Robust Traffic Spurs Demand for 3G/4G Gateways; Market to Reach $1.8B in 2013

ABI Research found that the overall 2012 wireless network equipment market was quite challenging for infrastructure vendors, but the incessant demand for 3G and 4G mobile broadband will continue to drive demand for mobile packet core equipment. The Mobile Packet Data Core Network infrastructure market will reach $1.8B in 2013. “Continued growth in 3G and 4G traffic will propel the Mobile Packet Core Infrastructure to a cumulative $10B market over the next five years,” stated Joe Hoffman, principal analyst.

The overall mobile core network equipment market declined 12% in Q1 2013 from the rather moribund Q4 2012. Reflecting increased data demand, the packet data core market continues to expand and is up 22% over Q4 2012, and up 30% over the Trailing Twelve Months. In North America the hugely popular success of LTE is rapidly supplanting 2G and 3G traffic and eliminating capacity expansion needs for those technologies. Other parts of the world exhibit similar conditions, with packet core network equipment most in demand.

Market share includes the totality of a vendor’s core network business, giving an overall market strength, and much of today’s core network equipment supports 2G, 3G and 4G with only a software change. Huawei gained a few points of market share relative to the rest of the industry in Q1 2013. “Ericsson remains the leader in overall core network market share,” added Hoffman, “and while they retain that position, there will be increasing pressure from Huawei and others as the market trends to 4G.”

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Software Defined Networking & NFV Research Service, which includes Research Reports, Market Data, Insights, and Competitive Assessments. As part of the Telco Software, Optimization & Monetization Research Practice, ABI Research provides unique market and strategic insight for operators, vendors, and other clients throughout the world.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.