Global 5G Equipment Market to Grow Over 32% Through 2020

Global 5G Equipment Market to Grow Over 32% Through 2020
Illustration / Antonio Jularić

Extensive research carried out by the analysts at Technavio has shown that the global 5G equipment market is anticipated to witness tremendous growth and will post a staggering CAGR of more than 32% over the forecast period. With the growth of complementary technologies such as software defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV), the market for 5G equipment is expected to have a positive outlook in the coming years.

According to the market research analysts, by 2020, nearly 2.2 billion mobile connections will be using LTE technology. This growth in mobile data traffic is driven by an increase in the number of data capable devices and high bandwidth applications. New technologies like SDN enable new revenue streams to telecom operators by re-examining network architectures, introducing virtualization, and providing intelligence solutions.

Also, SDN and NFV provide more flexibility and seamless integration with infrastructure layers. Moreover, NFV facilitates advancements in server virtualization and enterprise IT virtualization, while SDN allows logical centralization of control functions. Furthermore, SDN and NFV enable telecom carriers to reduce their dependency on hardware-based network equipment and diverting their focus on software and server-based infrastructure.

The rapid deployment of smart grid systems is one of the latest trends gaining significant traction in the market. Several countries like India, the US, China, Spain, France, and Germany are introducing smart grid systems that include grid applications such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, smart energy meters, and other communication networks. These devices provide utilities complete control in managing digital assets present in the field.

Moreover, the shift to smart grid means that utilities will have to manage complex smart devices and considerably reduces the risk of grid failure and outages. This will drive the need for sophisticated control systems to manage the assets in the field. Also, smart grids can control demand for and supply of power generated by a wide range of distributed and interconnected power producers with the support of 5G secure and fast communication network, leading to their increased adoption over the next four years.

Competitive landscape and key vendors

The rising popularity of IoT has had a significant impact on the 5G equipment market. Several well-established companies like Verizon, AT&T, China Mobile, and SK Telecom have been conducting trials on 5G technology in partnership with network equipment providers such as Huawei Technologies, Ericsson, and Nokia.

As customer requirements are becoming dynamic with advances in technology, therefore, the vendors are constantly under a lot of pressure to develop new faster wireless technology to meet client demands. The competition in the market is expected to intensify with increase in commercial deployments, technological innovations, and mergers and acquisitions.

Key vendors in this market are Ericsson, Huawei Technologies, Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung and ZTE. Other prominent vendors in the market are AT&T, China Mobile, KT, NTT DOCOMO, Orange Business Services, Singtel, SK Telecom, Sprint, Telenor, TeliaSonera, Verizon, and Vodafone.

In terms of geography, the Americas led the global 5G equipment market and will continue to dominate the market in the coming years. The increasing use of IoT solutions will contribute to the growth of this market. Nearly 80% of the enterprises in the US have been using the IoT products and services, with the support of cloud platforms and data analytics to improve their business efficiency.

Moreover, with the penetration of IoT, the majority of industries are in need of efficient and reliable communication networks to process business operations. Furthermore, with the increasing demand for high-speed broadband network and introduction of several online applications and social media, it has become imperative for telecom operators to provide high quality services, which will also fuel this market’s growth in the region.