Small Cell Wireless Backhaul Vendors Draw Battle Lines

The small cell wireless backhaul equipment vendor ecosystem partitions into camps dominated by technology specialization. With the market for small cell backhaul equipment to grow to over $5 billion at a 48% compound annual growth rate, many vendors are rushing to deliver the ideal small cell wireless backhaul solution as the market readies for takeoff.

“In the emerging small cell wireless backhaul equipment market the selection of the best backhaul technology for small cells is a hotly debated topic. There are multiple technologies available for small cell backhaul and it seems likely that a mix of technologies will be required depending on the deployment scenario,” says Nick Marshall, principal analyst at ABI Research.

Each company has its specialization and we group the companies into Sub 6GHz, Microwave, V-Band, E-Band, TV White Space, and Satellite and we found that with each technology there is fierce competition for market share, with high levels of innovation being applied for competitive advantage.

“We profile seven vendors of small cell millimeter wave small cell backhaul systems, five microwave vendors, eight sub 6GHz vendors, and seven vendors offering multiple wireless backhaul technologies in addition to those offering satellite and TVWS systems,” adds Marshall.

In a new report ABI Research profiles 32 equipment vendors in the small cell backhaul ecosystem. This report forms part of a series of 3 reports. The recently published companion AN-1421 report examines the market trends and technologies for small cell backhaul and the market data forecast, MD-SMCBAC-101, provides small cell backhaul forecasts by technology, region and population density (urban, suburban and rural). These findings are part of ABI Research’s Mobile Backhaul and Small Cells and Carrier Wi-Fi Research Services.

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.