A recent competitive analysis by ABI Research identified Huawei, PROSE Technologies, and Ericsson Antenna System as the top three leaders within the passive cellular antenna market. Huawei took the top spot in the overall ranking, leading in both the implementation and innovation categories. This success is attributed to its broad range of sustainable antenna solutions, strong financial performance, and extensive regional coverage.
PROSE Technologies ranked second overall, edging out Ericsson Antenna System due to a particularly strong commercial year in a slightly declining market. Ericsson Antenna System secured third place, benefiting from its solid market share, financial strength, and high sustainability scores.
A recent competitive analysis by ABI Research identified Huawei, PROSE Technologies, and Ericsson Antenna System as the top three leaders within the passive cellular antenna market. Huawei took the top spot in the overall ranking, leading in both the implementation and innovation categories. This success is attributed to its broad range of sustainable antenna solutions, strong financial performance, and extensive regional coverage.
PROSE Technologies ranked second overall, edging out Ericsson Antenna System due to a particularly strong commercial year in a slightly declining market. Ericsson Antenna System secured third place, benefiting from its solid market share, financial strength, and high sustainability scores.
Passive Antenna Innovation Criteria
The following innovation criteria were used to evaluate antenna vendors:
- Multi-Band Capabilities: This criterion evaluates the degree of support for multi-band capabilities, with a focus on delivering high gain and coverage. Weighting: 20 out of 100 points.
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Capabilities: Examines the extent of the vendor’s antenna support for UWB, while also considering high gain and coverage. Weighting: 20 out of 100 points.
- Essential Intellectual Property (IP) and Research and Development (R&D): Assesses the level of IP, collaboration with partners, and the quality of antenna design and manufacturing. This also includes innovations released to improve product performance. Weighting: 20 out of 100 points.
- Sustainability Measures: Evaluates the vendor’s commitment to environmental responsibility, including energy efficiency, sustainability in manufacturing, and the use of recyclable materials. Weighting: 25 out of 100 points.
- Antenna Configurability and Maintenance: Considers ease of maintenance, quality of materials and components, and the simplicity of configuration, Self-Organizing Network (SON), and Remote Electrical Tilt (RET). Conformance to the Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) requirements is also evaluated. Weighting: 15 out of 100 points.
Top Passive Antenna Innovators
Huawei (Score: 85.1/100)
Huawei’s antennas support multiple frequency bands, including low, middle, and Time Division Duplex (TDD) bands, with capabilities for both Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and TDD configurations. The company has introduced innovative SDIF and Meta Lens technologies, which enhance coverage and performance even with lower transmit power.
Huawei’s R&D efforts are robust, with a notable investment of US$22.79 billion in 2023, contributing to advancements in antenna technologies like the SDIF 2.0 and Meta Lens dipole. Huawei scored highly across all innovation categories, particularly in multi-band capabilities, sustainability, and configurability.
PROSE Technologies (Score: 77.9/100)
PROSE Technologies is known for its UWB and multi-band antenna solutions. It offers a wide range of antennas supporting the 617 – 4200 Megahertz (MHz) spectrum. PROSE stands out for its advanced engineering, including designs that reduce wind load and enhance structural efficiency.
The company’s focus on reducing operational downtime with stable Passive Intermodulation (PIM) performance has contributed to its strong reputation in antenna reliability. PROSE's portfolio also includes FDD+TDD and hybrid FDD+TDD antennas, with a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
Ericsson Antenna System (Score: 77/100)
Ericsson’s portfolio supports both wideband and multi-band capabilities, offering antennas that extend across frequencies from 600 MHz to 6 Gigahertz (GHz). With a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, Ericsson's antennas are 99.6% recyclable and designed to reduce environmental impact.
Ericsson also integrates advanced materials to optimize performance, including a specialized Honeycomb antenna that delivers high beam efficiency and reduced weight. Ericsson’s innovations in mounting kits and antenna configurations offer enhanced flexibility for network deployments.
Want more insight into the passive cellular antenna market? Speak to an ABI Research rep to discuss how we can help your organization.
Passive Antenna Implementation Criteria
The following implementation criteria evaluate the practical application of antenna technologies:
- Commercial Success and Overall Antenna Market Share: This criterion assesses the vendor's market share based on revenue, with a focus on companies that lead the market in passive antenna sales. Weighting: 45 out of 100 points.
- Antenna Sales Regional Geographical Penetration: This measures the vendor's sales presence in global regions, with higher rankings given to vendors serving a broad range of geographic markets. Weighting: 20 out of 100 points.
- Financial and Organizational Health: This criterion evaluates the size and financial stability of the vendor, assessing its ability to fund R&D, distribution, and growth initiatives. Weighting: 5 out of 100 points.
- Major Antenna Customer Contract Wins: Evaluates the vendor's success in securing major contracts with key customers, reflecting market confidence in the vendor's technology. Weighting: 15 out of 100 points.
- Vendor’s Antenna Portfolio: Assesses the range and competitiveness of the vendor's antenna portfolio, including its support for various protocols, frequency bands, and competitive pricing. Weighting: 15 out of 100 points.
Top Implementers of Passive Antennas
Huawei (Score: 87.8/100)
Huawei continues to dominate the antenna market with strong performance across all regions. Despite challenges in some markets, it has maintained a steady presence in regions like China, South America, and the Middle East.
Huawei has secured several key contracts, including collaborations with Zain KSA and China Mobile. The company’s ability to innovate with antenna solutions and deliver high-quality products has helped it maintain leadership in both commercial success and regional distribution.
PROSE Technologies (Score: 80.9/100)
PROSE Technologies has increased its market share in 2023, thanks to strategic expansions and growth in emerging markets such as Africa and Eastern Europe. PROSE’s partnership with major telco operators, including Airtel and DU, has strengthened its market position.
The company’s focus on reliable, energy-efficient antennas and expanding portfolio has made it a key player in the passive antenna sector.
Ericsson Antenna System (Score: 79.7/100)
Ericsson has a strong global footprint, with a significant presence in India, Mexico, and the Nordics. Despite a slight decline in market share, Ericsson’s financial stability and diversified antenna portfolio ensure its continued relevance.
Ericsson has secured contracts with major players across various regions and continues to innovate with antenna configurations that support the growing demand for high-efficiency, low-carbon solutions.
Conclusion
For deeper insights into the antenna technology market and to see how the top vendors compare across innovation and implementation criteria, download the full competitive ranking today.
