The global telecommunications landscape is on the brink of significant evolution, with the 5G Mobile Core Network (MCN) market poised for substantial expansion. Industry projections indicate a steady 6% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2029, a trajectory largely propelled by the escalating adoption of 5G Standalone (SA) technologies and innovative telecom solutions. This consistent 5G Network Growth underscores the critical role of robust infrastructure in supporting the burgeoning demands of modern mobile connectivity.
While the 5G Network Growth for MCN is notable, an even more dynamic sector, Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), is set to outpace it dramatically. Analysts anticipate MEC to achieve a remarkable 17% CAGR, a surge driven by several converging factors. These include the strategic rollout of dynamic network slicing, which enables on-demand performance enhancements, and the increasing proliferation of Reduced Capability (RedCap) devices, optimizing IoT device connectivity.
A pivotal catalyst for this accelerated growth in both core networks and edge computing is the transformative influence of advanced artificial intelligence. The emergence of Generative AI Impact and Agentic AI is reshaping expectations for continuous, low-latency connectivity and significantly increased data traffic. These AI advancements may necessitate expanded network capacity, potentially pushing the overall 5G Network Growth rates even higher and driving new Telecom Innovations.
Furthermore, Agentic AI is identified as a crucial enabler for achieving Level 4 autonomous networking, a development that promises to dramatically reduce operational costs for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). This progression towards self-managing networks represents a significant leap forward in network efficiency and scalability, aligning with the broader trend of Telecom Innovations.
The rapid expansion of Mobile Edge Computing is not just about new technologies but also strategic industry collaboration. The GSMA Open Gateway initiative, often referred to as Network APIs, is rapidly gaining momentum, with seventeen APIs already defined and supported by 72 MNOs worldwide. Vendors are actively developing and marketing solutions compliant with the GSMA Open Gateway, further accelerating MEC adoption and ecosystem expansion.
In parallel with 5G and MEC advancements, critical upgrades to legacy infrastructure are underway. As older 3G networks are phased out, Circuit Switched Core networks must be modernized to IMS Core to ensure seamless voice calling on 4G networks. Forecasts indicate that IMS Core/Voice Core cumulative revenue from 2025-2029 will see a significant 9 percent increase compared to previous estimations, reflecting ongoing investment in foundational voice services.
The global deployment of 5G Standalone Deployment networks by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) is gaining considerable traction. Currently, an estimated 70 MNOs have deployed 5G SA networks across 39 countries and territories. In 2025 alone, several new 5G SA networks were launched by major operators including Orange in France, Romania, and Slovakia, Vodafone in Spain, and O2 in the Czech Republic, showcasing widespread global adoption.
While many Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) already leverage 5G Standalone Deployment for enterprise solutions and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), consumer access is anticipated to expand rapidly. Operators such as Bouygues Telecom, O2 Telefónica, SFR in France, Bharti Airtel in India, 3 in Ireland, Sunrise in Switzerland, and major US carriers like AT&T and Verizon are expected to soon open their 5G SA networks to consumers, further solidifying the future of advanced mobile connectivity and driving 5G Network Growth.
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