RAN Intelligent Controller Market Expected to Reach $14 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “RAN Intelligent Controller Market," The ran intelligent controller market was valued at $142.68 million in 2022, and is estimated to reach $14 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 58.6% from 2023 to 2032.

The RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) is a software-defined network element that sits between the RAN equipment and the core network. It utilizes real-time data and analytics to dynamically control and optimize the RAN functions. To dynamically control and optimize the RAN functions, it makes use of real-time data and analytics. The RIC industry offers platforms and software solutions that let operators deploy and operate RAN operations more intelligently and effectively. With the help of these controllers, operators improve resource allocation, increase network performance, and enable innovative features such as network slicing and dynamic spectrum sharing. The demand for better network performance, greater network capacity, and a need for network automation and optimization are all factors that drive the market for RAN intelligent controllers. It includes a number of players who create and provide RAN Intelligent Controller solutions to telecom operators and service providers, including telecom equipment vendors, software providers, and system integrators.

The demand for RAN Intelligent Controller is being driven by the increase in complexity of mobile networks. Operators need innovative network management solutions to guarantee optimal network performance and user experience as connected devices and data traffic keep growing. The market for RAN intelligent controllers is being driven by the increase in use of cloud-based solutions. Furthermore, operators lower hardware expenses and increase network agility & scalability by implementing RAN intelligent controller in a cloud-based environment. The deployment of RAN intelligent controller is being fueled by the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). The RAN Intelligent Controller optimize network performance and decrease downtime owing to its powerful analytics and automation capabilities. This enhances user experience and boosts income for operators.

Moreover, factors such as rise in demand for network enhancement, collaboration across ecosystems, and open interfaces primarily drive the growth of the RAN intelligent controller market. However, the difficulties in implementation and integration hamper market growth to some extent. Moreover, a rise in demand for enhanced network management is expected to provide lucrative opportunities for market expansion during the forecast period.

On the basis of technology, 4G segment dominated the RAN intelligent controller market in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominance in the upcoming years owing to the widespread usage of smartphones, mobile applications, and streaming services propels the market growth significantly. However, the 5G segment is expected to witness the highest growth, owing to ensure effective network capacity utilization and provide consumers with high-quality experiences.

Region wise, North America dominated the RAN intelligent controller market size in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominance in the upcoming year, owing to the advancements in 5G technology, the expansion of mobile networks, the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and the need for efficient network management. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth, owing to developing countries such as China and India the adaption of smart technologies such as AI and ML escalates the demand for RAN intelligent controller. In addition, with the proliferation of smartphones, IoT devices, and digital services, there has been an exponential increase in data traffic across mobile networks in the Asia-Pacific region.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The pandemic has delayed network deployments and investments, causing disruptions in the telecom sector. The market for RIC solutions has been impacted by the need for many operators to delay the implementation of new RAN infrastructure. As a result, market expansion has momentarily slowed down. Positively, the pandemic has increased network traffic significantly because of remote work, online education, and greater reliance on digital services. The need for greater network management and optimization has been underscored by this increase in demand, opening doors for RIC solutions. The adoption of RICs may be influenced by operators' increased focus on optimizing user experience and network performance. The industry's focus on network virtualization and automation has increased as a result of the epidemic. Operators are increasingly searching for software-defined solutions like RICs to optimize their networks due to limited access to physical resources and the necessity for remote management. The market size for RICs may be driven by this trend toward virtualization and automation overall. The need for RICs is anticipated to increase as economies recover from the pandemic and operators resume their plans to develop networks. The deployment of 5G networks and the requirement for effective network management will probably be the main factors influencing market size in the post-pandemic period. 

Key Findings of the Study

• By component, the platform segment accounted for the largest share RAN intelligent controller market in 2022.
• By technology, the 4G segment accounted for the largest share RAN intelligent controller market analysis in 2022.
• By function, the Non-real-time-RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC) segment accounted for the largest RAN intelligent controller market size in 2022.
• By application, the rApps segment accounted for the largest RAN intelligent controller market share in 2022. 
• Region wise, North America generated the highest revenue for RAN intelligent controller market forecast in 2022.

The market players operating in RAN intelligent controller industry are Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Intel Corporation, Samsung, ZTE Corporation., Cisco Systems, Inc., NEC Corporation, Juniper Networks, Inc., Vmware, Inc. These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships, which help to drive the growth of RAN intelligent controller industry globally.