Magic Quadrant for CSP 5G RAN Infrastructure Solutions
Gartner defines the market of communications service provider (CSP) 5G RAN infrastructure solutions as consisting of hardware and software components that support CSPs in providing connectivity services. Such services include mobile broadband, fixed wireless access and voice communication over a 5G network. Gartner considers 5G to be a foundational technology, implemented to evolve a CSP's services, including in the consumer and enterprise business sectors. This CSP 5G RAN infrastructure market encompasses CSPs' deployment of RAN solutions for public 5G.
No strategic planning assumptions provided.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research covers the CSP 5G RAN infrastructure solutions market, which consists of hardware and software components that support CSPs in providing connectivity services including mobile broadband, fixed wireless access and voice communication over 5G networks. It evaluates 12 vendors (CICT Mobile, Comba Telecom, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Huawei, Mavenir, MTI, NEC, Nokia, Rakuten Symphony, Samsung, and ZTE) based on their ability to execute and completeness of vision. The research includes standard capabilities such as RAN equipment (RUs, BBUs, AAUs, DUs, CUs, small cells) and optional capabilities including network infrastructure services, 2G/3G/4G LTE RAN equipment, and Open RAN/vRAN components.
A: This research should be used by communications service providers (CSPs), particularly chief technology officers (CTOs), who are evaluating and selecting 5G RAN infrastructure vendors. It helps CSPs identify the right vendor choices for their 5G network deployments, understand vendor strengths and cautions, assess market positioning, and make informed decisions in a complex and rapidly evolving 5G infrastructure market. CSPs should use this as a reference tool alongside other Gartner reports and analyst discussions, and should evaluate multiple vendors to ensure service continuity and effective negotiation processes.
A: Vendors must possess RAN equipment including radio units (RUs) and baseband units (BBUs) for 5G new radio. This encompasses passive antennas, RUs, active antenna units (AAUs), virtualized BBUs (vBBUs), BBUs, distributed units (DUs), centralized units (CUs), virtualized DUs (vDUs), virtualized CUs (vCUs) and small cell solutions. These products must be generally available as of December 2023 and deployed in CSP production environments.
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A: Ability to Execute evaluates vendors based on their current market performance, product quality, viability, market responsiveness, customer experience, and marketing execution. It focuses on what vendors are delivering today and their track record. Completeness of Vision assesses vendors' understanding of market direction, strategic planning, innovation capabilities, and future product roadmaps. It emphasizes forward-looking strategy, including offering strategy, innovation investment, geographic expansion plans, and vertical market approaches.