Stefan Pongratz

Vice President

The transition from 5G to 6G represents the next phase in the evolution of wireless networks. Unlike prior generational shifts, the 6G era is expected to unfold within a more disciplined investment environment, shaped by changing traffic dynamics, evolving use cases, and a greater emphasis on efficiency.

Dell’Oro Group’s 6G Advanced Research Report provides a long-term forecast of the global Radio Access Network (RAN) market, offering a data-driven perspective on how 6G will influence telecom infrastructure, spectrum strategies, and capital allocation across regions.

While 6G has enormous potential,  our analysis points to a more balanced outlook:

  • 6G is happening. The conversation has shifted from if to how. 6G RAN investments are expected to start ramping towards the end of the decade, though total capex will likely be more disciplined relative to previous technology rollouts.
  • RAN is not a growth market. Constrained operator revenue growth will continue to impact RAN investments.
  • Future growth will increasingly depend on new revenue streams beyond MBB, including Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), private wireless, and mission-critical applications

Even with more balanced expectations, 6G is still a major opportunity.

  • For vendors: Portfolio alignment must prioritize TCO and performance for existing use cases while also preparing for opportunities beyond MBB.
  • For operators: Investment strategies must balance long-term risk appetite with near-term ROI discipline.
  • For investors: Base case scenario is that 6G is happening, but it is not a game changer. Even so, it is an opportunity for both suppliers and operators to stand out.

Dell’Oro’s analysis reframes 6G as a capital-efficient evolution shaped by real-world constraints and emerging opportunities, rather than a step-function revenue driver.

The report answers critical business questions, including:

  • When will 6G meaningfully impact telecom capex and RAN revenue?
  • How large will the global 6G market be over the next decade?
  • Which regions will lead 6G adoption—and what are the key drivers?
  • What spectrum bands and architectures will define early 6G deployments?
  • How will 6G affect the broader telecom equipment ecosystem?
  • What are the upside and downside scenarios for long-term RAN growth?

 

Report Coverage (10-year forecast)
  • RAN Overview: Global RAN revenue for all technologies, 2G-6G
  • Technology Evolution: Spectrum allocation trends (Sub-7 GHz, cmWave, mmWave), Massive MIMO
  • Regional Insights: Adoption trends across North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, China, Asia Pacific Excl. China, and CALA

 

Click here to contact us to learn more about the 6G Advanced Research Report and available purchasing options.