The global 5G equipment market was valued at USD 15.28 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 240.80 billion by 2034. Operators are investing in radio, core, and transport equipment to support standalone 5G networks, heavier data traffic, and new enterprise services. North America held the largest regional share at 36.8% in 2025.

• Market Size (2025): USD 15.28 Billion

• Market Size (2026): USD 20.76 Billion

• CAGR (Forecast Period): 35.85% during 2026–2034

• Forecast Year: 2034

• Projected Market Size (2034): USD 240.80 Billion

• Dominant Region: North America

• Fastest Growing Region: Asia Pacific, with a projected CAGR of 19.6% during 2026–2034

Market Overview

5G equipment includes base stations, antennas, routers, switches, backhaul systems, and the software used to run fifth-generation wireless networks. Software-defined networking and virtualized network functions give operators more control over capacity and service delivery, while edge computing helps applications respond closer to where data is generated.

Growth Drivers

Standalone 5G deployment is creating a broader equipment cycle. Unlike networks that depend partly on 4G infrastructure, standalone systems require dedicated 5G core capabilities alongside compatible radio and transport upgrades. GSMA reported in 2026 that more than 70 operators had launched live standalone networks, while deployment at scale remained limited to about one-quarter of operator groups worldwide.

Mobile traffic is also testing network capacity. Ericsson reported more than 220 exabytes of global monthly mobile network data traffic in the second quarter of 2026, up 23% from a year earlier. That pressure gives operators a practical reason to expand coverage and improve the performance of existing sites.

Challenges

Deployment costs remain a barrier, particularly where expected traffic is too low to justify major spending on radios, fiber backhaul, and site upgrades. Delays in spectrum allocation and fragmented frequency holdings can further complicate rollout plans.

Equipment from multiple suppliers must also operate as one network. Testing across radios, cores, devices, and software adds time to deployment, while dense radio installations place greater demands on power use and thermal management.

Opportunities

Private 5G offers equipment suppliers and integrators a route into factories, ports, mines, and other sites that need dependable operational connectivity. Ericsson and NTT DATA announced a partnership in 2026 to scale managed private 5G services across industries.

Fixed wireless access creates another sales channel for 5G routers, adapters, and network infrastructure. Operators can use these systems to serve homes and businesses where extending wired broadband is difficult or costly.

Segment Analysis

Software-defined networking led the market by type with a 41.7% share in 2025, reflecting its role in network control and flexible resource allocation. Multi-access edge computing is projected to record the fastest type-segment CAGR of 19.2% during 2026–2034 as applications call for faster local data processing.

Consumer electronics accounted for the largest application share at 28.7% in 2025. Automotive is projected to be the fastest-growing application, with a CAGR of 19.4% during 2026–2034, supported by connected-vehicle services and vehicle-to-everything communication.

Regional Analysis

North America accounted for 36.8% of the market in 2025. Established network infrastructure, operator investment, and private-network activity support the region’s position. The U.S. 5G Fund for Rural America and Canada’s planned millimetre-wave spectrum auction could extend equipment deployment into additional locations.

Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest regional CAGR of 19.6% during 2026–2034. Network expansion plans in Japan, China, and India point to continued investment in coverage and capacity. Europe, which held a 24.6% share in 2025, is supported by standalone 5G coverage goals and industrial connectivity projects.

Competitive Landscape

The 5G equipment market is moderately consolidated. Established suppliers compete on radio performance, portfolio breadth, energy efficiency, security, and long-term operator relationships. Smaller and regional providers focus on interoperable systems, customization, and private-network applications. Key companies include:

• Ericsson

• Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

• Samsung

• ZTE Corporation

• NEC Corporation

• Cisco

• Fujitsu

• Qualcomm

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Future Outlook

Standalone networks, enterprise deployments, and capacity upgrades are set to shape the next phase of the 5G equipment market. Suppliers that can combine reliable network performance with simpler integration and lower operating costs will be well placed as operators expand beyond initial coverage rollouts.

About Straits Research

Straits Research is a global market intelligence and consulting company that provides industry research, market analysis, and strategic insights to help organizations make informed business decisions.