5G NR RAN Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Technology (Massive MIMO, Non-Massive MIMO), By Spectrum Band (Sub-6 GHz, MmWave), By Architecture (Centralized RAN, Virtual RAN, Open RAN), By Deployment (Standalone, Non-Standalone), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The 5G NR RAN market was valued at US$22.819 billion in 2022 and will grow up to US$86.176 billion in 2029 at a CAGR of 20.90%.

GROWTH DRIVERS

• Booming 5G deployment followed by investments in NR RAN has propelled the market expansion.

Growing demand for modern communication networks is driving the need for high-speed bandwidth, which has provided a major boost to the deployment of 5G technology. Major nations are investing in network establishment and are initiating necessary strategies. Consequently, growing investments in 5G technology are also being witnessed. For instance, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, in October 2023, announced “Spectrum Outlook 2023 to 2027”, which aimed to bolster 5G deployment in rural communities. As per the plan, the 3800 MHz auction was held in October 2023 and was the third auction to make 5G available.

Likewise, the growing 5G deployment is set to enhance the demand for NR Radio Access Network (RAN) as it aids in managing resources across radio locations and provides low latency with smooth connectivity, mobility, and ultimate network security. Hence, it establishes a link between the main network and the user’s devices, such as smartphones and laptops, removing the unnecessary network complexities that would lower the internet speed. The key players are undertaking strategic maneuvers such as partnerships and investment in product innovation, which has further led to an upward trajectory. For example,

• February 2022: Qualcomm Technologies collaborated with Fujitsu to develop fully integrated O-RAN compliant and cloud-native 5G solutions with 5G mmWave capabilities. The development would be done under NTT Docomo’s “5G OREC Initiative” and combine a 5G mmWave antenna module with RUs and DUs in a compact design. The collaboration marks an initial step towards exercising innovations in network modules, thereby enabling global telecom operators to deploy cost-effective 5G infrastructure.

EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GLOBAL 5G NR RAN MARKET

• MASSIVE MIMO

Based on technology, the 5G NR RAN market is segmented into Massive MIMO and Non-Massive MIMO, where the former is set to show significant growth fueled by the growing efforts to bolster high-speed network access to meet growing subscriber demand.

Standalone to remain the dominant deployment segment. 

The 5G NR RAN market, based on deployment is divided into standalone and non-standalone where the former is projected to account for a considerable market share. This is because the core elements of the 5G network, and essential network management functions such as connectivity, mobility, and user authentication are all implemented through standalone (SA). The high network compatibility and coverage provided by standalone architecture is stimulating its demand in 5G technology, owing to which the market players are investing in developing their product portfolios and distribution networks. For instance,

• In October 2022, Ericsson formed a long-term 5G contract with Indian telecom operator Reliance Jio Infocom Ltd. The former would assist in rolling out Jio’s 5G standalone in the country. Through the partnership, Jio aims to provide a transformative 5G experience to its customers and enterprises by modernizing the network infrastructure.

5G NR RAN MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL PRESENCE

The global 5G NR RAN market consists of major countries undertaking various measures to secure their 5G network across their nations. Some major countries include the USA, Japan, South Korea, China, and Germany. The countries have undertaken various measures, complementing the overall market growth. For instance,

• In December 2022, Samsung announced that the company, in collaboration with Verizon, had deployed more than 10,00 virtual radio access networks (vRAN) in America. The company has set the goal of reaching 20,000 sites by 2025. The deployment has enabled Verizon to deliver quick and innovative network services to its customers and is compliant with running 4G and 5G networks simultaneously.
• In January 2022, Nokia, in collaboration with SK Telecom, successfully demonstrated the world’s first “5G 64TRX” wireless-based cloud vRAN (Virtual Radio Access Network) in Korea. The trial showcased Nokia’s leadership in wireless network architecture by fulfilling SK Telecom’s large-capacity computing requirements and network flexibility.

MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE MARKET

Some leading players in the market include Fujitsu, Nokia, Samsung, and Qualcomm Technologies, among others. These firms have undertaken various business strategies such as product launches, investments, and partnerships to expand their product offerings. For instance,

• June 2023: Nokia collaborated with Red Hat Inc. to integrate the former’s core network applications with the latter’s “Red Hat Open Stack Platform” and “Red Hat Open Shift”. The collaboration would also enable Nokia to leverage Red Hat’s infrastructure platform for developing & testing the company’s extensive network portfolio.
• December 2022: Ericsson announced scaling up the production capacity of its 5G telecom equipment at the company’s Pune facility to bolster the country's 5G network deployment. The company further planned to establish a technology center to increase the speed and flexibility of its products. Major Indian telecom operators, Bharti Airtel and Jio, had selected Ericsson for their 5G network deployment.

5G NR RAN Market Scope:

The 5G NR RAN market is segmented and analyzed as follows:

• By Technology
  • Massive MIMO
  • Non-Massive MIMO
• By Spectrum Band
  • Sub-6-Ghz
  • mmWave
• By Architecture
  • Centralized RAN
  • Virtual RAN
  • Open RAN
• By Deployment
  • Standalone
  • Non-Standalone
• By Geography
  • Americas
    • United States
    • Others
  • Europe, Middle East, and Africa
    • Germany
    • UK
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Others