Africa Small Cell Market Size
| Study Period | 2019-2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Volume (2024) | 150.12 Thousand RUs |
| Market Volume (2029) | 225.20 Thousand RUs |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 8.45 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Africa Small Cell Market Analysis
The Africa Small Cell Market size in terms of installed base is expected to grow from 150.12 Thousand RUs in 2024 to 225.20 Thousand RUs by 2029, at a CAGR of 8.45% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Small cells are ideal for utilization where macro-antennas cannot reach them. They also provide a way to rapidly deploy the power of a network with precision and customization for outdoor environments, from sports venues and school campuses to downtown street "canyons" and rural neighborhoods.
- Small cells are projected to make up most of the 5G networks. Small cells are necessary to run 5G networks because they only make the additional data capacity that 5G requires possible. Additionally, by eliminating pricey rooftop systems and installation fees, they aid carriers in cutting expenses. They are also anticipated to aid in improving functionality and battery life.
- Moreover, 5G would be implemented on already-used cellular radio frequencies. Still, it might allow operators to expand and address higher radio frequencies (beyond 20 GHz) to make them functional for mobile services. Moreover, because the signal cannot pass through walls, these frequencies can only be deployed in limited spaces. This encourages tiny cells for in-building applications since they provide superior connectivity for smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets.
- The global increase in demand for mobile devices and the advancement of network technology and connected devices are pushing the market. Such demand has been driving the change in the delivery of IT services and has given the market's players a substantial opportunity to strengthen their position there.
- Small cell deployment has introduced new difficulties, such as the backhaul development of small cell networks, even though tiny cells can provide better network coverage at a lower cost.
- The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for wireless internet as people were restricted to their homes all day (due to lockdowns in many countries) and forced to work from home, connect remotely with their peers, and use the internet services for work and entertainment. This led to a surge in online traffic, which acted as a key factor driving the growth of small cell networks, which are easy to install and cost-effective.
Africa Small Cell Market Trends
Outdoor to Have Significant Share
- A tiny cell is linked to the main mobile network via the internet, either through the cloud indoors or wirelessly outside, utilizing broadband technologies. This strategy aids in preserving optimal coverage and capacity across both the current fourth-generation (4G) LTE networks and the developing 5G networks.
- Increasingly, small cell technologies are enabling the densification of outdoor networks rather than only providing coverage inside structures like arenas or buildings. Every significant communications service provider (CSP) has stated ambitions for network densification, and several have even begun integrating tiny cells into their networks. Such circumstances are likely to encourage the installation of a tiny cell in an outdoor setting.
- Also, networks grow to satisfy the demand for better and quicker coverage as 5G services and devices see an increase in demand. Small outdoor cells are therefore an essential component of these service-improving deployments.
- As transmission resources are a key bottleneck for the deployment of small outdoor cells across densely populated urban areas, it is, therefore, difficult to achieve wired transmission for all sites across the region.
South Africa is Expected to Witness Significant Growth
- The Africa region is growing in terms of 5G deployment and strategic partnerships with global small cell companies, which are significant drivers for the market in the area.
- Vendors in Africa are working to increase mobile network coverage, which will drive demand for the small cell market in the region. Vodafone is actively trialing open RAN technology in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to broaden its potential base of suppliers and extend rural Internet access.
- In addition, various global companies are stepping into the country to drive 5G experiences for consumers by creating a dense environment for indoor coverage with the required speed, capacity, and low latency.
- The growth in private networks in the region is also a significant trend that is assisting in the development of the market in the area. A private network uses a localized network infrastructure using small cells to provide coverage and connectivity for private use.
Africa Small Cell Industry Overview
Africa's small cell market is fragmented. The companies operating in the market are executing mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and product development to introduce new products. Significant players include Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, Parallel Wireless Inc., and Airspan Networks Inc.
- September 2023 - Asprin Newtork has announced on the 14th collobrated with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. to supply and build wireless communication systems to Saeul Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 and 4. The nuclear power plant wireless communication system developed jointly by Ilshin EDI and Eruon is a disaster safety communication network (PS)- LTE, 5G and 5G Wi-Fi 6 It is characterized by combining Wi-Fi6 into one system.
- May 2023 - Parallel Wireless has announced the launch of its new generation of agile and intelligent RAN solutions. Version 7.x of the PW RAN. With the transition to containerizes applications and implementation over Kubernetes, Parallel Wireless’ best in class all-G open RAN solutions are ready to revolutionize the Cellular market.
Africa Small Cell Market Leaders
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Parallel Wireless Inc.
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Airspan Networks Inc.
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T&W Electronics Co Ltd.
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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
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Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Africa Small Cell Market News
- November 2023 - Parallel Wireless has announced that it will be deploying 2G and 4G networks for a for a large national operator, Where It will focus on rural and suburban areas, deploying and delivering cellular connectivity under the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) in East Africa which is a government initiative aimed to deliver greater coverage to all residents.
- September 2023 - InfiniG Introduces First True Neutral Host Service using Shared Spectrum for Enhanced In-Building Mobile Coverage, where The service integrates optimized shared infrastructure across a building linked to InfiniG’s cloud-driven platform. This robust solution oversees essential operations for mobile operator coverage, including agreements, spectrum access, software upgrades, and data analytics. Crucially, NHaaS connects buildings to mobile operator networks with zero manual intervention.
Africa Small Cell Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.2.4 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.2.5 Threat of Substitute Products
4.3 Industry Stakeholder Analysis
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Rapid Increase in Mobile Data Traffic in the Region
5.1.2 Growing Emphasis on Operational Efficiency and Reduction of Capital Expenditure through Replacement of Older Networks with Small Cell Towers
5.1.3 Steady Growth in Installations by Market Incumbents
5.2 Market Challenges
5.2.1 Concerns with State Regulations and Operatonal Challenges Related to Deployment in 5G Networks
5.3 Industry Standards & Regulations
5.4 Impact of COVID-19 on the Small Cell Deployments and Connectivity
5.5 Major Implications and Technical Considerations Related to Installation of Small Cell Towers
5.6 Current Ownership Models and Emergence of Small Cell Leasing/Sharing Mechanism
5.7 Current Breakdown of the Connectivity Technology in Africa (3G, 4G & 5G)
6. ANALYSIS OF 5G ROADMAP IN AFRICA
7. MARKET SEGMENTATION
7.1 By Application
7.1.1 Outdoor
7.1.2 Indoor
7.2 By Region
7.2.1 North & West Africa
7.2.2 South Africa
7.2.3 Rest of Africa
8. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
8.1 Company Profiles
8.1.1 Parallel Wireless Inc.
8.1.2 Airspan Networks Inc.
8.1.3 T&W Electronics Co Ltd.
8.1.4 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd
8.1.5 Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
8.1.6 Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd
8.1.7 ZTE Corporation
8.1.8 Baicells Technologies Co. Ltd
8.1.9 NEC Corporation
8.1.10 Nokia Corporation
- *List Not Exhaustive
9. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS AND MARKET OUTLOOK
Africa Small Cell Industry Segmentation
Small cell towers are low-power, short-range wireless transmission systems to cover a small geographical area or indoor or outdoor applications. In 5G deployments, small cell towers play a significant role in efficiently providing high-speed mobile broadband and other low-latency applications.
The study analyzes the current deployment scenario of small cell towers in Africa. It provides market forecasts based on the key indicators and deployment plans of the key network providers operating in the region. The study also distinguishes indoor and outdoor-based deployments and tracks key vendor activity and collaborations.
The African small cell market is segmented by application (outdoor, indoor) and by region (North and West Africa, South Africa, and the Rest of Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Application | |
| Outdoor | |
| Indoor |
| By Region | |
| North & West Africa | |
| South Africa | |
| Rest of Africa |
Africa Small Cell Market Research FAQs
How big is the Africa Small Cell Market?
The Africa Small Cell Market size is expected to reach 150.12 thousand RUs in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 8.45% to reach 225.20 thousand RUs by 2029.
What is the current Africa Small Cell Market size?
In 2024, the Africa Small Cell Market size is expected to reach 150.12 thousand RUs.
Who are the key players in Africa Small Cell Market?
Parallel Wireless Inc., Airspan Networks Inc., T&W Electronics Co Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson are the major companies operating in the Africa Small Cell Market.
What years does this Africa Small Cell Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Africa Small Cell Market size was estimated at 137.43 thousand RUs. The report covers the Africa Small Cell Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Africa Small Cell Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Africa Small Cell Solutions Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Africa Small Cell Solutions market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Africa Small Cell Solutions analysis includes a market forecast outlook 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
