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According to Dell’Oro Group, a leading expert in market research, the global 5G Mobile Core Network (MCN) market is expected to experience a substantial growth of 6% CAGR between 2024 and 2029. This surge is primarily powered by the adoption of the 5G Standalone (SA) architecture. Simultaneously, the Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) market is projected to rise at a remarkable 17% CAGR, with catalysts including dynamic network slicing, the implementation of Reduced Capability (RedCap) devices, and emerging network APIs in line with the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative.
Dave Bolan, Research Director at Dell'Oro Group stated their forecast were mainly motivated by "subscriber growth rates and the usual subscriber behaviour". He said the emergence of AI and its effect on increasing data traffic could push growth higher while agentic AI reduce operational costs.
The report highlights that as 3G networks shut down, the transition to IMS Core becomes vital to sustain voice calling functionality on 4G networks. Analysts predict that the IMS Core/Voice Core revenue will jump by 9% during the 2025-2029 period compared to previous forecasts.
Furthermore, it's estimated that around 70 Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have activated 5G SA networks across 39 countries. Notably, five new networks launched in 2025, including Orange in France, Romania, and Slovakia; Vodafone in Spain; and O2 in the Czech Republic. Breakdown by region shows five networks in North America, 26 in Europe, seven in the Middle East and Africa, 13 in Northeast Asia, 13 in Southeast Asia, and six are positioned in Latin America.
Many MNOs already offer 5G SA for enterprises and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). However, market expectations indicate a broad consumer rollout shortly. Noteworthy names in line for such offerings range from Bouygues Telecom and O2 Telefónica in France, to Bharti Airtel in India, and from 3 in Ireland to AT&T and Verizon in the US.
These industry forecasts underscore the momentum that both the 5G MCN and MEC markets are gaining, signaling significant opportunities for technology stakeholders worldwide.
