Standalone 5G Network Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Solutions, Services), By Spectrum (Sub-6 GHz, mmWave), By Network (Public, Private), By Vertical, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global standalone 5G network market size was estimated at USD 1,076.3 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 54.3% from 2023 to 2030. Standalone (SA) 5G network consists of a 5G core and a 5G radio access network (RAN), which manages the connections between a network and users. The number of 5G connections is increasing at a rapid pace. For instance, according to The Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA), the number of 5G consumer connections surpassed one billion in 2022 and is projected to increase to approximately 1.5 billion in 2023. Thus, the growth of the market is primarily driven by the increasing number of 5G connections across the globe.

Growing investments in 5G SA infrastructure by several network operators across the world are also contributing to the market growth. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association’s (GSA) 5G-Standalone July 2023 Summary report, 115 operators across 52 countries and territories around the globe have been investing in public 5G SA networks, either through trials, planned deployments, or active rollouts. In addition to the investment in public 5G SA, numerous organizations are piloting, testing, or deploying 5G SA technologies for private networks. Such investments and initiatives by global mobile network operators (MNOs) are expected to boost the market’s growth.

The SA 5G network provides numerous benefits, such as enhanced end-user experience, new business opportunities, network efficiency, ultra-low latency, high reliability, enhanced security, and less complexity, as compared to 5G NSA. The SA 5G technology enables instant user access to 5G, especially for wide 5G frequency bands, resulting in increased data throughput and reduced latency. Additionally, the SA 5G network operates on dedicated 5G spectrum bands, reducing interference and congestion, thereby enhancing reliability and minimizing the possibility of data outages. This increased reliability is important for critical applications, such as industrial automation and emergency services.

Thus, the increasing adoption of the SA 5G network in various applications owing to its benefits is fueling the market’s growth. The growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and demand for high-speed connectivity is further boosting the market’s growth. The SA 5G networks offer significantly increased network capacity. It manages an extensive range of devices simultaneously connected to the network, ensuring effective data transfer and seamless communication, even in crowded venues and dense urban areas. Furthermore, the Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) feature of the SA 5G network enables efficient connectivity for various IoT devices, ranging from industrial equipment to small sensors.

Despite the myriad advantages and promising prospects associated with the SA 5G network, it has specific challenges and limitations that could hamper the growth of the market. The deployment of SA 5G infrastructure involves a higher level of investment in infrastructure, including the installation of new antennas and base stations. Building a widespread and robust 5G network includes overcoming logistical challenges, such as local regulations and site acquisition. In addition, implementing SA 5G technology includes high installation costs and a time-consuming process for network operators. However, growing investments in the SA 5G network from global mobile network operators are expected to diminish these growth constraints.

COVID-19 Insights

The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a delay in the deployment of SA 5G network infrastructure. The pandemic caused disruptions in trials and testing, which is required for validating the processing performance and stability of SA 5G networks. Furthermore, the pandemic had repercussions, including reduced exports of telecommunications equipment for 5G new radio technology to the global market, affecting countries, such as the U.S. and China. However, the pandemic highlighted the importance of robust and reliable connectivity in several end-use industries, which, in turn, is expected to improve the market’s growth.

Component Insights

The solutions segment led the market and accounted for more than 82.0% share of the global revenue in 2022. The segment is further segmented into 5G RAN, 5G core network, and others (backhaul and front haul, switches, routers). The robust deployment of a 5G RAN and 5G core with numerous microcell and small cell base stations worldwide is driving the growth of the segment. In addition, 5G core offers benefits, such as ultra-low latency, faster upload speeds, edge functions, and ultra-high reliability, which ultimately drive the demand for SA 5G network among organizations to improve their performance.

The services segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing need for SA 5G network-related services, such as consulting, implementation & integration, support & maintenance, and training & education, is propelling the segment’s growth. The increasing demand for expertise and support in deploying and managing SA 5G networks is further boosting the segment’s growth. Thus, increasing demand for dedicated services by customers to ensure seamless operation, high performance, and security is fueling the growth of the segment.

Spectrum Insights

The sub-6 GHz segment dominated the market and accounted for more than 85.0% share of the global revenue in 2022. The sub-6 GHz frequency comprises a mid-band and a low band of spectrum ranges, primarily 6 GHz and below. Prominent communication service providers globally are actively investing in acquiring a low-band and a mid-band frequency spectrum to provide high-capacity services to consumers, enterprises, and various industries. This, in turn, is expected to improve the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

The mmWave segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. mmWave frequency bands comprise high-frequency spectrums that offer enhanced bandwidth capacity and exceptionally low latency. These bands are particularly beneficial in applications demanding ultra-reliable connectivity, notably in remote patient surgeries and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) connectivity. Therefore, the strong emphasis on the advancement of SA 5G networks using mmWave frequencies for mission-critical applications is expected to improve the segment’s growth over the forecast period.

Network Insights

The public segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of more than 87.0% in 2022. The segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing investment and deployment of public SA 5G networks by MNOs across the globe is driving the segment’s growth. For instance, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association’s (GSA) 5G-Standalone July 2023 Summary report, 36 operators in 25 countries have deployed or launched public 5G SA networks. Such initiatives are expected to bode well for the segment’s growth during the forecast period. The private segment is expected to register a significant CAGR over the forecast period.

Private SA 5G offers benefits, such as enhanced connectivity, security and privacy, and increased reliability, which is contributing to the increasing demand for private SA 5G networks. Thus, the development of private networks is also expected to grow during the forecast period. For instance, in August 2023, Virgin Media O2 Business launched a commercial plug-and-play private 5G SA network, targeting businesses in both rural and urban areas. The network is easily deployable, allowing businesses to access the advantages provided by private networks without complex installation requirements. Such initiatives are expected to improve the segment’s growth.

Vertical Insights

The manufacturing segment accounted for over 24.0% share of the global revenue in 2022. In the manufacturing industry, owing to its reduced latency and increased reliability, the SA 5G network enables the deployment of cutting-edge industrial automation systems. It also enables real-time remote monitoring, control, and synchronization of machinery and processes. This enhances efficiency, productivity, and flexibility across manufacturing and various industrial domains. Thus, owing to the abovementioned benefits of the SA 5G network, it is widely being adopted in the manufacturing industry. This, in turn, propels the segment’s growth.

The automotive and transportation segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. In the automotive sector, SA 5G networks play a significant role in enabling real-time communication among autonomous vehicles and with advanced infrastructure. Owing to its ultra-low latency, vehicles can make rapid decisions. This enables them to promptly respond to evolving road situations, improving road safety and paving the path for entirely autonomous transportation systems. Thus, the demand for the SA 5G network is growing in the automotive sector.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of more than 49.0% in 2022. Increasing deployment and adoption of the SA 5G network in countries, such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia, is the major driving factor behind the market growth in the region. For instance, in July 2022, Singtel, a telecom service provider in Singapore, announced that it achieved more than 95% SA 5G nationwide coverage. The country has become the first in the world to be fully covered by the SA 5G network. Such initiatives by the local and global market players are driving the regional market growth.

The North America region is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The strong presence of market players, such as T‑Mobile USA, Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., and AT&T, Inc. is attributed to the regional market growth. The rapid development of smart cities in the U.S. has led to a significant increase in the deployment of IoT devices across various applications, such as transportation, public safety, security, and energy management. Thus, there is an anticipated rise in demand for SA 5G networks in the U.S., driven by businesses extensively utilizing the IoT ecosystem.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market players are continuously working toward new product development and upgradation of their existing product portfolio. In addition, these players are focused on strategies, such as partnerships and collaborations, in the field of SA 5G network trials and testing, which further contribute to the market’s growth. For instance, in January 2023, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, together with Spark, a telecommunications and digital services provider based in New Zealand, and Red Hat, a provider of enterprise open-source solutions, announced the successful completion of an SA 5G trial in New Zealand. The SA 5G trial utilized Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s cloud-native 5G Core system, operating on the Red Hat OpenShift platform, which was seamlessly integrated with Spark’s 5G fixed wireless access network.

This integration aimed to test enhancements in wireless broadband connectivity. In addition, in November 2022, T‑Mobile USA, Inc. advanced its SA 5G network by activating the mid-band ultra capacity spectrum across the U.S. for 5G SA coverage. This development promptly enhances the company’s network, resulting in faster speeds for customers nationwide and reducing network latency. These improvements benefit applications, such as gaming that rely on near real-time responsiveness. Such initiatives in the field of SA 5G network are unleashing innovative new applications that would thrive on an SA 5G network. This, in turn, propels the growth of the market. Some prominent players in the global standalone 5G network market include:

• Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

• T‑Mobile USA, Inc.

• Nokia Corporation

• Vodafone Limited

• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

• Verizon Communications Inc.

• Samsung Electronics. Co. Ltd.

• AT&T, Inc.

• Singtel

• Rogers Communications Canada Inc.

Standalone 5G Network Market Report Scope

Global Standalone 5G Network Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the standalone 5G network market report based on component, spectrum, network, vertical, and region:

• Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2030)

  • Solutions

    • 5G Radio Access Network (RAN)

    • 5G Core Network

    • Others (Backhaul and Fronthaul, Switches, Routers)

  • Services

• Spectrum Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2030)

  • Sub-6 GHz

  • mmWave

• Network Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2030)

  • Public

  • Private

• Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2030)

  • Manufacturing

  • Automotive and Transportation

  • Enterprise/Corporate

  • Energy & Utilities

  • Healthcare/Hospitals

  • Smart Cities

  • Others (Agriculture, Smart Home, Public Safety & Defense)

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Singapore

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • MEA

    • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • South Africa