- Global RAN revenue is projected to grow at a 1% CAGR through 2030
- The market stabilized in 2025 after losing nearly $9 billion in revenue between 2021 and 2024
- AI-RAN, Cloud RAN, private wireless networks, Massive MIMO and early 6G deployments are expected to support future growth
The global radio access network (RAN) market has entered a more stable phase following several years of contraction, according to a new forecast from analyst firm Dell’Oro Group. The research firm said the industry has begun to recover after experiencing a nearly $9 billion decline in revenue between 2021 and 2024. The market stabilized in 2025 and recorded two consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth during the first quarter of 2026.
Looking ahead, Dell’Oro predicts worldwide RAN revenue will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1% through 2030. Growth is expected to be supported by continued investment in 5G networks as well as emerging opportunities tied to AI-RAN, Cloud RAN architectures, private wireless deployments and the first wave of 6G development.
Stefan Pongratz, VP of RAN market research at Dell’Oro Group, said the firm's baseline forecast assumes largely flat revenue trends over the coming years, though the market could take different paths depending on how wireless networks evolve in the AI era. He noted that a more optimistic scenario could emerge if mobile networks play a larger role in supporting machine-generated traffic and AI-driven applications. At the same time, excess network capacity and muted carrier revenue growth could limit spending.
Dell’Oro also expects investments in AI-RAN, 6G, Massive MIMO, Cloud RAN, private wireless and small-cell technologies to expand through the end of the decade. The firm projects that RAN spending will account for approximately 20% to 25% of overall wireless capital expenditures during the forecast period. Meanwhile, declining 4G revenue is expected to be offset by ongoing 5G rollouts and initial 6G investments.
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