GVR Report cover 5G Radio Access Network Market Size, Share & Trends Report

5G Radio Access Network Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Architecture Type (CRAN, ORAN, VRAN), By Deployment, By End User, And Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

  • Report ID: GVR-4-68040-004-5
  • Number of Pages: 120
  • Format: Electronic (PDF)
  • Historical Range: 2019 - 2023
  • Industry: Technology

5G Radio Access Network Market Trends

The global 5G radio access network market size was valued at USD 20.00 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% from 2024 to 2030. The increasing demand for low latency bandwidth connection and increased focus on research and development activities by key organizations are some of the factors fueling the market growth. Moreover, the robust deployment of a 5G radio access network (RAN) with several small cells and macrocell base stations worldwide is propelling the growth of the market during the forecast period.

North America 5G Radio Access Network Market size and growth rate, 2024 - 2030

The trend of deploying centralized RAN and virtual RAN (VRAN) is rapidly increasing among mobile network operators (MNOs) and network service providers to reduce overall infrastructure costs and network complexities. Furthermore, the RAN enables enterprises and mobile network operators utilizing private 4G or private 5G to offer network slicing solutions assigning capacities to individual enterprises to split network usage within a public mobile network. The industry is expanding at a tremendous growth rate owing to technological innovations coupled with users’ inclination towards 5G RAN solutions.

Radio access networks comprise wireless telecommunications systems, including antennas and base stations, to provide high performing 5G network solutions. It utilizes 5G radio frequency division duplex (FDD) frequencies to connect individual devices through radio connections providing wireless connectivity.

RAN encompasses different types, viz. evolved universal terrestrial RAN (E-UTRAN), Universal Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Virtualized Radio Access Network (VRAN), and Open Radio Access Network (ORAN), among others. The RAN base stations within a public mobile network are connected to a public mobile core network through microwave or fiber cables to aggregate signals. The latest RANs offer controllers utilizing software-defined networks (SDN), allowing them to control cellular device capacity and coverage.

This high market size is attributable to the growing deployment of private 5G radio access networks and core equipment across several use cases. These use cases include smart cities, remote surgeries, enterprises, wireless cameras, industrial robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Rapidly evolving RAN technologies have enabled several key telecom operators and end-use customers to deploy the virtualized network to diminish overall operating expenses.

Also, several market players such as Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Nokia, Verizon, and Cisco Systems, Inc., among others, are significantly focused on providing RAN solutions for private 5G networks, which help clients to transform their existing legacy network infrastructure into the next generation 5G network.

For instance, in October 2022, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced a collaboration with Vodafone Group to develop and integrate next-generation 5G radio units and distributed units with massive multiple-input multiple-output capabilities. The companies are also developing 5G ORAN infrastructure solutions powered by Qualcomm QRU100 5G radio access network platform and Qualcomm X100 5G RAN accelerator card.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The 5G radio access network market growth stage is medium, and the pace of the market growth is accelerating. The market is consolidated with limited private 5G network providers. Major players are spending heavily on research and development activities to integrate advanced technologies within 5G services and RAN has intensified the competition among these players.

5G Radio Access Network Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market players are adopting strategic partnerships & collaborations to increase the reach of their products and services in the market and increase the availability of their products & services in diverse geographical areas. For instance, in June 2023, Intel Corporation announced a strategic collaboration with Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. The collaboration aimed to demonstrate Ericsson's Cloud RAN solution on the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, enhanced with Intel vRAN Boost technology. This achievement marks a pivotal step toward the full commercialization of a Cloud RAN solution, utilizing HPE ProLiant DL110 servers. This collaborative effort is poised to empower communications service providers with increased network capacity, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced flexibility and scalability.

Compliance with telecommunications and data privacy regulations is paramount. Stricter data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, can influence how 5G networks handle user data and impact the development of related services. Antitrust regulations influence the competitive dynamics within the 5G RAN market. Key players’ activities, including mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations, undergo scrutiny to assess any potential negative impacts on competition.

There are limited substitutes for 5G RAN technology in enabling high-speed, low-latency wireless communication. While older generations of wireless networks exist, 5G remains the primary choice for meeting the growing demands of data-intensive applications. Emerging technologies such as edge computing and IoT complement 5G RAN, reinforcing its importance.

The last entities in the 5G RAN value chain are Communication Service Providers (CSPs) such as Vodafone Group Plc and Verizon, and customers that deploy requisite network equipment infrastructure on-premises. CSPs are responsible for planning, deploying, and managing the 5G RAN infrastructure. They invest in the necessary hardware, software, and spectrum licenses to build and expand their 5G networks.

Component Insights

In terms of components, the market is classified into hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment dominated the overall market, gaining a market share of more than 64.0% in 2023 and witnessing a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period. The hardware segment is further categorized into antennas, radio units, baseband units, and others. The radio access network antenna systems are based on different frequency ranges that provide increased data-carrying capacity, better coverage, and reduced interference.

Antenna systems are designed to receive transmissions from user equipment, such as 5G-enabled smartphones and computers, and send the data to the radio unit. Different types of antennas provide multiple configurations allowing transmission and reception of data with improved network performance and lower operational costs. The antennas are further categorized into multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antennae, beamforming antennae, and other antenna systems, such as monopole, dipole, microstrip, and patch antennas.

The radio units are placed on top of base stations, receive data transmitted from the antenna, and convert it into digital format to send to the baseband unit. The baseband unit comprises centralized and distributed units. It enables telecom operators to accelerate and streamline the multi-phase cell site deployment process during installation.

The growth of the hardware segment is primarily attributed to its ability to deliver massive machine-type communications (mMTC), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). Moreover, the emerging deployment of hardware equipment and growing use cases are fueling the growth of the market.

The services segment is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 13.1% throughout the forecast period. The services segment is further categorized into consulting, managed, and professional services. An increase in demand for consulting, maintenance services, design, and development due to the deployment of 5G radio access network telecom operators is anticipated to drive the growth of the market.

Architecture Type Insights

5G radio access network architecture type includes CRAN, ORAN, and VRAN. The VRAN segment dominated the overall market, gaining a market share of more than 38.0% in 2023 and witnessing a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. The need for network flexibility drives the VRAN segment's growth. VRAN architecture is seen as the next step in advancing the 5G technology as it makes hardware-driven functions virtualized. Numerous operators are seeking more flexibility by adopting a software-based network to help them provide feature improvements and new services.

VRAN uses less hardware, and it can reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for telecom operators. Market players are driving VRAN innovation and launching new solutions. For instance, in February 2023, Fujitsu, a Japanese company, announced the launch of a new 5G VRAN solution. With this launch, the company aimed to provide a solution for high-load data processing. The growing innovations in VRAN architecture contribute to the segment's growth.

The Open RAN (ORAN) is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 20.9% during the forecast period. 5G open radio access network technology allows the creation of multi-supplier RAN solutions enabling disaggregation or separation of hardware equipment and software platforms with virtualization and an open interface. It hosts software to update and control network configurations in the cloud enabling 5G solution flexibility, new capabilities, and supply chain diversity. ORAN is crucial for enterprises employing private 5G in vendor-neutral hardware and software-defined technology for time-sensitive functions, such as load balancing and Quality of Services (QoS) management.

Moreover, the O-RAN Alliance comprises almost 200 telecom operators, research & academic institutions, and vendors in the 5G radio access network (RAN) industry. The alliance specifies next-generation radio access network principles and infrastructure toward building virtualized network elements, standardized interface, and white-box hardware fueling the segment's growth. In September 2022, NEC Corporation announced the launch of an Open RAN innovation hub in New Providence in North America. The creation of an innovation hub aims to develop products offering Open RAN solutions and build a multi-vendor ecosystem.

Deployment Insights

In terms of deployment, the market is classified into indoor and outdoor. Among these, the outdoor segment is expected to dominate in 2023, gaining a market share of more than 59.0%. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% throughout the forecast period. The increasing use cases of 5G, such as smart cities, industrial robotics, autonomous vehicles, smart factories & manufacturing, are propelling the demand for outdoor 5G RAN deployment.

The outdoor segment offers extended 5G coverage range support for outdoor deployments at public places such as transport hubs, shopping centers, and stadiums is driving the growth of the market. With the rising deployment of public and private 5G, users can travel with high-speed data connectivity, which results in improved quality of calls and provides real-time traffic information to users.

The indoor segment is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 13.4% throughout the forecast period. The growth of the segment is attributed to the growing demand for seamless RAN connectivity within closed environments, such as office buildings, enterprise shop floors, meeting rooms, and auditoriums. Additionally, improving 5G technology for efficient indoor quality service, low latency, and higher data speeds are fueling the growth of the market.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted the 5G rollouts and deployment owing to the gradual shift toward online education and remote workplaces. The adoption of the private 5G network and RAN increased significantly with the increasing number of smartphones, internet subscribers, and 5G use cases. In August 2022, Cellium Technologies Ltd. announced the launch of an indoor wireless active antenna system - EdgeAir. The launch aims to provide high-performance and agnostic solutions for indoor 5G and LTE connectivity for MNOs and enterprises.

End User Insights

In terms of end user, the market is classified into telecom operators and enterprises. Among these, the telecom operators' 5G RAN market is expected to dominate in 2023, gaining a market share of more than 80.0%. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% throughout the forecast period. With the growing telecom industry and IT infrastructure, the adoption of 5G RAN is exponentially expanding worldwide. Telecom operators such as AT&T and Verizon, to provide 5G services and RAN, are placing orders for 5G gears.

Additionally, the growing adoption of smartphones, internet subscribers, and infrastructural developments are anticipated to propel the growth of the market in the forecasted period. Moreover, the rising competition between prominent telecom operators to enable seamless data speeds, accessibility, and efficient bandwidth connectivity is encouraging the adoption of 5G services and RAN in developing countries, fueling the growth of the market.

Global 5G Radio Access Network Market share and size, 2023

The enterprises segment is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 18.3% during the forecast period. The enterprise segment comprises BFSI, healthcare, media & entertainment, smart city, government, retail, manufacturing, transportation & logistics, aerospace & defense. The increasing demand for 5G RAN from the aforementioned enterprise end-users is propelling the growth of the market. The utilization of 5G has enabled industry automation, online consultations, streamlined operations, and immersive experiences, among others, in multiple enterprise end-users with advanced technologies such as IoT, AR/VR, AI, big data, and machine learning.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific dominates the market and grow at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2024 to 2030. The growth is attributed to the presence of several manufacturers, such as Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., and Samsung, coupled with a multitude of investments that are expected toward building automated factories in the region. Additionally, huge investments to acquire a 5G spectrum in key countries such as South Korea, China, India, Australia, and Japan are projected to contribute to regional growth.

5G Radio Access Network Market Trends by Region, 2024 - 2030

Furthermore, a gradual increase in the number of small and medium IT companies in emerging countries, such as India and South Korea, is projected to propel the adoption of 5G services in the region. Additionally, the region's untapped potential is generating new investment opportunities for mobile network operators and communication service providers in the region.

North America gained a significant market share of around 25.0% in 2023. The region is equipped with a highly developed 5G infrastructure and owns an extensive research and development base, allowing the region to be the top revenue contributor in the worldwide market during the projected period. A well-established 5G infrastructure has allowed the speedier implementation of modern 5G technologies, and substantial government investments in 5G rollouts and deployments have enabled significant adoption of 5G RAN in the U.S. and Canada.

The considerable presence of small and medium players in North America, which offer 5G components and services to the giants such as Intel Corporation, Verizon, and Mavenir, has also propelled the market growth. The U.S. is expected to retain its dominance over the forecast period owing to the inclination of consumers towards 5G services and growing technological investments in the region.

China 5G Radio Access Network Market Trends

The 5G radio access network market in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2024 to 2030. The adoption of 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions is increasing due to growing applications of 5G technology in the country’s manufacturing industry. In the first five months of 2021, high-tech manufacturing 5G investments grew by 47.7% Year-on-Year (YoY).

Japan 5G Radio Access Network Market Trends

The 5G radio access network market in Japan is witnessing significant growth owing to growing initiatives and R&D activities for 5G development. For instance, in January 2023, KDDI CORPORATION, a Japan-based telecom company, collaborated with Samsung, a South Korea-based company, and Fujitsu, a Japan-based company, to deploy 5G Open Virtual Radio Access Network (Open vRAN) sites in Japan.

India 5G Radio Access Network Market Trends

The 5G radio access network market in India is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period owing to the growing smartphone penetration and increasing rollouts of 5G services. The telecommunication infrastructure in India is developing, which presents significant growth opportunities for the market. In October 2022, the government of India launched 5G services aimed at developing the country's telecommunication infrastructure and exploring various use cases of the 5G technology.

The 5G radio access network market in Europe was valued at USD 4.35 billion in 2023. The need for low-latency internet connectivity, the presence of prominent market players, and increasing R&D activities are driving the growth of the European market. Moreover, telecom operators in the region are rolling out 5G deployments in European countries. For instance, in February 2023, Orange, a France-based telecom operator, announced the launch of the first 5G Standalone (SA) service in Spain.

U.K. 5G Radio Access Network Market Trends

The 5G radio access network market in the U.K. accounted for over 26.0% share of the European market in 2023. The need to utilize 5G technology for economic development will likely boost the country's adoption of 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions. Moreover, U.K. government initiatives to boost the adoption of open mobile networks are positively impacting the market growth in the country.

Germany 5G Radio Access Network Market Trends

The 5G radio access network market in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2030. 5G can drive the adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and industrial automation. Hence, the need to improve the efficiency of operations in Germany's manufacturing sector is driving the growth of the country's 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) market.

France 5G Radio Access Network Market Trends

The 5G radio access network market in France is projected to grow owing to the country’s developed telecommunication infrastructure. France is witnessing rapid deployment of 5G services. According to the Electronic Communications, Postal and Print Media Distribution Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), France's telecom regulator, in 2021, around 22,000 sites provided commercial 5G services.

The 5G radio access network market in Middle East and Africa (MEA) is anticipated to reach USD 3.48 billion by 2030. Middle East & Africa has a developing technology and telecommunication infrastructure. The large young population and high connectivity demand are expected to drive investments in network infrastructure by Sub-Saharan countries despite the challenging macroeconomic conditions in the region.

Saudi Arabia 5G Radio Access Network Market Trends

The 5G radio access network market in Saudi Arabia is witnessing significant growth owing to collaborations of market players with telecom companies in the country to develop the 5G infrastructure. For instance, in February 2023, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a U.S.-based technology company, and Zain, a Saudi Arabia-based telecom provider, announced a collaboration to boost the growth of 5G infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, focusing on ORAN technology.

Key 5G Radio Access Network Market Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., and Nokia.

  • Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson is a global provider of a variety of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services, such as 5G and IoT-powered networks, managed services, and digital services. These services form the company’s segment structure and are based on its customer requirements. Through the networks segment, the company develops, sells, and offers licenses and delivers software, hardware, and services.

  • Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. provides smart devices and ICT components to communication service providers, government agencies, and business enterprises. The company operates through four segments, namely IT, telecom network, cloud services, and smart devices. It offers 5G chipsets, 5G infrastructures, 5G network equipment, and other next-generation devices across the world.

  • Rakuten Symphony Singapore Pte. Ltd and SAMSUNG are some of the emerging 5G radio access network companies.

  • Rakuten Symphony Singapore Pte. Ltd. specializes in providing cutting-edge solutions and services that empower mobile network operators to unlock the full potential of 5G. With a comprehensive suite of offerings, the company deploys, optimizes, and manages 5G RAN infrastructure. This encompasses a range of solutions, from virtualized RAN (vRAN) technology to network slicing and orchestration, all designed to ensure seamless connectivity, ultra-low latency, and high data speeds for users across the world.

  • SAMSUNG operates through four business divisions, namely IM (Information Technology & Mobile Communications), CE (Consumer Electronics), DS (Device Solutions), and Harman (Harman International Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries). The IM division offers products such as network systems and computers.

Key 5G Radio Access Network Companies:

The following are the leading companies in the 5g radio access network market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends. Financials, strategy maps & products of these 5g radio access network companies are analyzed to map the supply network.

  • Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
  • Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
  • Nokia
  • Intel Corporation
  • SAMSUNG
  • Verizon
  • Cisco Systems, Inc.
  • Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
  • Broadcom
  • Rakuten Symphony Singapore Pte. Ltd

Recent Developments

  • In May 2023, Nokia announced that Orange Jordan had selected it for the supply of cutting-edge 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment across the Kingdom of Jordan. This strategic collaboration signifies a leap forward in Orange Jordan's mission to provide enhanced connectivity and capacity to its customers while also laying the groundwork to support the digital transformation of the country's economy.

  • In March 2023, Rakuten Symphony Singapore Pte. Ltd, in collaboration with its parent company, Rakuten Mobile, announced the launch of the Open RAN Customer Experience Centre, located in Weybridge, southwest of London. This state-of-the-art facility, initially unveiled in November, is the result of a visionary initiative supported by USD 2.3 million in funding from Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). Rakuten Symphony's Open RAN Customer Experience Centre boasts an on-site, cloud-based radio access network installation.

  • In December 2022, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson announced an expansion in Pune, India. The expansion aims to bolster its commitment to advancing 5G infrastructure and scaling up production capacity and operations. This strategic production ramp-up not only signifies an expansion of high-technology manufacturing capabilities but also translates into substantial employment opportunities, with approximately 2,000 jobs being created in Pune, India.

5G Radio Access Network Market Report Scope

Report Attribute

Details

Market size value in 2023

USD 20.00 billion

Revenue forecast in 2030

USD 57.77 billion

Growth Rate

CAGR of 11.4% from 2024 to 2030

Actual data

2019 - 2023

Forecast period

2024 - 2030

Quantitative units

Revenue in USD Million and CAGR from 2024 to 2030

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Segments covered

Component, Architecture Type, Deployment, End User, and Region

Regional scope

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, MEA

Country scope

U.S.; Canada; Germany; U.K.; France; China; India; Japan; South Korea; Australia; Brazil; Mexico; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA); UAE; South Africa

Key companies profiled

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Nokia, Intel Corporation, SAMSUNG, Verizon, Cisco Systems, Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Broadcom, and Rakuten Symphony Singapore Pte. Ltd

Customization scope

Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.

Pricing and purchase options

Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options

 

Global 5G Radio Access Network Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2019 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global 5G radio access network market report based on component, architecture type, deployment, and end user, and region.

  • Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2019 - 2030)

    • Hardware

      • Antennas

        • MIMO

        • Beamforming

        • Others

      • Radio Units

      • Baseband Units

      • Servers

      • Others

    • Software

    • Services

      • Managed

      • Professional Services

        • Consulting Services

        • Planning & Design Services

        • Integration & Validation Services

        • Deployment Services

        • Optimization & Performance Improvement Services

  • Architecture Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2019 - 2030)

    • CRAN

    • ORAN

    • VRAN

  • Deployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2019 - 2030)

    • Indoor

    • Outdoor

  • End User Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2019 - 2030)

    • Telecom Operators

    • Enterprises

  • Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 - 2030)

    • North America

      • U.S.

      • Canada

    • Europe

      • U.K.

      • Germany

      • France

    • Asia Pacific

      • China

      • Japan

      • India

      • South Korea

      • Australia

    • Latin America

      • Brazil

      • Mexico

    • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

      • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

      • UAE

      • South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions About This Report

gvr icn

GET A FREE SAMPLE

gvr icn

This FREE sample includes data points, ranging from trend analyses to estimates and forecasts. See for yourself.

gvr icn

NEED A CUSTOM REPORT?

We can customize every report - free of charge - including purchasing stand-alone sections or country-level reports, as well as offer affordable discounts for start-ups & universities. Contact us now

Certified Icon

We are GDPR and CCPA compliant! Your transaction & personal information is safe and secure. For more details, please read our privacy policy.