Radio Access Network Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Communication Infrastructure (Small Cell, Macro Cell, RAN Equipment and Distributed Antenna System (DAS)), Architecture (Centralized RAN (C-RAN) and Distributed RAN (D-RAN)), Connectivity Technology, Service, Deployment Location and by Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Radio Access Network Market is accounted for $17.34 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $31.90 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 10.7% during the forecast period. An essential part of contemporary telecommunications networks is the Radio Access Network (RAN), which provides wireless connectivity between mobile devices and the main network infrastructure. To enable the transmission of voice and data signals over the airways, it consists of a network of base stations, antennas, and other radio equipment. Moreover, RAN is essential for ensuring smooth connectivity, maximizing signal strength, and effectively allocating resources to provide mobile users with dependable communication services.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), The Radio Access Network (RAN) is a critical component of mobile telecommunications infrastructure, responsible for connecting end-user devices to the core network and ensuring efficient utilization of radio spectrum.
Market Dynamics:Driver:Quick spread of mobile devices
One major factor propelling the Radio Access Network (RAN) market is the exponential rise in mobile device ownership that is occurring globally. There is constant pressure to grow and improve RAN infrastructure due to the billions of smart phones, tablets, and Internet of Things devices that need connectivity. Additionally, the demand for effective spectrum utilization, more network capacity, and improved coverage to enable seamless connectivity for a wide range of devices is fueled by this proliferation.
Restraint:Expensive initial outlay
The large upfront cost of installing and maintaining infrastructure is one of the main barriers to the Radio Access Network (RAN) market. This covers the cost of buying equipment; installing base stations, obtaining spectrum licenses, and making sure regulations are followed. Furthermore, these upfront expenses can be unaffordable for operators, particularly in developing nations or rural regions, and they may prevent or restrict network expansion.
Opportunity:Installation of private 5G networks
Private 5G network adoption in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and utilities presents RAN providers with new growth opportunities. For mission-critical applications, private networks offer specialized, secure, high-performance connectivity that helps businesses improve automation, real-time data analytics, and operational efficiency. Moreover, RAN suppliers and businesses can work together to create and implement specialized 5G solutions, increasing revenue and market share in vertical industries.
Threat:Strong market rivalry
There are many local and international companies fighting for market share in the fiercely competitive Radio Access Network (RAN) industry. Strong competition can cause operators to look for more affordable solutions and higher-quality services, which can put pressure on prices, profit margins, and customer retention. In order to offset this risk, RAN providers need to set themselves apart from the competition with cutting-edge technology, superior customer service, and tactical alliances. Additionally, they also need to keep improving operational efficiency in order to stay ahead of the curve.
Covid-19 Impact:The market for Radio Access Networks (RAN) has been severely disrupted on multiple fronts by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic first caused supply chain disruptions, which had an impact on the equipment and component availability required for network deployments. Lockdowns and other social distancing tactics hindered field operations as well, delaying plans for network expansion. Furthermore, a decrease in consumer spending and economic uncertainty impacted infrastructure investments in telecommunications.
The 4G/LTE segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The market for radio access networks (RANs) is dominated by the 4G/LTE segment. Due to its ability to provide noticeably faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased network capacity over its predecessors, 4G/LTE (Long-Term Evolution) technology has been widely adopted globally. With support for a variety of applications such as online gaming, video streaming, and business productivity tools, it has emerged as the industry leader in mobile broadband services. Moreover, the demand from consumers for fast mobile data services and the growth of Internet of Things applications have led to the widespread deployment of 4G and LTE networks in both developed and emerging markets.
The Planning and Implementation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The highest CAGR is expected to be in the planning and implementation segment. Deploying and optimizing RAN infrastructure to satisfy changing technological and business requirements requires the use of planning and implementation services. The need for specialized knowledge in network design, site planning, spectrum management, and equipment installation is rising as telecom companies modernize their networks, increase their coverage, and incorporate new technologies like 5G. Furthermore, service providers that help with planning and implementation are essential to a successful deployment, reduced downtime, and enhanced network performance.
Region with largest share:The market for radio access networks (RANs) is dominated by the North American region. The region's leadership is fueled by the early rollout of 5G networks and the broad adoption of advanced telecommunications technologies like 4G and LTE. To meet the increasing demand from consumers for high-speed data services and to support new applications like the Internet of Things and smart cities, major telecom operators in the US and Canada have been leading the way in investing in RAN infrastructure. Additionally, North America enjoys the advantages of a strong ecosystem of technology providers, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies that promote creativity and hasten the rollout of next-generation networks.
Region with highest CAGR:Due to improvements in telecommunications technology and the growing uptake of 5G networks, Europe is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR in the Radio Access Network (RAN) market. The European Union (EU) member states are giving priority to digital transformation projects that will improve connectivity, stimulate innovation, and increase economic competitiveness. Moreover, operators are actively investing in updating their RAN infrastructure in major European markets, including Germany, the UK, France, and Italy, in order to support the increased data speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced network capacity that enterprise and consumer applications require.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Radio Access Network market include Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Juniper Networks, Inc., CommScope Holding Company, Inc, Fujitsu Limited, ZTE Corporation, Airspan Networks, Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd, Corning Inc, NEC Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., Qualcomm Incorporated, LG electronics, Mavenir Systems, Inc, Intel Corporation and Ericsson AB.
Key Developments:In April 2024, Huawei and EDMI announced signing a patent license agreement under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) conditions. Huawei will grant a cellular IoT Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) license, including NB-IoT, LTE-M and LTE Cat. 1 to EDMI. This agreement represents recognition of the strength of Huawei's cellular IoT SEPs from industry peers. It also enables EDMI to secure its own business and provide comprehensive legal protection to its customers.
In November 2023, Fujitsu announced that Fujitsu Spain has signed a General Action Protocol with the Regional Government of Andalusia to establish a framework for collaboration and institutional cooperation, with the ambition to establish Malaga as a center of knowledge on cybersecurity in the field of healthcare and, in particular, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) at a national and international level.
In April 2023, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, and AMD announced they have signed a multi-year agreement extension to bring multiple generations of high-performance, ultra-low-power AMD Radeon graphics solutions to an expanded portfolio of Samsung Exynos SoCs.
Communication Infrastructures Covered:
• Small Cell
• Macro Cell
• RAN Equipment
• Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
Architectures Covered:
• Centralized RAN (C-RAN)
• Distributed RAN (D-RAN)
Connectivity Technologies Covered:
• 2G
• 3G
• 4G/LTE
• 5G
Services Covered:
• Training and Consulting
• Planning and Implementation
• Maintenance and Support
Deployment Locations Covered:
• Urban Areas
• Public Spaces
• Rural Areas
• Residential Areas
• Retail Stores (Supercenters & Hypercenters)
• Highways
• Large Enterprises
• Airport/Rail/Bus terminals
• Small & Medium Enterprises
• Hotel/Motels
• Education
• Healthcare Institutions
• Other Deployment Locations
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements