By 2035, Radio Access Network Market Size, Share, Trends and Industry Analysis

Radio Access Network Market by Communication Infrastructure (Small Cell, Macro Cell, RAN Equipment, DAS), Connectivity Technology (2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G), Deployment Location (Urban, Rural, Residential, Retail Stores), and Geography - Global Forecast From 2025 to 2035

Report Code: SE 6149 Jan, 2026, by marketsandmarkets.com

The global radio access network market was valued at USD 15.96 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 36.04 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2025 and 2035. Global Radio Access Network (RAN) market is set for transformative growth between 2025 and 2035, driven by the increasing demand for high-speed data, low-latency communication, and reliable connectivity. Emerging technologies like 5G, cloud RAN (C-RAN), open RAN (O-RAN), edge computing, and private networks are reshaping the RAN landscape. Operators and vendors are investing heavily in infrastructure modernization, densification, and software-defined networking to keep up with evolving customer needs and digital transformation.

Communication Infrastructure

Macro Cell

Macro cells form the backbone of traditional mobile networks. They offer broad coverage over large geographic areas, making them suitable for suburban and rural deployments. While growth in macro cells is expected to slow down, they will still play a crucial role in offering foundational coverage and backhaul for newer technologies like 5G and edge computing.

Small Cell

Small cells are vital to support network densification, especially in high-traffic urban zones. These low-power cellular nodes improve network capacity, throughput, and indoor coverage. The proliferation of smart devices and streaming services is driving massive demand for small cell deployments. This infrastructure is especially critical for supporting mmWave frequencies in 5G, which require closer proximity to end users due to limited range.

RAN Equipment

RAN equipment includes baseband units, antennas, remote radio heads, and supporting software. The evolution of virtualized RAN (vRAN) and open RAN is expected to accelerate during the forecast period. Vendors are moving toward software-defined, cloud-native architectures that reduce dependency on proprietary hardware and enable multi-vendor interoperability. RAN equipment will represent a growing share of network capex as operators modernize and automate their infrastructure.

Distributed Antenna System (DAS)

DAS plays a critical role in delivering indoor coverage across environments like stadiums, airports, shopping malls, and office buildings. DAS solutions distribute RF signals through a network of antennas that ensure consistent coverage in difficult-to-reach areas. While initial deployment costs are high, DAS solutions offer scalability and long-term efficiency, especially when integrated with small cells.

Connectivity Technology

2G and 3G

Legacy technologies like 2G and 3G continue to serve basic voice and messaging needs in low-income and remote markets. However, these technologies are nearing their sunset phase in many developed countries. Over the forecast period, many operators will decommission 2G and 3G networks, reallocating spectrum to 4G and 5G services. Despite their decline, these technologies will still occupy a small market share in specific geographies.

4G/LTE

4G/LTE remains the dominant connectivity technology as of 2025. It provides high-speed internet access, VoLTE services, and supports the growing use of video, gaming, and cloud applications. 4G will continue to coexist with 5G for the foreseeable future, especially in regions where 5G rollout is slower. Enhancements like LTE-Advanced and carrier aggregation will further extend 4G’s lifecycle.

5G is the fastest-growing segment of the RAN market. Driven by use cases such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, telemedicine, and ultra-HD streaming, 5G promises ultra-low latency, massive connectivity, and gigabit-level speeds. Standalone (SA) 5G networks are gaining momentum, offering end-to-end 5G capabilities including core network upgrades. The evolution of 5G NR, mmWave deployments, and spectrum sharing technologies will continue to expand market opportunities through 2035.

Deployment Location

Urban

Urban areas represent the largest share of RAN investments due to dense populations and high data consumption. 5G rollouts are heavily concentrated in urban centers, where operators deploy a mix of macro cells and small cells. Indoor coverage is a top priority, with shopping malls, stadiums, universities, and office buildings demanding uninterrupted, high-speed access. Urban deployments will continue to lead the RAN market in volume and value.

Rural

Rural connectivity remains a major challenge and opportunity. In sparsely populated regions, macro cell towers are the most cost-effective solution. Governments and regulators are launching rural broadband initiatives, often in partnership with private telecom providers. Innovations such as low-band spectrum, open RAN, satellite backhaul, and hybrid macro-small cell models are being adopted to expand affordable coverage in rural areas.

Residential

With the shift to remote work and increased digital dependency, residential connectivity has become critical. Residential deployments focus on improving indoor coverage, often through femtocells, Wi-Fi offloading, or small cells. The growing number of smart home devices and IoT integrations will create further demand for reliable, low-latency residential RAN solutions.

Retail Stores

Retail environments require seamless connectivity to support digital signage, mobile payments, in-store analytics, and personalized customer experiences. Retail stores are deploying small cells and indoor DAS to ensure robust connectivity for both customers and staff. As physical and digital retail converge, RAN solutions are becoming a core part of omnichannel strategies.

Geographic Outlook

North America

North America, particularly the United States and Canada, is at the forefront of 5G deployment and RAN innovation. The region is seeing rapid adoption of open RAN and virtual RAN, along with increased private 5G investments in sectors like manufacturing and logistics. Government support for rural broadband and edge computing initiatives will further boost market growth.

Europe

Europe is investing in RAN infrastructure to meet the digital transformation goals of the EU’s Digital Decade strategy. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France are leading in 5G rollouts, while Eastern Europe is gradually catching up. Open RAN is gaining traction in the region as operators seek more flexibility and vendor diversity. EU-funded initiatives will play a key role in cross-border infrastructure development.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the RAN market. Countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and India are making significant investments in 5G infrastructure. The region benefits from strong manufacturing ecosystems, government support, and large mobile subscriber bases. Asia Pacific will dominate in both volume and revenue, driven by urban expansion and high mobile penetration rates.

Latin America

Latin America is undergoing steady RAN development, with operators investing in LTE expansions and initiating 5G trials. Economic constraints and regulatory complexities slow the pace of adoption, but countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile are expected to be regional leaders. The region’s RAN market will benefit from mobile-first consumers, e-commerce growth, and urbanization.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa present diverse opportunities. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, there is rapid 5G deployment driven by smart city projects and national digital strategies. In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa still relies heavily on 2G and 3G networks, though mobile broadband is expanding. Infrastructure sharing, lower-cost RAN solutions, and satellite technologies are critical to bridging the digital divide in the region.

Radio Access Network Market, By Communication Infrastructure

Small Cell
Macro Cell
RAN Equipment
DAS

Radio Access Network Market, By Connectivity Technology

2G
3G
4G/LTE
5G

Acoustic Wave Sensor Market, By Region

North America
Europe
Asia Pacific (APAC)
RoW

Key Market Players:

Huawei (China), Ericsson (Sweden), Nokia Networks (Finland), ZTE (China), Samsung (South Korea), NEC (Japan), Cisco (US), Qualcomm (US), Intel (US), Fujitsu (Japan), Juniper Networks (US), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (US), Corning (US), AT&T (US), Verizon Communications (US), Huber+Suhner (Switzerland), CommScope (US), Airspan Networks (US), Qorvo (US), and LG electronics (South Korea).

Critical questions the report answers:

Where will all these developments take the industry in the long term?
What are the upcoming trends for the Radio Access Network market?
Which segment provides the most opportunity for growth?
Who are the leading vendors operating in this market?
What are the opportunities for new market entrants?

To speak to our analyst for a discussion on the above findings, click Speak to Analyst

Exclusive indicates content/data unique to MarketsandMarkets and not available with any competitors.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction (Page No. - 13)
    1.1 Objectives of Study
    1.2 Definition
    1.3 Scope of Study
           1.3.1 Markets Covered
           1.3.2 Years Considered for Study
    1.4 Currency
    1.5 Limitations
    1.6 Stakeholders

2 Research Methodology (Page No. - 17)
    2.1 Introduction
           2.1.1 Secondary and Primary Research
                    2.1.1.1 Key Industry Insights
           2.1.2 Secondary Data
                    2.1.2.1 List of Major Secondary Sources
                    2.1.2.2 Secondary Sources
           2.1.3 Primary Data
                    2.1.3.1 Breakdown of Primaries
                    2.1.3.2 Key Data From Primary Sources
    2.2 Market Size Estimation
           2.2.1 Bottom-Up Approach
                    2.2.1.1 Approach for Capturing the Market Share By Bottom-Up Analysis (Demand Side)
           2.2.2 Top-Down Approach
                    2.2.2.1 Approach for Capturing the Market Share By Top-Down Analysis (Supply Side)
    2.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation
    2.4 Research Assumptions

3 Executive Summary (Page No. - 27)

4 Premium Insights (Page No. - 32)
    4.1 Attractive Opportunities in Radio Access Network Market
    4.2 Market in APAC, By Communication Infrastructure and Country
    4.3 Market, By Communication Infrastructure
    4.4 Market, By Connectivity Technology
    4.5 Market, By Deployment Location
    4.6 Market, By Geography

5 Market Overview (Page No. - 37)
    5.1 Introduction
    5.2 Market Dynamics
           5.2.1 Drivers
                    5.2.1.1 Increasing Mobile Data Traffic
                    5.2.1.2 Growing Demand for Improved Network Coverage
                    5.2.1.3 Increased Adoption of Smartphones and Technological Advancements in the Telecommunications Industry
           5.2.2 Restraints
                    5.2.2.1 Spectrum Crunch and Delay in the Standardization of Spectrum Allocation
           5.2.3 Opportunities
                    5.2.3.1 Development of 5G Network
                    5.2.3.2 Increase in Demand for Network Infrastructure Due to Internet of Things (IoT)
           5.2.4 Challenges
                    5.2.4.1 Interference in Cell Sites
                    5.2.4.2 Compatibility Issues Between Traditional Network Infrastructure and Next-Generation Network Infrastructure
    5.3 Value Chain Analysis
    5.4 Key Trends in Radio Access Network Market
           5.4.1 Focus of Companies on Product Launches and Developments
           5.4.2 Advancement of Networks By Using Virtualization and Software Technologies

6 Radio Access Network Market, By Communication Infrastructure (Page No. - 44)
    6.1 Introduction
    6.2 Small Cell
           6.2.1 Microcell
           6.2.2 Picocell
           6.2.3 Femtocell
    6.3 Macro Cell
    6.4 RAN Equipment
    6.5 DAS

7 Radio Access Network Market, By Connectivity Technology (Page No. - 59)
    7.1 Introduction
    7.2 2G
    7.3 3G
    7.4 4G/LTE
    7.5 5G

8 Radio Access Network Market, By Deployment Location (Page No. - 69)
    8.1 Introduction
    8.2 Urban Areas
    8.3 Public Spaces
    8.4 Rural Areas
    8.5 Residential Areas
    8.6 Retail Stores (Supercenters & Hypercenters)
    8.7 Highways
    8.8 Large Enterprises
    8.9 Small and Medium Enterprises
    8.10 Hotels/Motels
    8.11 Airport/Rail/Bus Terminals
    8.12 Others

9 Geographic Analysis (Page No. - 90)
    9.1 Introduction
    9.2 North America
           9.2.1 US
           9.2.2 Canada
           9.2.3 Mexico
    9.3 Europe
           9.3.1 UK
           9.3.2 Germany
           9.3.3 France
           9.3.4 Rest of Europe
    9.4 Asia Pacific
           9.4.1 China
           9.4.2 Japan
           9.4.3 South Korea
           9.4.4 India
           9.4.5 Rest of APAC
    9.5 Rest of the World
           9.5.1 Middle East & Africa
           9.5.2 South America

10 Competitive Landscape (Page No. - 113)
     10.1 Overview
     10.2 Market Ranking Analysis, 2017
     10.3 Competitive Situations and Trends
             10.3.1 Product Launches and Developments
             10.3.2 Partnerships and Collaborations
             10.3.3 Alliances and Agreements
             10.3.4 Acquisitions and Others

11 Company Profiles (Page No. - 120)
(Business Overview, Products Offered, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, and MnM View)*
     11.1 Key Players
             11.1.1 Huawei
             11.1.2 Ericsson
             11.1.3 Nokia Networks
             11.1.4 ZTE
             11.1.5 Samsung
             11.1.6 NEC
             11.1.7 Cisco
             11.1.8 Qualcomm
             11.1.9 Intel
             11.1.10 Fujitsu
     11.2 Other Key Players
             11.2.1 Juniper Networks
             11.2.2 Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
             11.2.3 Corning
             11.2.4 AT&T
             11.2.5 Verizon Communications
             11.2.6 Huber+Suhner
             11.2.7 Commscope
             11.2.8 Airspan Networks
             11.2.9 Qorvo
             11.2.10 LG Electronics

*Details on Business Overview, Products Offered, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, and MnM View Might Not Be Captured in Case of Unlisted Companies.

12 Appendix (Page No. - 152)
     12.1 Insights From Industry Experts
     12.2 Discussion Guide
     12.3 Knowledge Store: Marketsandmarkets’ Subscription Portal
     12.4 Introducing RT: Real-Time Market Intelligence
     12.5 Available Customizations
     12.6 Related Report
     12.7 Author Details

List of Tables (69 Tables)

Table 1 Expected 5G Network Deployments Worldwide
Table 2 Radio Access Network Market, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Billion)
Table 3 Market for Small Cell, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 4 Radio Access Network Market for Small Cell, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 5 Market for Small Cell, By Connectivity Technology, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 6 Types of Base Stations
Table 7 Market for Macro Cell, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 8 Market for Macro Cell, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 9 Market for Macro Cell, By Connectivity Technology, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 10 Market for RAN Equipment, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 11 Radio Access Network Market for RAN Equipment, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 12 Market for RAN Equipment, By Connectivity Technology, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 13 Market for DAS, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 14 Radio Access Network Market for DAS, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 15 Market for DAS, By Connectivity Technology, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 16 Radio Access Network Market, By Connectivity Technology, 2015–2023 (USD Billion)
Table 17 Market for 2G, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 18 Market for 2G, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 19 Radio Access Network Market for 3G, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 20 Market for 3G, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 21 Market for 4G/LTE, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 22 Market for 4G/LTE, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 23 Market for 5G, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 24 Market for 5G, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 25 Market, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 26 Market for Urban Areas, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 27 Market for Urban Areas, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 28 Market for Public Spaces, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 29 Market for Public Spaces, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 30 Radio Access Network Market for Rural Areas, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 31 Market for Rural Areas, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 32 Market for Residential Areas, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 33 Market for Residential Areas, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 34 Radio Access Network Market for Retail Stores, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 35 Market for Retail Stores, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 36 Market for Highways, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 37 Market for Highways, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 38 Market for Large Enterprises, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 39 Market for Large Enterprises, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 40 Market for Small and Medium Enterprises, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 41 Market for Small and Medium Enterprises, By Geography, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 42 Market for Hotels/Motels, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 43 Market for Hotels/Motels, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 44 Market for Airport/Rail/Bus Terminals, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 45 Market for Airport/Rail/Bus Terminals, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 46 Market for Others, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 47 Market for Others, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 48 Market, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Billion)
Table 49 North American Radio Access Network , By Country, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 50 Market, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 51 Market, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 52 Market, By Connectivity Technology 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 53 Market, By Country, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 54 Market, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 55 Market, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 56 Market, By Connectivity Technology, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 57 Market in APAC, By Country, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 58 Market in APAC, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 59 Market in APAC, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 60 Market in APAC, By Connectivity Technology, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 61 Market in RoW, By Region, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 62 Radio Access Network Market in RoW, By Deployment Location, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 63 Market in RoW, By Communication Infrastructure, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 64 Market in RoW, By Connectivity Technology, 2015–2023 (USD Million)
Table 65 Ranking of Key Players in Market, 2017
Table 66 Product Launches and Developments (2015–2017)
Table 67 Partnerships and Collaborations (2015–2017)
Table 68 Alliance and Agreements (2016–2017)
Table 69 Acquisitions and Others (2015–2017)

List of Figures (52 Figures)

Figure 1 Radio Access Network Market: Research Design
Figure 2 Market Size Estimation Methodology: Bottom-Up Approach
Figure 3 Market Size Estimation Methodology: Top-Down Approach
Figure 4 Assumptions for Research Study
Figure 5 Market for Small Cell to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period
Figure 6 5G to Hold Largest Size of Market in 2023
Figure 7 Market for Retail Stores to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period
Figure 8 Market in APAC to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period
Figure 9 Increasing Demand for Mobile Data to Propel Growth of Market During Forecast Period
Figure 10 China Held Largest Share of Market in APAC in 2017
Figure 11 Macro Cell Held Largest Share of Market for Communication Infrastructure in 2017
Figure 12 5G Expected to Hold Largest Share of Market By 2023
Figure 13 Urban Areas Deployment Location to Hold Largest Size of Market By 2023
Figure 14 US Held Largest Share of Market in 2017
Figure 15 Continuous Increase in Demand for Improved Network Coverage Would Drive the Market
Figure 16 Increase in Global Mobile Data Traffic From 2016 to 2021
Figure 17 Wireless Network Infrastructure Ecosystem: Value Chain Analysis
Figure 18 Market, By Communication Infrastructure
Figure 19 Small Cell Expected to Hold Largest Size of Market By 2023
Figure 20 Residential Areas to Hold Largest Size of Market for Small Cell Share During the Forecast Period
Figure 21 Market for Macro Cells for Urban Areas to Grow at Higher CAGR During Forecast Period
Figure 22 Urban Areas Deployment Location to Hold Largest Share of Market for DAS During Forecast Period
Figure 23 5G Connectivity Technology to Hold Largest Size of Market By 2023
Figure 24 North America Held Largest Size of Market for 2G in 2017
Figure 25 Market for Radio Access Network Based on 4G/LTE for Small Cell to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period
Figure 26 Small Cell to Dominate Market for 5G Connectivity Technology During Forecast Period
Figure 27 Market, By Deployment Location
Figure 28 Urban Areas Held Largest Share of Market in 2017
Figure 29 Market for Urban Area Deployment in APAC to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period
Figure 30 Macro Cell Held Largest Size of Market for Rural Areas in 2017
Figure 31 North America to Hold Largest Size of Market for Residential Area Deployment During Forecast Period
Figure 32 Market for Retail Store Deployment for Small Cell to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period
Figure 33 North America to Hold Largest Size of Market for Highways Deployment During Forecast Period
Figure 34 Market for Small Cell for Small and Medium Enterprises to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period
Figure 35 North America to Hold Largest Size of Market for Hotels/Motels During Forecast Period
Figure 36 North America to Hold Largest Size of Market for Airport/Rail/Bus Terminals During Forecast Period
Figure 37 Market, By Geography
Figure 38 Snapshot: Market in North America
Figure 39 Snapshot: Market in Europe
Figure 40 Snapshot: Market in APAC
Figure 41 Companies Adopted Product Launch and Development as Key Growth Strategies Between 2015 and 2017
Figure 42 Product Launch and Development Was Key Strategy Adopted By Players Between 2015 and 2017
Figure 43 Huawei: Business Overview
Figure 44 Ericsson: Company Snapshot
Figure 45 Nokia Networks: Company Snapshot
Figure 46 ZTE : Company Snapshot
Figure 47 Samsung: Company Snapshot
Figure 48 NEC: Company Snapshot
Figure 49 Cisco: Company Snapshot
Figure 50 Qualcomm: Company Snapshot
Figure 51 Intel: Company Snapshot
Figure 52 Fujitsu: Company Snapshot

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