Global C-RAN Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

Global C-RAN Market Growth

In 2023, the global adoption of 5G connections experienced significant growth, reaching a total of 1.76 billion, with an increase of 700 million, as reported by 5G Americas. The increasing demand for C-RAN is intricately linked to the worldwide implementation of 5G technology. The requirements of 5G necessitate faster and more efficient networks that can manage large volumes of data while delivering low-latency services. C-RAN provides a centralised framework that facilitates the effective management of network resources, which is essential for meeting the high bandwidth and performance standards of 5G. By centralising baseband processing, C-RAN minimises the number of physical base stations, thereby reducing operational expenses and enhancing scalability.

As per the C-RAN market analysis, as of 2024, there are 3.3 billion global IoT subscriptions, in addition to 6.7 billion smartphone subscriptions. Projections indicate that by 2028, IoT subscriptions will rise to 5 billion, while smartphone subscriptions are expected to reach 8 billion, highlighting the increasing interconnectivity of the digital landscape. The growing demand for C-RAN is fuelled by the widespread adoption of IoT technologies and the escalating use of smartphones. These advancements produce substantial volumes of data, necessitating a robust and scalable network infrastructure. The centralised design of C-RAN effectively manages this data traffic, providing low-latency, high-performance connectivity that meets the evolving requirements of IoT devices and mobile users.

Key Trends and Developments

Global C-RAN Market Trends

The market is witnessing significant expansion, propelled by the surging demand for high-speed and low-latency connectivity. C-RAN facilitates the centralisation of baseband processing for network operators, leading to enhanced efficiency, lower operational expenses, and streamlined network management. As telecommunications companies seek solutions to manage the increasing data traffic generated by mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), C-RAN provides both scalability and adaptability. Its cloud-based framework supports quicker upgrades and more efficient resource allocation. Additionally, the incorporation of virtualisation, edge computing, and cloud technologies improves overall network performance, promoting swift adoption. The C-RAN market is anticipated to maintain its growth trajectory, driven by the escalating demand for sophisticated mobile services, cloud integration, and network densification across various sectors.

Global C-RAN Industry Segmentation

Global C-RAN Market Share

Based on the architecture type, the market is segmented into centralised-RAN and virtualised/cloud RAN. The centralised-RAN segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.8% during the forecast period of 2024-2032. Centralised-RAN represents a network architecture that consolidates baseband processing within a cloud-based data center. This approach enhances operational efficiency, lowers expenses, and facilitates improved coordination for mobile networks, particularly in the context of 5G technology.

Leading Companies in the Global C-RAN Market

Major players are focusing on the adoption of advanced technologies to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Established in 1987 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Huawei stands as a prominent global supplier of telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics, which encompasses smartphones and networking devices.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, California, United States, Cisco is dedicated to networking har...

Intel Corporation

Established in 1968 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, United States, Intel is a global corporation...

Mavenir Systems, Inc

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, United States, Mavenir is a prominent company in the t...

*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*

Other major players in the C-RAN market are NEC Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Nokia Corporation, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Fujitsu Limited, and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, among others.