• Cat-intel
  • MedIntelliX
  • Resources
  • About Us
  • Request Free Sample ×

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights

    clients tt-cursor
    Hero Background

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market

    ID: MRFR/ICT/25662-HCR
    128 Pages
    Aarti Dhapte
    October 2025

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Research Report By Technology (5G New Radio (5G NR), Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Beamforming, Network Slicing), By Component (Radio Units (RUs), Distributed Units (DUs), Centralized Units (CUs), Antennas, Software), By Deployment (Cloud-RAN, Open-RAN, Virtual-RAN, Small Cell Networks, Macro Cell Networks), By Application (Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Comm...

    Share:
    Download PDF ×

    We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails based on your report interest from time to time. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Infographic
    Purchase Options

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Summary

    The Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market is projected to grow significantly from 25.29 USD Billion in 2024 to 136.09 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Centralized Radio Access Network Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.45 percent from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 136.1 USD Billion, indicating robust growth opportunities.
    • in 2024, the market is valued at 25.29 USD Billion, reflecting a strong foundation for future expansion.
    • Growing adoption of centralized radio access networks due to the increasing demand for efficient network management is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 25.29 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 136.09 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 16.53%

    Major Players

    Ericsson, Nokia, Fujitsu, NEC, Avenir, Radisys, ZTE, Qualcomm, Affirmed Networks, Samsung, Parallel Wireless, China Mobile, Cisco, Altiostar, Huawei

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Trends

    The centralized radio access network (C-RAN) market is witnessing a surge in demand due to the proliferation of mobile devices, the advancement of 5G technology, and the growing need for enhanced connectivity. The convergence of RAN functions into a centralized unit enables greater flexibility, scalability, and cost optimization. Key drivers include the need for improved network performance, reduced operational costs, and support for emerging technologies such as network slicing. Operators are embracing C-RAN to meet the burgeoning data demands and provide a superior user experience. Recent trends in the C-RAN market include the adoption of virtualization and open RAN architectures.

    Virtualization allows for the disaggregation of network functions, providing greater agility and reduced hardware dependency. Open RAN promotes interoperability and innovation, fostering competition and driving down costs.

    The evolution of centralized radio access networks is poised to redefine telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling seamless connectivity across diverse regions.

    Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Drivers

    Market Growth Projections

    Advancements in 5G Technology

    Advancements in 5G technology significantly influence the Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market Industry, as the rollout of 5G networks necessitates innovative infrastructure solutions. Centralized radio access networks enable operators to manage resources more effectively, thereby optimizing network performance. The anticipated growth of the market to 136.1 USD Billion by 2035 reflects the increasing investment in 5G infrastructure. This transition not only enhances mobile broadband services but also supports emerging applications such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities, which rely heavily on high-speed, low-latency connectivity.

    Increased Focus on Network Security

    The heightened focus on network security is becoming a significant driver in the Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market Industry. As cyber threats evolve, operators are compelled to implement robust security measures within their network architectures. Centralized radio access networks offer enhanced security protocols, enabling better monitoring and management of potential vulnerabilities. This emphasis on security is likely to influence investment decisions, as organizations prioritize secure connectivity solutions to protect sensitive data and maintain user trust in an increasingly digital landscape.

    Growing Demand for High-Speed Connectivity

    The Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market Industry experiences a surge in demand for high-speed connectivity driven by the increasing number of connected devices and the proliferation of IoT applications. As organizations and consumers seek faster and more reliable internet access, the market is projected to reach 25.5 USD Billion in 2024. This growth is indicative of the industry's response to the escalating need for bandwidth, particularly in urban areas where data traffic is dense. The integration of centralized radio access networks facilitates efficient spectrum utilization, thereby enhancing overall network performance and user experience.

    Cost Efficiency and Operational Flexibility

    Cost efficiency and operational flexibility are pivotal drivers in the Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market Industry. By centralizing network functions, operators can reduce capital and operational expenditures, which is particularly appealing in a competitive landscape. The ability to deploy resources dynamically allows for better allocation based on demand fluctuations. This operational model is expected to contribute to a compound annual growth rate of 16.45% from 2025 to 2035, as organizations increasingly recognize the financial benefits of adopting centralized architectures.

    Regulatory Support for Network Modernization

    Regulatory support for network modernization plays a crucial role in shaping the Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market Industry. Governments worldwide are advocating for the adoption of advanced telecommunications technologies to enhance national competitiveness. Policies promoting infrastructure investment and spectrum allocation facilitate the deployment of centralized radio access networks. This supportive regulatory environment is likely to accelerate market growth, as stakeholders align their strategies with national objectives aimed at improving connectivity and fostering innovation in telecommunications.

    Market Segment Insights

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Technology Insights

    The Technology segment of the Centralized Radio Access Network Market is expected to enjoy significant growth in the upcoming period, driven by the rising adoption of 5G technology, as well as the growing demand for high-speed and reliable wireless connectivity. One of the primary factors that will be driving the growth of the market will be 5G New Radio technology, as it offers much higher speeds, lower latency, and improved spectral efficiency in comparison to previous generations of the cellular technology.

    Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access is another important technology in this regard that is expected to promote the growth of the market. It will allow a more efficient use of spectrum and increase the performance of wireless networks. The third technology the growth of the market will be relying on is Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, which increases the capacity and coverage of wireless networks. The fourth technology by which the primary driver of the market growth can be achieved is beamforming.

    It increases the performance of wireless networks by directing the signals in certain directions, thus increasing their strength and reducing interference.Finally, the fifth technology type that should be mentioned is network slicing. It allows the creation of virtual networks that can be used for a range of different applications and tailored to meet the specific requirements set by these particular applications. The rising demand for high-speed and reliable wireless connectivity, in combination with the increased adoption of 5G technology and the related advancements of the technology, will be driving the market growth in the upcoming period. 

    Figure 2 Centralized Radio Access Network Market By Technology (2023-2032)

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Component Insights

    The Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market has 5 major segments, which are Radio Units, Distributed Units, Centralized Units, Antennas and Software. The Radio Units segment was the largest Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market segment in 2023, and saw an increase of over 40% of the Global Centralized Radio Access Network Market revenue share. The growth of the segment is caused by the growing demand for a high-speed low-latency internet wireless connection.

    The Distributed Units segment will see the largest gain made in the following years, which is caused by the growth of the adoption of the RAN solutions deployed on the cloud.The Centralized Units segment will also see a steady growth in the following years, as the demand for an increased centralized network management, and control tasks is rising. The Antennas segment will see a moderate growth, and the Software segment will see a rapid growth, which is caused by an increased demand for the SDN and NFV solutions.

    The deployment segment of the Centralized Radio Access Network Market is categorized into Cloud-RAN, Open-RAN, Virtual-RAN, Small Cell Networks, and Macro Cell Networks. Cloud-RAN is projected to hold the largest market share due to the increasing adoption of cloud-based solutions for network management and optimization. Open-RAN is another rapidly growing segment, driven by the demand for open and interoperable network architectures. Virtual-RAN is also gaining traction as a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional RAN deployments.Small Cell Networks are expected to play a significant role in enhancing network capacity and coverage in dense urban areas.

    Macro Cell Networks will continue to be widely deployed in rural and suburban areas, providing long-range coverage and connectivity.

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Application Insights

    The Centralized Radio Access Network Market is segmented into various applications, including Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), Smart Cities, and Connected Vehicles. eMBB is expected to hold the largest market share due to the increasing demand for high-speed data services and the growth of mobile video streaming. mMTC is also expected to witness significant growth due to the rising number of connected devices and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT).URLLC is expected to gain traction in the coming years due to its critical role in supporting emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgeries.

    Smart Cities and Connected Vehicles are also expected to contribute to the growth of the Centralized Radio Access Network Market as they rely heavily on wireless connectivity.

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Vertical Insights

    The Centralized Radio Access Network Market is segmented into various verticals, including telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and energy. Among these segments, telecommunications holds the largest market share due to the increasing demand for centralized RAN solutions to enhance network efficiency and reduce operational costs. The manufacturing sector is also witnessing significant growth, driven by the adoption of Industrial IoT and automation.

    The healthcare vertical is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years, owing to the rising need for reliable and secure connectivity for telemedicine and remote patient monitoring.The automotive industry is also embracing centralized RAN solutions to enable connected and autonomous vehicles. The energy sector is expected to contribute to the market growth, driven by the demand for smart grid technologies and remote monitoring solutions. The Centralized Radio Access Network Market is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing adoption of 5G and the growing demand for centralized RAN solutions across various verticals.

    Get more detailed insights about Centralized Radio Access Network Market Research Report Forecast Till 2034

    Regional Insights

    The Centralized Radio Access Network Market is segmented regionally into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. Among these regions, North America is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023, owing to the presence of major telecom operators and early adoption of advanced technologies. Europe is expected to follow North America in terms of market size, driven by government initiatives and increasing demand for high-speed connectivity.

    APAC is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, due to the rising number of mobile subscribers and increasing investments in network infrastructure.South America and MEA are expected to have a moderate growth rate, due to the limited infrastructure and lower adoption of advanced technologies. The Centralized Radio Access Network Market revenue is expected to reach USD 30.48 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 18.3% from 2023 to 2027.

    Figure 3 Centralized Radio Access Network Market By Regional Insights (2023-2032)

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Regional Insights

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Key players who dominate the Centralized Radio Access Network Market keep investing in research and development. Additionally, these businesses are increasingly entering into partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and other collaborations aimed at expanding their product ranges and ensuring their competitive advantage. It is important to note that the Centralized Radio Access Network Market retains a relatively high dynamicity level, meaning that partnerships among both new players and existing organizations will be increasingly significant for the evolution of this evolving industry.

    A Leader in the Centralized Radio Access Network Market is Ericsson.Ericsson offers such solutions as RAN Compute, RAN Intelligent Controller, and RAN Software as part of its advanced range. One of the company’s main strengths is its ability to innovate and stay customer-centric, which contributes to the fact that it has a well-established position at the top of the Centralized Radio Access Network Market.

    Besides, Ericsson’s focus on the global market as a supplier gives it a good perspective since other target groups, such as governments supply chain stakeholders, network operators, and more are also rather diverse and stable in terms of cooperation and collaboration. Furthermore, Ericsson’s focus on research and development is supported by numerous patents and awards. This approach is beneficial in terms of making the company more likely to further lead in the dynamic telecommunications industry. One of the competitors is Nokia, which already has a well-established presence in the market and solid relationships with its customers.

    Key Companies in the Centralized Radio Access Network Market market include

    Industry Developments

    The global Centralized Radio Access Network (C-RAN) market is projected to reach a value of USD 73.8 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 16.53% from 2024-2032. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for high-speed data services, the rise of 5G networks, and the growing adoption of cloud-based RAN solutions.Recent news developments in the market include the launch of new C-RAN products and solutions by major vendors such as Huawei, Ericsson, and Nokia.

    Additionally, several mobile network operators (MNOs) are investing in C-RAN deployments to improve their network performance and reduce operating costs.Key current affairs in the market include the ongoing standardization of C-RAN technology by the 3GPP and the increasing focus on developing open and interoperable C-RAN solutions. These developments are expected to drive the adoption of C-RAN solutions and accelerate the growth of the market in the coming years.

    Future Outlook

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Future Outlook

    The Centralized Radio Access Network Market is projected to grow at a 16.53% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing demand for efficient network management and enhanced mobile connectivity.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in AI-driven optimization tools for network performance enhancement.
    • Develop partnerships with telecom operators for integrated service offerings.
    • Explore emerging markets with underdeveloped infrastructure for expansion opportunities.

    By 2035, the market is expected to achieve substantial growth, solidifying its role in global telecommunications.

    Market Segmentation

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Regional Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Vertical Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Component Outlook

    • Cloud-RAN
    • Open-RAN
    • Virtual-RAN
    • Small Cell Networks
    • Macro Cell Networks

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Deployment Outlook

    • Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
    • Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC)
    • Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC)
    • Smart Cities
    • Connected Vehicles

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Technology Outlook

    • Radio Units (RUs)
    • Distributed Units (DUs)
    • Centralized Units (CUs)
    • Antennas
    • Software

    Centralized Radio Access Network Market Application Outlook

    • Telecommunications
    • Manufacturing
    • Healthcare
    • Automotive
    • Energy

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024 25.28 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2025 29.46 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 136.09 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 16.53% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2019 - 2023
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled Nokia, Fujitsu, Ericsson, NEC, Mavenir, Radisys, ZTE, Qualcomm, Affirmed Networks, Samsung, Parallel Wireless, China Mobile, Cisco, Altiostar, Huawei
    Segments Covered Technology, Component, Deployment, Application, Vertical, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities Growing demand for highspeed data 5G network expansion increasing virtualization cloudnative RAN adoption and network efficiency
    Key Market Dynamics Increasing cellular traffic Growing adoption of 5G Technological advancements Network optimization Cost reduction
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA
     

    FAQs

    What is the projected market size of the Global Centralized Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Market in 2024?

    The C-RAN market is expected to reach USD 25.28 billion in 2024.

    What is the anticipated CAGR of the C-RAN market from 2025 to 2034?

    The C-RAN market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.53% from 2025 to 2034.

    Which region is expected to hold the largest market share in the C-RAN market by 2034?

    Asia Pacific is anticipated to dominate the C-RAN market by 2034.

    What are the key growth drivers of the C-RAN market?

    The increasing demand for mobile data traffic and the need for network densification and efficiency are driving the growth of the C-RAN market.

    Who are the major competitors in the C-RAN market?

    Major competitors in the C-RAN market include Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, ZTE, and Samsung.

    What are the major applications of C-RAN?

    C-RAN is primarily used in mobile network deployments, enabling efficient network management and optimization.

    What is the projected market size of the C-RAN market in 2034?

    The C-RAN market is expected to reach USD 116.77 billion by 2034.

    What are the challenges faced by the C-RAN market?

    Challenges faced by the C-RAN market include technical complexity, interoperability issues, and security concerns.

    How is the C-RAN market expected to evolve in the coming years?

    The C-RAN market is expected to witness advancements in virtualization, automation, and integration with 5G networks.

    What are the key trends shaping the C-RAN market?

    Key trends shaping the C-RAN market include cloud-native RAN, open RAN, and network slicing.

    Download Free Sample

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Case Study
    Chemicals and Materials