The global RAN intelligent controller market size is expected to reach USD 6,071.7 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 61.0% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.
RAN intelligent controller is a software solution that optimizes baseband communication functions on the Radio Access Network (RAN). It is crucial in managing 5G network functions such as low-latency applications and network slicing. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic led to high mobile internet traffic, increasing the need to manage it efficiently and boosting the adoption of RAN intelligent controller solutions.
Governments are taking initiatives and investing in Research & Development (R&D) for developing 5G technologies. For instance, in December 2022, the U.K. government announced an investment of USD 136.1 million, a telecom R&D package that includes the R&D of 5G and 6G technology. The government aimed to accelerate telecoms research with this investment.
RAN intelligent controller improves business agility, reduces operational and infrastructure costs, and improves network performance. Hence, mobile operators are increasingly likely to adopt RAN intelligent controller solutions. In February 2023, NTT DOCOMO, a Japan-based telecommunications company, announced that it had started the Research & Development (R&D) and development of the RAN intelligent controller. The company aimed to reduce operational costs and improve network quality with RAN intelligent controller.
Based on technology, RAN intelligent controller industry is divided into 4G and 5G. 4G has high adoption worldwide and has opportunities to grow in developing nations where 2G and 3G networks are still in use. 5G offers high speed and lower latency and is witnessing growing adoption owing to improving 5G infrastructure. Based on application, the RAN intelligent controller industry is divided into rApps and xApps. rApps run on Non-RT RIC, whereas xApps run on Near-RT RIC. rApps are used in applications with more than one second response time.
The market players are introducing solutions as service providers are transforming RAN architectures that are programmable and open, providing developers an opportunity to create innovative applications and services. In October 2021, VMware, Inc., a U.S.-based software company, announced the VMware RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) launch. With this launch, the company aimed to aid the service providers in modernizing the RAN.
The key players are adopting different development strategies such as product launches, partnerships, business expansion, and others to expand their presence and market share in the overall RAN intelligent controller industry. In November 2021, Sweden-based Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson announced the launch of its Intelligent Automation Platform. With this launch, the company aimed to help Communication Service Providers (CSPs) optimize network performance and enhance customer experience.
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RAN intelligent controller has applications such as traffic steering, Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing, and Quality of Service (QoS)-based resource optimization. Increasing internet and smartphone penetration contributes to the market's growth
The services segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 62.0% throughout the forecast period
The Non-RT RIC segment is expected to dominate the market in 2023 with a market share of 59.0% and is expanding at a CAGR of over 60.0% from 2024 to 2030
The 5G segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period
The rApps segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of around 61.0% from 2024 to 2030
Grand View Research has segmented the global RAN intelligent controller market based on component, function, technology, application, and region:
RAN Intelligent Controller Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)
Platforms
Services
RAN Intelligent Controller Function Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)
Non-RT RIC (Non-Real-Time-RAN Intelligent Controller)
Near-RT RIC (Near-Real-Time-RAN Intelligent Controller)
RAN Intelligent Controller Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)
4G
5G
RAN Intelligent Controller Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)
rApps
xApps
RAN Intelligent Controller Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
U.K.
Germany
France
Asia Pacific
India
China
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Middle East & Africa
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
U.A.E.
South Africa
List of Key Players in the RAN Intelligent Controller Market
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
Nokia
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
ZTE Corporation
SAMSUNG
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Juniper Networks, Inc.
Mavenir
Broadcom
VIAVI Solutions Inc.
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