5G RAN Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global 5G RAN market size reached around USD 31.63 Million in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.60% between 2025 and 2034 to reach nearly USD 94.79 Million by 2034.

Global 5G RAN Market Growth

In 2022, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reported that there were over 8.58 billion mobile subscriptions globally, while the world population was approximately 7.95 billion in the middle of the year. Preliminary figures from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker indicate that global smartphone shipments rose by 9.0% year-over-year, reaching 292.2 million units in the second quarter of 2024. The 5G RAN market expansion is significantly influenced by the growing adoption of smartphones worldwide. As more individuals depend on smartphones for data-intensive activities such as video streaming, gaming, and social media, the demand for faster and more dependable networks has escalated. 5G RAN delivers the high-speed, low-latency connectivity essential for these applications, thereby improving user experiences. Furthermore, the increasing use of smartphones contributes to a rise in data traffic, compelling telecom operators to enhance their 5G RAN infrastructure to meet the surging network requirements.

The adoption of 5G technology is projected to increase from 738 million connections, representing only 9% of the global population in the second quarter of 2022, to 2 billion by 2025, and further to 5.2 billion by 2030. This rapid deployment of 5G networks significantly outpaces that of 3G and 4G technologies. A GSMA study indicates that while 5G comprised over 5.5% of mobile connections just 18 months post-launch, both 3G and 4G managed to achieve only 2.2% penetration during the same timeframe. The 5G RAN market growth is driven by the increasing global adoption of 5G, as enhanced device compatibility boosts the demand for faster and more reliable connectivity.

Key Trends and Developments

The 5G RAN market growth can be attributed to the increased mobile data traffic, rising proliferation of IoT devices, growing demand for low latency applications, and increasing demand for enhanced network efficiency

September 2024

Nokia was chosen by Spark as the primary partner for 5G RAN in New Zealand. This strategic choice was aimed at streamlining network operations and providing the highest-performing 5G network in the country.

August 2024

Ericsson and Turkcell announced the successful trial deployment of Ericsson's 5G Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) technology on Turkcell's network, intending to improve connectivity and network capabilities. This deployment positions Turkcell among the first communications service providers (CSPs) worldwide to experiment with this advanced technology.

December 2023

In a significant technology transfer agreement from academia in India, a multi-institutional team licensed a 5G radio access network (RAN) technology developed by IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and SAMEER to Tejas Networks, a company within the Tata Group, for a total of Rs12 crore.

January 2022

Vodafone activated the United Kingdom's inaugural 5G Open RAN site located in Bath, Somerset. This new installation is the first of a total of 2,500 planned sites and signifies the commencement of the first large-scale Open RAN initiative in Europe.

Increased Mobile Data Traffic

The significant surge in mobile data consumption, driven by social media platforms, video streaming, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, necessitates the development of faster and more efficient networks. 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) meets these requirements by offering enhanced data capacity and speed, thereby improving the overall user experience.

IoT Device Proliferation

One of the notable 5G RAN market trends is the proliferation of IoT devices. With the growth of IoT applications across various domains such as smart cities, healthcare, and industrial automation, 5G RAN facilitates the smooth connection and management of extensive IoT networks. This ensures dependable, low-latency communication, which is vital for real-time data transmission.

Low Latency Requirements

New applications, including autonomous driving, telemedicine, and remote machinery operation, demand ultra-low latency. 5G RAN delivers this essential capability, allowing for instantaneous data transmission and response times that are critical for safe, efficient, and real-time interactions.

Enhanced Network Efficiency Offered by 5G RAN

5G RAN employs cutting-edge technologies such as Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and beamforming to enhance network coverage and capacity. These innovations help to alleviate network congestion, improve spectrum efficiency, and reduce operational costs, thereby making high-speed connectivity available in both urban and rural settings.

Global 5G RAN Market Trends

The market is undergoing significant changes, driven by increasing mobile data requirements and the expansion of the Internet of things (IoT). Prominent trends aiding the market development include the transition to Open RAN, which facilitates interoperability among different vendors' equipment, thereby lowering deployment costs and enhancing flexibility. Additionally, the adoption of Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology is on the rise, promoting more efficient use of the spectrum and increasing network capacity.

Another notable trend is network slicing, which enables the creation of dedicated segments of the network for various applications, such as healthcare and automotive, thereby addressing the diverse needs of different sectors and leading to the 5G RAN market development. The integration of edge computing with 5G RAN is also becoming prevalent, as it minimises latency for applications that require real-time data processing. Furthermore, substantial investments from both governmental and private sectors globally are propelling extensive 5G infrastructure deployments, thereby improving connectivity in both urban and rural areas.

Global 5G RAN Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Global 5G RAN Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Component:

• Hardware
• Software
• Services

Market Breakup by Type:

• CRAN
• ORAN
• VRAN

Market Breakup by Deployment:

• Indoor
• Outdoor

Market Breakup by End User:

• Telecom Operators
• Enterprises

Market Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global 5G RAN Market Share

Based on deployment, the market is segmented into indoor and outdoor. In the 5G RAN market, the outdoor segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.7% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. Outdoor 5G RANs are resilient cellular units designed to deliver wireless connectivity to devices across diverse outdoor environments including urban areas, rural landscapes, and industrial sites, among others.

Leading Companies in the Global 5G RAN Market

Major players in the market are focusing on the adoption of advanced technologies, hence increasing the 5G RAN market value.

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson was established in 1876 and is based in Stockholm, Sweden. The company focuses on telecommunications and network equipment, spearheading advancements in mobile and broadband technologies on a global scale, particularly in the realm of 5G, while maintaining a robust commitment to research and development as well as digital services.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., founded in 1985 and located in San Diego, California, is a pioneer in wireless technology. Renowned for its Snapdragon processors, Qualcomm is at the forefront of 5G advancements, providing cutting-edge solutions across mobile, IoT, automotive, and networking sectors worldwide.

Nokia Corporation

Nokia Corporation, which originated in 1865 and is headquartered in Espoo, Finland, has evolved from a mobile phone manufacturer into a prominent player in the global telecommunications arena. The company specialises in network infrastructure, 5G technology, and digital health, with a significant emphasis on sustainability and digital transformation initiatives.

Intel Corporation

Intel Corporation, founded in 1968 and situated in Santa Clara, California, stands as a leading manufacturer of semiconductors. Recognised for its processors, Intel is a driving force behind innovations in computing, 5G, and artificial intelligence, serving a diverse range of industries from consumer electronics to cloud computing on a global scale.

Other major players in the market are Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Rakuten Symphony Singapore, Pte. Ltd., Cisco Systems, Inc., NEC Corporation, and ZTE Corporation, among others.