Sizeable increase in global small cell deployment predicted

Privately rolled-out enterprise networks will drive the small cell market to 26 million units by 2026, according to a report published this week by Rethink Technology Research.

The cells, according to the organisation’s RAN Research service, will be “increasingly diverse in form, ranging from compact versions of macro base stations to almost invisible systems embedded in electronic equipment.”

Sixty-eight per cent of these will be deployed in the enterprise and industrial space, enabled by emerging shared spectrum in the mid- and millimetre wave bands. Government, transport, healthcare, and hospitality will “lead the way” in terms of early adoption.

The report - which is titled ‘Private networks and shared spectrum: making 5G enterprise a reality’ – includes input from 68 traditional MNOs, 28 private, enterprise, or neutral host operators, as well as over 70 global enterprises.

Speaking of the findings, a spokesperson said: “Most enterprises and industries confirmed their aspirations to apply cellular connectivity for greater efficiency. However, too few can [currently] access networks that are sufficiently reliable, let alone optimised for emerging capabilities promised under 5G, such as low latency.

“Fewer than half of enterprises reported that mobile quality of service was adequate, and only about 20% would trust cellular networks for critical communications.”

Companies involved in the report include Airspan, AT&T, CBRS, Deutsche Telekom, FCC, LoRa, Ofcom, O-RAN Alliance, Sigfox, Small Cell Forum, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

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Philip Mason
Editor, Critical Communications Portfolio
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