Small Cell Networks Market Overview
The Small Cell Networks Market is projected to grow from USD 0.51 billion in 2024 to USD 3.41 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.78% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Additionally, the market size for 5G was valued at USD 0.39 billion in 2023.
Growing demand for mobile devices and rising IT and telecom sector are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.
Figure 1: Small Cell Networks Market Size, 2024 - 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Small Cell Networks Market Trends
Growing demand for mobile devices is driving the market growth
With the increasing popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices, consumers are demanding faster and more reliable connectivity, especially in areas with high population density, such as urban centers, transportation hubs, and public venues. Small Cell Networks are low-powered wireless access points that are designed to provide high-quality cellular coverage in areas where traditional macro-cellular networks struggle to provide adequate coverage. Small cells can be installed in a variety of locations, such as offices, homes, shopping malls, airports, and public transportation systems. With the growing demand for mobile devices, the demand for Small Cell Networks is increasing, as they offer an effective solution for improving mobile coverage and capacity. Thus, the rising demand for the mobile devices is anticipated to create the lucrative demand for the market. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, in 2018, 77% of U.S. adults who say they own a smartphone; in 2019 the share reached 81% and the number increased significantly and in 2021 the share reached 85%. As a result, the rising mobile devices is anticipated to support the market growth.
The IT and telecom sector has been growing rapidly, with advancements in technology and the increasing demand for high-speed internet connectivity. This growth has led to an increase in the number of connected devices and the need for faster and more reliable networks. Small cell networks can help meet these requirements by providing a more distributed network architecture, which enables greater capacity and coverage.
Furthermore, the deployment of small cell networks can help telecom operators improve their network performance by reducing the load on macro cells. This results in better network performance, improved call quality, and faster data transfer rates, which ultimately leads to better customer satisfaction.
Small Cell Networks Market Segment Insights
Small Cell Networks Service Insights
The Small Cell Networks Market segmentation, based on service includes Professional Services, Managed Services, Design, Planning, Integration, Support, Maintenance. The Professional Services segment dominated the market, accounting for significant share of market revenue and managed services is the fastest growing segment owing to growing IT and telecom sector that anticipated to support the market growth.
Small Cell Networks Operating Environment Insights
The Small Cell Networks Market segmentation, based on operating environment, includes Indoor, Outdoor. The indoor segment led the market in terms of value in 2022, holding a share of more than 78%. The reliable use of next-generation small cells in a variety of residential and non-residential uses is attributed with this. Companies, shopping centers, airports, and hospitals are among the non-residential applications. Also, outdoor segment is the fastest growing segment owing to the deployment of lamp post small cells is growing in popularity in fastly building smart cities across the globe. During forecasted period this is anticipated to drive the outdoor segment's development at a growth rate of 85.6%.
In May 2021, an updated version of Nokia Corporation's small cell, named AirScale, was launched to provide superior interior and outdoor 5G network coverage. The Airscale product from Nokia provides better support for the majority of U.S. frequency bands.
Figure 2: Small Cell Networks Market, by Operating Environment, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
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Small Cell Networks Type Insights
The Small Cell Networks Market segmentation, based on type includes Microcell, Femtocell, Metrocell, Picocell. Among these, femtocell cell is projected to rise with the highest growth rate over the forecast time frame, due to the rising launching and installation of 5G small cells. For instance, in May 2021, A Smart Node femtocell all-in-one system for 5G indoor coverage for small and medium-sized companies and residential use was launched by Nokia Corporation. Also, the market size for metrocell, picocell, and microcell small cell networks is significantly growing as a result of a rise in internet of things (IoT)Â and penetration of the internet. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Organizations predict that by 2020, there will be about 25 billion connected devices on the market, and that number is expected to grow rapidly over time.
Small Cell Networks Regional Insights
By Region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North American region will dominate this market, owing to an increasing investment and additional initiatives by the key market players and governments in the IT & telecommunications sector. Further, the United States small cell networks market is dominating and fastest growing region in the North America region
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 3: SMALL CELL NETWORKS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe small cell networks market accounts for the second-largest market share due to cohesive government initiative and investment in installing the 5G network to fulfill the increasing need for high-speed internet. Further, the German small cell networks market held the largest market share, and the UK small cell networks market was the fastest growing market in the European region
The Asia-Pacific Small Cell Networks Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due to rising spending by major players in 5G technology and adoption of advanced technologies for high-speed internet. Moreover, China’s small cell networks market held the largest market share, and the Indian small cell networks market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Small Cell Networks Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the small cell networks market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, small cell networks industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the global small cell networks industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the small cell networks industry has offered some of the most significant advantages. Major players in the small cell networks market, including Ericsson (Sweden) CommScope Inc. (U.S.), Qualcomm Telecommunications (U.S.), Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Nokia (Finland), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.
Qualcomm is a leading provider of wireless communication technologies, specializing in the design and development of semiconductor solutions for mobile devices, networking equipment, and other applications. The company was founded in 1985 in San Diego, California, and since then has grown to become a global player in the telecommunications industry. Qualcomm's products and services include processors, modems, wireless technologies, software, and services, enabling the creation of a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices and automotive systems. Qualcomm also offers a range of software and services, including the Snapdragon software development kit (SDK), which provides developers with tools to create innovative applications and services on Snapdragon-powered devices. The company also offers services related to licensing and patent portfolio management. For instance, in June 2021, The FSM200xx second generation 16 5G open radio access network (ORAN) platform for small cells was launched by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. This platform offers worldwide support, including millimeter wave (mmWave) and sub-6 GHz for improved radio frequency coverage.
Nokia is a multinational telecommunication, information technology, and consumer electronics company headquartered in Espoo, Finland. The company was founded in 1865 as a pulp mill and has since evolved into a leading manufacturer of mobile devices, networking equipment, and telecommunications infrastructure. Nokia has a long history of innovation and has been a key player in the development of mobile technology. The company was once the world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones, with its iconic "Nokia 3310" model becoming one of the best-selling phones of all time. In recent years, Nokia has shifted its focus to network infrastructure and software solutions, with a particular emphasis on the development of 5G technology. For instance, in Feb 2021, Nokia Corporation introduced two new small cell products for both indoor and outdoor applications. High-speed bandwidth is provided for outdoor applications like as stadiums, airports, and busy pedestrian areas by the first small cell with mmWave compatibility. Improved data connectivity is provided by yet another picocell RAN device from Nokia Corporation for indoor applications like hospitals and shopping malls.
Key Companies in the small cell networks market include
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Ericsson (Sweden)
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Qualcomm Telecommunications (U.S.)
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ZTE Corporation (China)
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CommScope Inc. (U.S.)
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Hitachi, Ltd.(Japan)
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Airspan Networks, Inc. (U.S.)
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Cisco Systems, Inc.(U.S.)
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Texas Instruments (U.S.)
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CommScope Inc. (U.S.)
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Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.(China)
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Cisco Systems, Inc.(U.S.)
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Nokia (Finland)
Small Cell Networks Industry Developments
In February 2023, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. brought out a high range of One 5G solutions, which enables all bands to work at 5G. The company’s One 5G solutions have the potency to enable all bands at one site, considering indoor digitalization, FDD and TDD. The solutions were designed to support operators in constructing the most economically feasible 5G network for consumers.
For example, in September 2022, Mavenir announced its advanced 5G small cell which is designed for public spaces and also enterprises for the first time. The 5G small cells allow flexibility in both centralized and distributed end-to-end open radio access network (ORAN) architecture. The company’s ORAN solution provides high capacity, ease of deployment, and low-cost solutions to end users, including warehousing, retail, and public places and manufacturers.
In August 2022, Comba Network, a telecom equipment company, was selected by China Mobile Limited, a Chinese Telecom Carrier, to participate in a major 5G infrastructure rollout of 20,000 deployed small cell base stations. The telecommunication Comba Telecom Systems Holdings Ltd is a Subsidiary that operates in China.
In March 2022, Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG, a German International telecom provider and NEC Corporation of Japan partnered to bring forth virtual and Open RAN architecture-based small cells to the German market. The service was launched at the central location of Munich to enable consumers to have a better experience by offering extra capacity in the mobile network for this highly populated area.
For instance, in June 2021, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced that it would be promoting its second generation 16 5G open radio access network (ORAN) platform - FSM200xx, which is suitable for small cells back again. Global support is inclusive to this station's design including sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) to ensure optimal connectivity coverage.
Small Cell Networks Market Segmentation
Small Cell Networks Service Outlook
- Professional Services
- Managed Services
- Design
- Planning
- Integration
- Support
- Maintenance
Small Cell Networks Operating Environment Outlook
Small Cell Networks Type Outlook
- Microcell
- Femtocell
- Metrocell
- Picocell
Small Cell Networks Verticals Outlook
- Retail
- Energy
- Government
- BFSI
- Education
- Healthcare
- Energy and Power
Small Cell Networks End-User Outlook
- Medium and Small Enterprises
- Residential
- Large Enterprises
Small Cell Networks Regional Outlook
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North America
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Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
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Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- South Korea
- Australia
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
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Rest of the World
- Middle East
- Africa
- Latin America
| Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2023 |
USD 0.39 billion |
| Market Size 2024 |
USD 0.51 billion |
| Market Size 2032 |
USD 3.41 billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
26.78% (2024-2032) |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
| Historical Data |
2019- 2021 |
| Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
Service, Operating Environment, Type, Verticals, End-User, and Region |
| Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered |
The U.S., Canada, German, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled |
 General Mills Inc., Amway, Conagra Brands Inc., Cargill Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories, Kraft Foods Group Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo Inc., Atkins Nutritionals Inc., and Brunswick Corporation |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Emergence of IoT and M2M Communication |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Growing demand for mobile devices Rising IT and telecom sector |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Small Cell Networks Market size was valued at USD 0.39 Billion in 2023.
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.78% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
North America had the largest share in the global market
The key players in the market are Ericsson (Sweden) CommScope Inc. (U.S.) Qualcomm Telecommunications (U.S.) ZTE Corporation (China) Hitachi, Ltd. (Japan) Airspan Networks, Inc. (U.S.) Cisco Systems, Inc.(U.S.) Texas Instruments (U.S.) CommScope Inc. (U.S.) Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.(China) Cisco Systems, Inc.(U.S.) Nokia (Finland).
The Professional Services dominated the market in 2022.
The Femtocell had the largest share in the global market.
