits and lowering emissions​.

Additionally, our AI-driven camera systems added another layer of environmental stewardship. These cameras allowed Network Rail to monitor site activity 24/7, minimising safety risks. Data was processed on-site by connecting these components through Edge Computing, enabling real-time decision-making. The systems and approach provided enhanced levels of information and reporting while supporting Network Rail’s broader sustainability goals.

By embracing these technologies, organisations can be more proactive with environmental monitoring while keeping operations productive and efficient. It’s not just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about creating more intelligent systems that align with long-term sustainability goals, ultimately supporting the business, the public and the environment.”

#5

Getting Started with Private 5G

John, how should companies begin, and how can Clarke Connect help?

John: ” Firstly, for anyone looking to integrate 5G Private Network technology into their organisation, assets and operations, Clarke Connect and our experienced people have the knowledge to support you. Adopting Private 5G Network technology isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about assessing, designing solutions, and creating a tailored ecosystem that addresses specific needs.

Whether enhancing safety, increasing operational efficiency or supporting sustainability goals, we collaborate with clients and leading 5G Private Network service provider partners. Understanding the needs allows us to determine which components will provide the most value.

Ensuring the infrastructure is scalable is crucial, allowing the technology to grow as needs evolve. Creating a modular multi-layered system that adapts to environments and industry challenges makes your systems future-proof.

Together, working closely with telecommunication, connectivity and cyber security partners, we guide organisations through every stage, from initial assessment to full deployment and supporting ongoing maintenance.

We’ve worked with companies across many sectors, bringing a wealth of experience designing robust, practical and innovative Private 5G Network ecosystems.

Ultimately, our goal is to support the connectivity needs of the UK with essential, robust and secure connectivity. We’re committed to ensuring our clients benefit fully from these transformative technologies.”

To explore how Private 5G Network technology can add value to your organisation, you can contact John via john.o'rourke@clarke-connect.com

Discover how we supported Network Rail in detail by visiting our project case study.

Visit Case Study

Exploring the Evolution of Mobile Connectivity and Clarke Telecom's Role in 5G and Beyond!

Exploring the Evolution of Mobile Connectivity and Clarke Telecom's Role In 5G and Beyond!

Mobile connectivity has come a long way, from the analogue signals of 1G to the digital breakthrough of 2G. 3G brought the mobile internet to life, while 4G introduced and unlocked a high-speed experience for streaming video and real-time gaming. Each generation of mobile telecom has transformed how we communicate, interact, and access information, laying the groundwork for today’s 5G revolution.  With 5G deployments in the UK starting to reach critical mass and network operators enabling “True” 5G Stand Alone (SA) capabilities, the eagerly anticipated benefits of the latest generation of technology are starting to be realised.

As 5G deployment accelerates across the UK, both upgrading existing infrastructure and deploying new sites are crucial, and at the forefront of this is Clarke Telecom.

This article explores our pivotal role in advancing the industry with telecom mast upgrades, greenfield site enablement, street works and small-cell technology. We deliver the infrastructure to support the UK’s drive to a better-connected society.

Clarke Telecom: Powering the Future of 5G Connectivity

At Clarke Telecom, we collaborate with leading mobile network operators, telecommunication companies, commercial enterprises, and public bodies to design, build, and maintain essential connectivity infrastructure while enabling innovative 5G applications. With our expertise ranging from delivering large-scale telecom projects to small private network deployments and everything in between, we’re a trusted partner driving 5G upgrades across the UK.

Watch our Video Below

The Importance of Infrastructure in the 5G Era

The jump from 4G to 5G is more than a generational leap in speed – it’s a revolution in capability. 5G requires a denser and more distributed network infrastructure compared to previous generations. This infrastructure includes tower upgrades, thousands of new base stations, small cells, and enhanced street-level equipment to:

  • Deliver Ultra-Low Latency: 5G’s promise of near-instantaneous response times relies on advanced infrastructure.
  • Support Higher Device Density: More base stations and small cell installations are needed to connect the ever-increasing number of devices.
  • Manage Increased Data Traffic: The data demands of video streaming, cloud computing, and IoT applications require high-capacity, scalable solutions.

Strong collaboration between industry and local authorities keeps digital infrastructure deployment aligned with technological advancements. Planning frameworks need to be more flexible and responsive, and build programmes need to be executed efficiently, enabling quicker uptake of 5G technology and full-fibre networks. This acceleration will unlock the potential of emerging commerce and societal benefits, such as industrial automation, advanced data analytics enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities and public safety applications.

Discovering Clarke Telecom's Industry Expertise

The rapid development of 5G networking marks an exciting new chapter. But bringing it to life requires industry expertise. We’re leading the way in:

Street Works

Throughout the UK, we’re deploying and maintaining essential street-level infrastructure like masts and base stations, ensuring high-quality mobile service coverage.

Small Cell Technology

Small cell infrastructure is essential to 5G networks, providing localised coverage and enabling high data speeds. Our small cell networks installation and maintenance services are supporting the densification required by 5G.

Rural Connectivity

Through initiatives like the Shared Rural Network, we're supporting projects to reduce the digital divide, ensuring that even the most remote areas in the UK benefit from enhanced mobile coverage, essential for social inclusion and economic development.

End-to-end Project Management

From initial site surveys to planning, design, construction, and maintenance, we provide complete telecom infrastructure support solutions to the industry. Our extensive experience managing diverse projects ensures network operators and mobile infrastructure asset managers can meet current and future demands.

The 5G Revolution is Well Advanced, but what's next?

The rollout of 5G is not just a technological upgrade but a critical transformation. However, the telecom and connectivity sector never stands still.  The rapid adoption of AI and machine learning at scale is already beginning to reshape network traffic patterns, and sustainability considerations are driving more efficient ways of deploying and operating mobile networks, while government investment in 5G innovation projects is accelerating the emergence of new use cases.

Explore More Content

Project Case Study – Intelligent Wireless Network
Click here

Service Capabilities – discover how our expertise can support your projects and assets
Click here

Mobile connectivity has always been a transformative force from the early days of mobile voice communication to the ultra-fast, data-driven world of 5G. As we step into the future, building, upgrading, and maintaining today’s and tomorrow’s networks is essential to meet the growing demands of a connected society.

At Clarke Telecom, we’re proud to drive this transformation and excited about what comes next.


Clarke Telecom Earns Place in Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index for 2024

Clarke Telecom Earns Place in Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index for 2024

A Commitment to Inclusivity

At Clarke Telecom, inclusivity lies at the heart of our operation. We provide accessible recruitment practices and support staff throughout their employment, and we’re proud of the steps we’ve taken to ensure fairness and equality for everyone on our team.

“It is our priority that we provide a workplace where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive,” said Rachael Stanner, Head of HR at Clarke Telecom. “We focus on meaningful actions that allow everyone to contribute, grow, and thrive.”

One example of this is through our Applicant Tracking Career Portal. The portal we launched earlier this year streamlines recruitment while prioritising accessibility. Thinking about the User Experience ensures applicants from all backgrounds can apply, review job opportunities, and engage with us.

“The Applicant Tracking Career Portal is a game-changer,” added Rachael. “By making the process more accessible and inclusive, we attract more candidates and find the best talent from diverse experiences.”

Celebrating the Team

Developing the inclusive culture that has led to this recognition is a credit to our employees.

Rachael commented, “This award reflects our incredible team at Clarke Telecom. Their openness, collaboration, and shared commitment to the principles of FREDIE make achievements like this possible. We are building a workplace that supports and celebrates everyone’s unique strengths, and I am proud to be a part of that team.”

We’re committed to continuing with efforts to enhance workplace diversity and inclusivity. Being in the Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index is a milestone and a motivator to push further, ensuring we remain leaders in demonstrating equality and belonging in every action and decision.

To learn more about the Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index, visit the National Centre for Diversity’s official announcement and Top 100 Inclusive Employers Index


Strategic Company Updates in Response to Continuous Growth and Success

Clarke Telecom Unveils Strategic Company Updates in Response to Continuous Growth and Success

The newly integrated Commercial and Procurement department will streamline processes, further improve efficiency, and deliver enhanced value to clients through structured management of contractor partnerships and refining cost-control measures. This alignment is part of our forward-thinking, proactive approach to supporting an ever-increasing, diverse client base and expanding project portfolio across the sectors.

Additionally, the appointment of Justin Kippest, a respected industry leader and valued long-standing member of Clarke Telecom, marks a new era for the company’s commercial and supply chain functions. With an in-depth understanding of our business operations and industry trends, Justin is poised to drive the department forward with a clear focus on sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Clarke Telecom's Managing Director, Ian Marshall, commented, "This restructuring is an exciting development for our business. We are committed to adapting and evolving to meet the needs of our clients and partners. On behalf of Clarke Telecom, I would like to congratulate Justin on his new role. Justin's leadership ensures we are well-positioned to manage the opportunities and challenges of our growth. His vision, dedication to our values, and continued focus on effective relationships make him the ideal leader to guide this transformation."

We are at a very exciting juncture in our company history and journey, and continuing to hold our place as a pivotal support partner in the telecom industry requires a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence areas we’re continuously recognised as an employer of choice and industry partner. By proactively adapting our internal structure to meet the demands of our dynamic sector, we demonstrate our readiness to support clients with increased capacity, responsiveness, and value.

To become a part of the Clarke Telecom team and play your part in the future of the UK’s telecom industry, visit our career portal here and explore our current vacancy opportunities.


Empowering Employees - Shaping Clarke Telecom's Future

Empowering Employees:
Shaping Clarke Telecom's Future

Annual Employee Engagement Survey

Our employees are the driving force behind our success, shaping client relationships, our culture, and the value we bring to the UK’s connectivity landscape. It’s crucial that every employee’s voice and opinions play a pivotal role in our development. This year’s annual employee engagement survey has yielded overwhelmingly positive and encouraging feedback. Notably, employees expressed, “My opinions matter,” “I receive support for my career development,” and “I feel empowered to do my best work every day.”
With over 75% of employees also highlighting our strong team spirit and collective commitment to delivering quality work, it’s clear that collaboration and trust remain at the heart of what we do, demonstrating Clarke Telecom as a place for people to thrive and that customers can trust!
We are committed to continually enhancing our work culture by acting on employee feedback. We’re taking actionable steps, ensuring every voice is heard and valued, and enhancing our employee proposition.

Disability Confident Employer Status

We’re also proud to announce that Clarke Telecom has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status! This recognition highlights our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for people with disabilities.

But beyond the recognition, this award means something even more impactful for us:

  • We are now better positioned to attract diverse talent from a wider range of backgrounds.
  • We can ensure that all candidates, regardless of disability, feel welcome and supported throughout the hiring process.
  • It strengthens our ability to foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and grow.

Learn more about the Disability Confident scheme here.

Introducing our Applicant Tracking Career Portal

We’ve also launched our new career portal, improving how we engage and recruit the next talent within Clarke Telecom.

You can view our career portal and current vacancies here.

Let’s continue building a brighter future together and build on this momentum, making inclusivity a defining part of Clarke Telecom and our industry’s culture.

Rachael Stanner
Head of HR


Connected Britain, In-Review with Chris Newall

Connected Britain In-Review

Chris Newall, Clarke Connect Sales and Strategy Director

At a Glance

Although there were many talks and discussions, some key takeaways from the event for me were:

Government Commitment

Sir Chris Bryant reaffirmed the new UK Government's commitment to Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network, aiming for full digital inclusion by 2030.​

Sustainability

Discussions highlighted the telecom sector's role in driving sustainability with innovative solutions that enable greener, more efficient infrastructure.​

Shift in Focus

The event showcased a growing momentum in real-world 5G and high-speed connectivity applications, highlighting how these will be transformative within smart cities and sectors, including healthcare and transport.​

Future of Connectivity

A sense of optimism surrounded the event, with industry leaders recognising that telecoms infrastructure is crucial in shaping the future of the UK's digital economy.​

The encouraging aspect of these key takeaways is how closely they resonate with the strategic direction and capabilities of Clarke Connect, Clarke Telecom, and Clarke EV. Each of these divisions is actively driving the innovation and infrastructure needed to support clients and the wider industry in achieving these critical milestones.

Whether enabling next-generation 5G connectivity, providing smart, sustainable solutions to industry challenges, or contributing to critical data infrastructure projects, we are committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s digital future.

delegate speaking at conference

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

The breadth and quality of attendees, speakers, and content we encountered in our two days at Connected Britain were exceptional. The event provided a valuable opportunity to engage with key telecom and technology stakeholders and chat with our existing clients and partners; we realised there is a strong desire across the industry for collaboration. Many of our discussions this year focused on how connectivity can address societal challenges and drive innovation across various UK communities and sectors.

One of the most topical sessions was the speech by Sir Chris Bryant, the UK’s new Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms. Sir Chris highlighted that building future-proof digital infrastructure remains central to the UK’s economic growth. The government’s commitment to continue investment in Project Gigabit and 5G deployment lays the foundation for not just urban but also rural areas to thrive in a digital-first world. Additionally, we were pleased to note Sir Chris’s recognition of the need to streamline regulatory frameworks to expedite the rollout of critical infrastructure, which is vital for maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in the global digital economy.

A Shift Toward Practical Applications and Use Cases

One thing that stood out for me and my colleagues was a notable shift in emphasis at this year's show from typical technology presentations of the past to sharing of real-world, deployed use cases. Breakout sessions showcased a range of success stories, where high-speed fixed and mobile connectivity deliver many benefits. While there is a big focus on eliminating the UK's digital divide and connecting underserved areas of society, it was encouraging to regularly hear attendees' opinions that data infrastructure and 5G connectivity development are now delivering real benefits across a wide variety of sectors. With the degree of collaboration now taking place in rolling out this critical infrastructure, we and our industry can deliver significant societal and economic value.

Sustainability and Future-Proofing

Sustainability was a prominent theme, with many exhibitors and speakers underscoring the need for greener, more sustainable telecom solutions.

Discussions focused on how telecoms and IoT infrastructure can enable broader sustainability initiatives, contributing to a more efficient, data-driven, and eco-conscious society.  Examples included initiatives like predictive analytics enabling proactive rather than reactive monitoring and maintenance of assets, as well as automation and optimisation of industrial processes to reduce carbon emissions.

Our partner Cornerstone showcased innovations like smart locks, IoT monitoring and new approaches to deploying mobile infrastructure, along with a focus on habitat when constructing, something everyone at Clarke Telecom supports.

Looking Ahead

Overall, the event gave a sense of optimism and forward-thinking. There was a real sense of positivity around the show, with a feeling that, as an industry, we hold the key to shaping the future of British society, connecting people, systems and data. With a continued focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, Clarke Connect remains at the forefront of these transformative developments, committed to helping shape a more connected and resilient digital future for the UK.

We look forward to working with our clients and industry partners to connect the UK.​

You can read Sir Chris Bryant’s Connected Britain speech in full by visiting:

Read Speech

Supporting Mental Health Awareness

Honouring Karl Liriano and Supporting Mental Health Awareness