CID, Nokia & Pivotel launch secure private 5GaaS for Australia

CID Group, Nokia, and Pivotel have collaborated to develop a zero-capex end-to-end private 5G network solution for vital Australian industries.

The new solution, known as the 'Sovereign Data Logistics' framework, is designed to secure data and communications across sectors including critical infrastructure, government, enterprise, and defence. By offering the framework as a Private 5G-as-a-Service (5GaaS) solution, the collaboration aims to convert what would traditionally be a substantial capital expense into a more manageable operational expenditure for Australian businesses.

Organisations will benefit from a pre-integrated service chain comprising technologies and expertise from CID Group, Nokia, Pivotel, and connectivity partners such as Megaport. This approach is intended to equip businesses with the means to develop secure and resilient digital operations while addressing the need for data sovereignty in key sectors.

Service features

The joint solution leverages Nokia's Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) and the MX Industrial Edge platform (MXIE). These platforms provide a secure private 5G network environment with embedded edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, enabling real-time data processing and actionable insights directly at the network's edge.

Multi-site organisations are supported by the integration of Megaport's Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform, which interconnects with CID Group's sovereign 5G ecosystem and Nokia's technology stack. This combination enables secure, high-speed, and flexible interconnection to various digital services and infrastructure assets.

Spectrum licensing and management, as well as seamless end-to-end deployment, are supported by guidance from Spectrum Engineering Australia, which has highlighted the strategic use of significant spectrum holdings and turnkey system integration as a key benefit of this offering.

Data journey architecture

The solution is structured around a 'First, Middle, and Last Mile' architecture to secure the entire data journey from point of generation to data centre hosting:

• The First Mile-or Intelligent Edge-utilises CID Group's private spectrum with Nokia's DAC and MX Industrial Edge, enabling secure, low-latency connectivity and on-site data processing for complete sovereignty.

• The Middle Mile features a secure backhaul connecting sites across Australia's vast distances, using a combination of fibre, private NaaS, and Starlink's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity delivered through a dedicated private interconnect, isolating traffic from the public internet.

• The Last Mile ensures that for larger multi-site operations, data is securely hosted in Australian data centres, with Megaport providing access to high-accreditation infrastructures for enhanced security and compliance.

Industry and partner perspectives

"This collaboration is a pivotal moment for Australia's critical industries," said Christopher Mahar, CEO of CID Group. "4G and 5G are transforming our world and not just as connectivity, but as a foundation for AI-driven automation that changes the game for heavy asset industries. It's not simply about being faster; it's about unlocking real-time insights and efficiency in sectors like aviation, mining, logistics, energy, utilities, and manufacturing," Mahar said. "We are moving the conversation beyond simple connectivity to delivering a complete, sovereign data logistics capability that gives our clients absolute control and confidence. By integrating a chain of best-of-breed technologies into a single, seamless service, we are empowering Australian organisations to build a more secure, resilient, and effective digital future," Mahar said.

Ray Tseng, Head of Enterprise Campus Edge APAC Sales at Nokia, emphasised the reach and capability of Nokia's private wireless deployments over nearly a thousand customers worldwide. "Nokia has deployed private wireless networks for 985 customers globally, and our collaboration with CID Group represents a best-in-class application of this technology," said Tseng. "Combining Nokia's industrial-grade private wireless and edge computing platforms with CID Group's spectrum assets and deployment expertise creates a solution perfectly tailored to the demanding requirements of the Australian market," Tseng said.

Michael van Rooyen, Megaport's Executive Vice President of Global Innovation, noted the benefits for digital connectivity and partnership: "Seamless and secure interconnection is at the heart of modern digital infrastructure," said Michael van Rooyen, Megaport's EVP of Global Innovation. "By combining Megaport's NaaS platform with CID Group's sovereign 5G ecosystem, and Nokia's industrial-grade technologies, Australian organisations gain the flexibility to connect to hundreds of leading cloud providers and critical partners with confidence. Together, we are enabling a more resilient and agile digital future for Australia's most important industries," van Rooyen said.

Peter Bolger, CEO of Pivotel, said: "At Pivotel, we recognise the growing demand for sovereign, resilient private 5G networks that give enterprises the confidence they need from the first mile through to the last," said Peter Bolger, CEO of Pivotel. "Our partnership with CID Group, Nokia, and Megaport represents a critical step in delivering 5G-as-a-Service solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with carrier-grade spectrum and operational credibility. Together, we are ensuring that industries such as mining, air and seaports, and utilities have the connectivity foundation they need to securely drive innovation, safety, and productivity in Australia," Bolger said.

Andrew May, Principal Consultant at Spectrum Engineering Australia Pty Ltd, added: "Spectrum is the fundamental building block for any wireless solution, but it's often the last thing considered in a design. The complexity of modern licensing, particularly with new types like Area-wide Apparatus Licences (AWLs), can be a significant obstacle. This partnership provides a solution to that challenge by strategically leveraging significant spectrum holdings to deliver a fully integrated, turnkey system from design to deployment."

The joint offering is positioned to meet the security, operational, and data sovereignty demands of Australia's most sensitive and critical sectors, according to the companies involved.