Mobile Core Network Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 37.61 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 49.58 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.68% |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Mobile Core Network Market Analysis
The Mobile Core Network Market size is estimated at USD 37.61 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 49.58 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.68% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Technological advancements and shifting consumer demands are reshaping the Mobile Core Network (MCN) market. A key driver of this growth is the expansion of 5G networks, which requires hefty investments in mobile core infrastructure to boost data speeds and connectivity, especially for IoT devices.
- With the rise of edge computing, telecom operators are crafting innovative services tailored to user needs. For instance, Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) can facilitate location-based services and real-time video processing, opening doors to new revenue streams. This adaptability empowers providers to swiftly align with market demands and technological shifts.
- There's a noticeable shift towards network virtualization and cloud-native solutions, which not only bolster scalability but also trim operational costs. This evolution grants telecom operators greater agility in responding to market dynamics. Moreover, the innovation of Network Slicing allows for the establishment of multiple virtual networks on a single physical infrastructure, each customized for distinct services, enhancing both efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- According to Ericsson, Inc., mobile network data traffic surged by 33% year-on-year from Q3 2022 to Q3 2023. By Q3 2024, video content is set to dominate, making up 74% of all mobile data traffic. The Asia-Pacific region stands out as the fastest-growing market. Key players in the mobile core network arena, such as Nokia Corporation and Ericsson AB, are fiercely competing across various segments.
- Yet, as mobile networks grow in complexity, they become more susceptible to cyber threats, risking security breaches and data theft. This reality underscores the need for ongoing investments in security. Additionally, shifting regulations on data privacy and spectrum allocation pose challenges for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), potentially stalling their investment pursuits.
Mobile Core Network Market Trends
5G to Hold Significant Market Demand
- Mobile core networks (MCNs) play a pivotal role in deploying and operating 5G networks, facilitating a myriad of applications and services. As 5G technology advances, several prominent trends are reshaping the mobile core network landscape. The rising demand for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) is compelling operators to upgrade their infrastructures.
- 5G technology boasts significant advancements over its predecessor, 4G, particularly in speed and latency. Under optimal conditions, 5G can achieve peak data rates of up to 20 Gbps. However, practical average speeds have been recorded at approximately 186.3 Mbps in the US and 432 Mbps in South Korea. The 5G Core (5GC) is designed with ultra-low latency in mind, targeting as low as 1 ms for URLLC applications.
- Distinguished by its cloud-native architecture, the 5G Core (5GC) can be flexibly deployed across various cloud infrastructures. This architectural choice not only boosts operational efficiency but also accelerates service innovation. A prime example is network slicing, a feature that permits multiple applications to operate simultaneously on a single physical infrastructure.
- 5G networks are set to offer a capacity leap over their predecessors. They can support a staggering connection density of up to 1 million devices per square kilometer, a boon for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Furthermore, network efficiency is anticipated to see a 100-fold capacity increase compared to 4G.
- The transition of the Mobile Core Network into a sophisticated 5G architecture signifies a monumental advancement in telecommunications. By harnessing cloud-native designs, service-based architectures, and pioneering features like network slicing, the 5G Core not only bolsters connectivity but also lays the groundwork for future innovations across diverse industries.
North America is Expected to Hold a Major Share of the Market
- Telecommunications' Mobile Core Network (MCN) market plays a pivotal role in directing data and voice traffic. In North America, the spotlight is on the swift rollout of 5G networks. Telecom operators are not just investing heavily in infrastructure but are also delving into edge computing to boost network efficiency.
- Three major players, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, dominate the U.S. market, fiercely competing on service and network quality. While a significant chunk of the U.S. populace enjoys at least 3G access, carriers are diligently expanding their 4G and 5G services. Recent surveys underscore T-Mobile's edge in download speeds, giving it a distinct advantage in user experience across states.
- As of mid-2023, GSMA reported Canada boasted over 35 million cellular subscriptions, equating to about 80% of its populace. In 2022, mobile-cellular subscriptions stood at roughly 97 per 100 inhabitants.
- Bell Canada and Telus, two leading operators, frequently vie for top positions in various Canadian regions. Both have made significant investments in infrastructure, gearing up for the 5G transition, signaling a surge in market demand.
- In conclusion, as North America's Mobile Core Network market braces for a 5G-driven technological leap, it also faces economic headwinds that might temper its growth in the coming years. Navigating this intricate landscape will hinge on prioritizing security and forging strategic partnerships.
Mobile Core Network Industry Overview
The Mobile Core Network market is highly competitive and fragmented, primarily driven by the presence of major players. These key players employ strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and product innovations to maintain a competitive edge and broaden their global footprint. Key player include Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Nokia Corporation, and others.
The mobile core network market is poised for substantial growth over the next decade, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for data services. As telecom operators continue to invest in upgrading their infrastructures to support 5G and beyond, the landscape will evolve with new opportunities and challenges.
Mobile Core Network Market Leaders
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Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
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Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
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Nokia Corporation
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ZTE Corporation
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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Mobile Core Network Market News
- August 2024: Nokia has reportedly announced an expansion of its partnership with Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) to build a 5G mobile core network. The new 5G mobile core network is expected to provide enhanced connectivity and support the country’s broader digital transformation efforts.
- May 2024: Tune Talk has partnered with XIUS to transition its entire core network services to AWS, aiming to enhance its mobile services and improve end customer experience. The goal is to innovate in the Malaysian telecommunications market by implementing agile product development, scalability, and AI-driven operations as part of its Cloud-First Strategy.
Mobile Core Network Industry Segmentation
A Mobile Core Network is defined as the central component of a mobile communication system responsible for providing services and data processing. It is the heart of telecommunications, responsible for routing voice, data, and multimedia traffic across vast networks.
The mobile core network market is segmented by ims core (session border controllers, voice application servers, call session control function), by 4G/5G packet core controller ((MME, SGW-C, PGW-C, AMF, SM), by 4G/5G subscriber data management (home subscriber server, unified data management), by geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By IMS Core | Session Border Controllers |
| Voice Application Servers | |
| Call Session Control Function | |
| By 4G/5G Packet Core Controller | MME |
| SGW-C | |
| PGW-C | |
| AMF | |
| SMF | |
| By 4G/5G Subscriber Data Management | Home Subscriber Server |
| Unified Data Management | |
| By Geography*** | North America |
| Europe | |
| Asia | |
| Australia and New Zealand | |
| Latin America | |
| Middle East and Africa |
Mobile Core Network Market Research FAQs
How big is the Mobile Core Network Market?
The Mobile Core Network Market size is expected to reach USD 37.61 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.68% to reach USD 49.58 billion by 2030.
What is the current Mobile Core Network Market size?
In 2025, the Mobile Core Network Market size is expected to reach USD 37.61 billion.
Who are the key players in Mobile Core Network Market?
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Nokia Corporation, ZTE Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. are the major companies operating in the Mobile Core Network Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Mobile Core Network Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Mobile Core Network Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Mobile Core Network Market.
What years does this Mobile Core Network Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Mobile Core Network Market size was estimated at USD 35.47 billion. The report covers the Mobile Core Network Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Mobile Core Network Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Mobile Core Network Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Mobile Core Network market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Mobile Core Network analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
