5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Market - Strategic Insights and Forecasts (2026-2031)

The Global 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 33.8%, reaching USD 31.66 billion in 2031 from USD 7.38 billion in 2026.

The modular 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) is utilized in deploying and scaling different network functions as needed. It also provides network slicing to build independent virtual networks tailored to individual requirements. SBA helps enhance network efficiency and reduce cost by allowing resource optimization, automation, and orchestration tools. It also benefits from virtualization and cloud technologies developments, including the flexibility of virtualized network functions (VNFs), which can be worked on standard servers or cloud platforms for immediate deployment and service scalability.

Furthermore, a number of the SBA pieces are purposely designed as cloud-native and can take advantage of more advanced native services in the cloud. They are utilized with cloud technologies for elastic, high-performance scalability with built-in redundancy, maintainability, and cost-effectiveness, contributing to market expansion.

5G Core Service-Based Architecture Market Growth Drivers:

• Growing Cloud-Native key to 5G SBA is expected to increase the global demand for 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA).

The implementation of the core network, based on an open and modular service platform outlined in 3GPP as part of the fifth-generation (5G) mobile network standards, is termed Service-Based Architecture. SBA is a cloud-native service framework that supports executing essential mobile core network functions related to session and mobility management by standalone, including identity-proxy or idle-mode specific software applications called Network Functions.

Meanwhile, they have to work with NFs deployed on off-the-shelf hardware residing within cloud infrastructure that are not managed as part of the Management and Orchestration (MANO) stack and need additional gateways/RGs to communicate with other authorized NFs. These are very similar to using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) based service interfaces in applications. Service providers can use a cloud-native framework to develop SBA with microservices. This cloud-native model introduces granular capacity provisioning, key for 5G, as it allows resources to be allocated following mean rather than peak demand, making it more efficient.

• The increasing industry requirement is anticipated to drive the 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) market growth.

A new 5G system architecture that includes the New Radio (NR) access and a new core network (5GC) has been defined to support the increasingly varied services required by an expanding number of industry sectors. The modern 5G system and core network cater to the goal of cost-effectiveness in dealing with diverse services efficiently. SBA is important because it provides service-oriented functions, interfaces, and operations in the core network control plane. It enables the 5G network to efficiently meet multiple vertical-industry service requirements for wide-ranging applications.

The SBA incorporates network slicing within the 5G Core (5GC), providing insights into application scenarios. Network slicing, a key capability in 5G, offers deployment flexibility and efficient resource utilization for various network services and applications. SBA's design enables network slicing, allowing multiple logical networks on a single physical network. It also supports plug-and-play network functions by software vendors, simplifies operations with APIs, and facilitates seamless integration of third-party vendor applications with the core network.

• The rising deployment of 5G standalone architecture is predicted to promote the 5G core service-based architecture (SBA) market expansion.

The ultimate 5GC, which lies at the center of 5G standalone architecture, can unleash the full potential of SBA, which, in turn, can ensure the best subscriber experience and help the telecommunication sector monetize effectively. The 5G Core Network is necessary for unleashing the full potential of 5G for many business applications such as factory automation, integrated intelligent transportation systems, “smart cities,” or connected healthcare. This opens opportunities for operators to create incremental revenue streams.

According to the GSA October 5G Standalone 2023 report, 121 operators in 55 countries and territories worldwide invested in public 5G Standalone (SA) networks. Of these, 47 operators have already launched or deployed public 5G SA networks, including two soft launches. This data indicates the growing momentum in adopting 5G SA networks worldwide.

5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Market Geographical Outlook:

• The European region is expected to hold a substantial 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) market share.

The 5G SBA Market in the European region has a major presence due to high demand for advanced technology, strong government support through regulations, and network modernization efforts. European countries, in particular, are leading in 5G network deployment and thus provide a solid base for SBA expansion. European regulators have issued regulations to encourage innovation, and SBA was widely viewed as an empowerment of this modernization.

For instance, in February 2024, Elisa, a major European service provider, launched Finland's first 5G standalone phone subscriptions for a next-generation and smoother experience. Over the next few months, those subscriptions were supplemented with user benefits and power savings. The 5G standalone network enhances energy efficiency, using less energy per unit of data that is being transferred than older network technologies.

5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Market Key Developments:

• October 2023- Deutsche Telekom and Mavenir announced substantial progress in task automation of the 5G standalone network slicing service. 5G Live Video Production Service with RTL Deutschland ensures reliable live production with 5G standalone and network slicing-based technologies for broadcast applications.

• June 2023 — Elisa announced the successful deployment of an In-Service Software Upgrade on its live production 5GS Standalone network using equipment provided by Ericsson. The solution also offers an optimal way for Elisa to upgrade the core network software without any service interruptions for subscribers. This feature is one of the ways Elisa is moving towards a fully cloud-native infrastructure for 5G SA.

5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Market Company Products:

• 5G Core Network- Oracle's 5G Core Network is based on cloud-native technology. It can be deployed over B/OSS applications for quicker service rollout and AI-driven control in the standalone core. This can be deployed at cloud scale, performance, security, and economics. It can also be utilized to launch a fully automated 5G core that configures and tests network functions by developing them on Oracle's Network Analytics Suite.

• Mavenir SCP- Mavenir's service communication proxy (SCP) takes on the role of message mediation, ensuring the alignment of messages shared among Network Functions from various vendors or those supporting distinct 3GPP releases. Within the framework of the SBA as outlined by 3GPP, the interconnected NFs undergo mutual authentication and, when relevant, obtain authorization to utilize services offered by other producer NFs (pNFs).

• Ericsson 5G Core (5GC)- The novel 5G Core (5GC) architecture is built upon SBA, incorporating IT network principles and a cloud-native design strategy. Within this updated structure, every NF provides one or multiple services to other NFs through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

List of Top 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Companies:

• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

• ZTE Corporation

• Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

• Nokia Corporation

• Alepo Technologies Inc.

5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Market Scope