Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 is fast approaching, and ABI Research will be there once again to witness the latest innovations shaping the future of mobile technology. Based on numerous pre-briefings ahead of Barcelona, our analysts are calling the most dramatic shift in MWC's history: watch the telecoms industry finally shed its old skin. Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not just joining the party, they are taking over the entire show.
T-Mobile US is one of the most successful network carriers in the United States, generating US$66.2 billion in services revenue in 2024. It’s a household name in America, with its antennas and Millimeter Wave (mmWave) technologies being used to connect the Superdome in New Orleans for the Super Bowl. While everyone knows who T-Mobile is, few are familiar with the technological underpinnings of its forward-looking solutions.
We often take cellular connectivity for granted. Without it, we can’t text our friends, access email, or contact emergency services. For enterprises, a lack of mobile coverage means software tools are deemed worthless, vital communications get shut down, and operations come to a halt. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to deliver fiber-based broadband due to geographical constraints and outdated infrastructure. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a key connectivity solution that addresses these challenges as it does not require physical cable installation in a home or business.
T-Mobile has been making strides in the network Application Programmable Interface (API) space with its DevEdge marketplace. DevEdge offers APIs to developers for Quality of Service (QoS)-on-Demand, network slicing, and early access to 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) functionalities.
Mobile network data traffic is projected to nearly triple by 2030, requiring a shift toward high-performing, programmable networks powered by openness and cloud technologies. This evolution enables service providers to offer performance based services rather than relying solely on data volume. Establishing a strong foundation for network evolution is essential for driving 5G business growth.
The telecommunications landscape is rapidly evolving as 5G expands and networks are becoming more complicated. Passive cellular antennas have traditionally been viewed as static infrastructure; however, they are now changing because operators want antennas to be designed for specific deployment contexts, such as crowded rooftops, energy reduction, and the need to blend into the built environment. In turn, vendors are providing compact designs that include multiple functions and perform across multiple frequency layers.
In this blog, we list nine passive cellular antenna vendors based on ABI Research's latest comparative analysis, focusing on their unique strengths, product capabilities, sustainability efforts, and market performance. These companies are the market incumbents, big players like Huawei, PROSE, Ericsson, CICT Mobile, and Hengxin Technology.
Then we follow that up with an evaluation of six lesser-known antenna vendors that provide advanced passive antenna solutions for mobile and fixed wireless networks. This company list may not be as widely renowned as the market incumbents, but they are nevertheless recognized for technical competency within the telecom industry.
The year 2024 provided numerous technology trends shaping the future of nearly every industry. ABI Research analysts have been covering these developments for some time, and now it’s time to reflect upon our studies in our annual trends whitepaper. Before we dive into the list, here’s a statement from Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer:
Huawei’s annual Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2024 (MBBF 2024), held in Istanbul this year, showcased a wave of cutting-edge innovations. With Turkey gearing up for a 5G spectrum auction in 2025 and a large-scale rollout anticipated in 2026, Huawei leveraged this event to place its innovative technologies in the limelight.
When Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) migrate to 5G Standalone (SA), they usually follow a similar strategic path through Non-Standalone (NSA). However, there are various deployment tactics that can enhance efficiency and add value throughout the operator transition. These differences matter to operators as they seek cost-effective ways to evolve from legacy systems. In this vein, ABI Research highlights four key deployment tactics for getting the most value out of the transition to 5G SA.