Mobile Europe

MWC26: Private 5G Networks - Druid Software Discuss the Future of the Market

At Mobile World Congress 2026, Druid Software’s global head of partnerships, Tai Kenny, outlined how private 5G networks are moving from isolated trials to broader commercial scale, highlighting the sectors where momentum is strongest. Kenny noted that utilities, energy, mining and public‑safety agencies are deploying dedicated connectivity to boost resilience against climate‑driven storms and security blackouts. Multi‑site rollouts are now common in pharmaceuticals, healthcare and large‑scale utility grids, with centralized management of hundreds of sites across regions. He cited concrete examples: a roaming solution with Vodafone that equipped Irish police, search‑and‑rescue and ambulance services with real‑time video and situational awareness, and a remote‑site deployment in Australia where a single data centre oversaw two networks 3,400 km apart. Druid also showcased a live demo with Nokia and KPN at the show, underscoring the importance of interoperable hardware. The discussion signals a maturing market where success hinges on a robust partner ecosystem—over 200 go‑to‑market partners in 30 countries—and on offering flexible, non‑lock‑in contracts. Vendors that can integrate best‑in‑breed components and deliver 24/7 support are poised to capture the high‑value, mission‑critical segment of private 5G.