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How to write an RFP for private wireless and LTE

Requirements, questions, and evaluation criteria specific to private wireless and LTE procurement

6 min read

Procuring private wireless and LTE infrastructure requires a deep understanding of radio frequency (RF) technology, spectrum management, and integration with existing IT and operational technology (OT) systems. An RFP is essential to ensure that the chosen solution meets specific performance, security, and compliance requirements while aligning with long-term business objectives.

What makes private wireless and LTE RFPs different

Private wireless and LTE RFPs are unlike standard IT procurements. They demand a rigorous evaluation of technical capabilities related to spectrum access, radio planning, and network core functionality. Unlike Wi-Fi, private cellular involves licensed or shared spectrum, requiring expertise in regulatory compliance and interference mitigation.

Integration with industrial protocols (e.g., PROFINET, EtherNet/IP) and specialized devices (e.g., autonomous mobile robots, handheld scanners) adds another layer of complexity. Furthermore, security considerations extend beyond traditional IT security to encompass hardware-level authentication and protection against industrial espionage.

  • Spectrum availability and licensing options in your region
  • Integration with existing industrial control systems and IoT devices
  • Security measures to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches
  • Scalability and future-proofing to accommodate evolving business needs and technological advancements

RFP vs RFI vs RFQ

Here's when to use each document type when procuring private wireless and LTE software.

RFI

Request for Information

Use early in your search to understand what vendors offer and narrow your list. Gather general capabilities, company background, and high-level pricing ranges.

RFP

Request for Proposal

Use when you know your requirements and want detailed vendor solutions and pricing. This is your main evaluation document for shortlisted vendors.

RFQ

Request for Quote

Use when requirements are fixed and you just need final pricing. Often used after RFP when you're ready to negotiate with finalists.

For private wireless and LTE, an RFI is useful for initial exploration of available technologies and vendor capabilities. An RFP is crucial for detailed evaluation of solutions against specific performance, security, and integration requirements. An RFQ is generally not suitable due to the complexity and customization inherent in these deployments.

Technical requirements checklist

Use this checklist when defining your RFP scope.

Spectrum & Radio

  • Supported frequency bands (including CBRS if applicable)
  • Radio technology (LTE, 5G NR)
  • Transmit power and receiver sensitivity
  • Antenna options and coverage patterns

Network Core

  • Evolved Packet Core (EPC) or 5G Core (5GC) functionality
  • Network slicing capabilities
  • Quality of Service (QoS) management
  • Integration with existing IT infrastructure (DNS, DHCP, AAA)

Security

  • SIM-based authentication
  • Encryption protocols (e.g., IPsec, TLS)
  • Network segmentation and access control
  • Integration with SIEM/SOAR systems

Management & Monitoring

  • Centralized network management platform
  • Real-time performance monitoring
  • Remote troubleshooting and diagnostics
  • Automated reporting and alerting

Integration

  • Support for industrial protocols (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP)
  • API integration with ERP and MES systems
  • Integration with Active Directory or other IAM systems

Questions to include in your RFP

Spectrum & Licensing

  • What spectrum options are available in our region, and what are the associated licensing requirements?
    Ensures legal operation and avoids interference.
  • Describe your experience with spectrum access systems (SAS) and interference mitigation.
    Verifies expertise in managing shared spectrum.
  • Can you assist with spectrum acquisition or leasing?
    Determines level of vendor support for regulatory aspects.
  • What are the ongoing costs associated with spectrum licensing or access fees?
    Impacts total cost of ownership.

Network Architecture

  • Describe your network architecture, including the location of the core (on-premise, cloud, hybrid).
    Impacts latency, security, and control.
  • What is your approach to network redundancy and high availability?
    Ensures business continuity in case of failures.
  • How does your solution support network slicing for different applications and use cases?
    Enables differentiated QoS for critical services.
  • What is the maximum number of devices supported per cell?
    Determines scalability for IoT deployments.

Security

  • Describe your security features, including authentication, encryption, and access control.
    Protects against unauthorized access and data breaches.
  • How does your solution integrate with our existing security information and event management (SIEM) system?
    Enables centralized security monitoring and incident response.
  • What certifications do you hold related to security and data privacy (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001)?
    Demonstrates commitment to security best practices.
  • How do you prevent rogue access points and denial-of-service attacks?
    Addresses common wireless security threats.

Integration

  • What industrial protocols do you support (e.g., PROFINET, EtherNet/IP)?
    Ensures compatibility with existing industrial equipment.
  • Do you offer APIs for integration with ERP, MES, and other business systems?
    Enables data exchange and workflow automation.
  • How do you handle device onboarding and provisioning?
    Simplifies device management and reduces administrative overhead.
  • Describe your experience integrating with Active Directory or other identity management systems.
    Streamlines user authentication and access control.

Performance & Reliability

  • What is the expected latency and throughput for different applications?
    Ensures adequate performance for real-time control and data transmission.
  • What is your guaranteed uptime and service level agreement (SLA)?
    Defines performance expectations and penalties for downtime.
  • How do you ensure seamless handover between cells for mobile devices?
    Maintains connectivity for autonomous mobile robots and other moving equipment.
  • What tools do you provide for network performance monitoring and troubleshooting?
    Enables proactive identification and resolution of network issues.

Management & Support

  • Describe your network management platform and its capabilities.
    Enables centralized monitoring and control of the network.
  • What level of technical support do you offer (24/7, on-site, remote)?
    Ensures timely assistance with network issues.
  • Do you offer managed services for network design, deployment, and operation?
    Reduces internal IT burden and ensures expert support.
  • What training and documentation do you provide for our IT staff?
    Enables internal expertise and self-sufficiency.

Compliance and security requirements

Depending on your industry, you may need to require proof of these certifications and standards.

SOC 2 Type II

Required when handling sensitive customer data or critical infrastructure. If applicable, request a copy of their latest SOC 2 Type II report.

HIPAA

Required if the network transmits or stores protected health information (phi). If applicable, request a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and documentation of HIPAA compliance measures.

TISAX

Required if supplying the automotive industry in europe. If applicable, request TISAX certification and evidence of compliance with automotive security standards.

Industry-specific safety standards (e.g., Ex-rated for mining)

Required in hazardous environments where equipment must be intrinsically safe. If applicable, request certifications and documentation of compliance with relevant safety standards.

Evaluation criteria

Here is the suggested weighting for private wireless and LTE RFPs.

Technical Fit How well the solution meets our technical requirements, including spectrum support, network architecture, and security features.
25%
Integration Capabilities Ease of integration with existing IT and OT systems, including industrial protocols and business applications.
20%
Performance & Reliability Expected latency, throughput, and uptime, as well as the solution's ability to handle mobility and high device density.
20%
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Implementation, licensing, maintenance, and operational costs over the lifecycle of the solution.
15%
Vendor Experience & Support Vendor's track record, customer references, and level of technical support.
10%
Scalability & Future-Proofing Ability to scale the network to accommodate future growth and adapt to evolving technologies (e.g., 5G, 6G).
10%

Some weights were adjusted based on your priorities.

  • Increase weight if complex integration requirements exist.

Red flags to watch

  • Proprietary device lock-in

    Restricting device choices limits flexibility and increases costs.

  • Vague spectrum acquisition plans

    Unclear plans for securing spectrum access can lead to delays and legal issues.

  • No on-premises core option

    Lack of an on-premises core creates dependency on cloud connectivity and increases latency.

  • Lack of RF simulation expertise

    Insufficient RF planning can result in poor coverage and performance.

  • Hidden usage fees

    Per-gigabyte pricing makes long-term costs unpredictable and hinders scalability.

Key metrics to request

Ask vendors to provide benchmarks from similar customers.

End-to-end latency

Crucial for real-time applications like robotics and remote control.

Handover success rate

Ensures seamless connectivity for mobile devices and autonomous vehicles.

Network availability (uptime)

Reflects the reliability of the network and its ability to support critical operations.

Throughput per device

Determines the capacity of the network to handle data-intensive applications.

Number of supported devices per access point

Indicates the scalability of the network for IoT deployments.