Over the past decade, the operation of 3GPP-based cellular networks in unlicensed spectrum has gone from being a perennial talking point to what is now a key element of mobile network densification strategies. Mobile operators across the globe are increasingly rolling out LTE RAN (Radio Access Network) infrastructure operating in unlicensed spectrum – primarily the globally harmonized 5 GHz band – to expand network capacity and deliver higher data rates, particularly in dense urban environments. These implementations are largely based on LAA (Licensed Assisted Access) technology which aggregates unlicensed channels with anchors in licensed spectrum to maintain seamless and reliable connectivity.
However, the practical applicability of unlicensed spectrum is not limited to the capacity enhancement of traditional mobile operator networks. Technical and regulatory initiatives such as MulteFire, CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) and sXGP (Shared Extended Global Platform) make it possible for enterprises, vertical industries, third-party neutral hosts and other new entrants to build and operate their own independent cellular networks solely in unlicensed spectrum without requiring an anchor carrier in licensed spectrum. Furthermore, in conjunction with the availability of new license-exempt frequencies such as the recently opened 6 GHz band from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, the introduction of 5G NR-U in 3GPP's Release 16 specifications paves the way for 5G NR deployments in unlicensed spectrum for both licensed assisted and standalone modes of operation. Given 5G's inherent support for reliability and time-sensitive networking, NR-U is particularly well suited to meet industrial IoT requirements for the automation and digitization of environments such as factories, warehouses, ports and mining sites.
Despite the economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, competition from non-3GPP wireless technologies and other challenges, SNS Telecom & IT estimates that global investments in LTE and 5G NR-ready RAN infrastructure operating in unlicensed spectrum will reach nearly $500 Million by the end of 2020. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 40% between 2020 and 2023, eventually accounting for $1.3 Billion by 2023.
The “LTE & 5G NR in Unlicensed Spectrum: 2020 – 2030 – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts” report presents a detailed assessment of the market for LTE and 5G NR in unlicensed spectrum including the value chain, market drivers, barriers to uptake, enabling technologies, key trends, future roadmap, business models, use cases, application scenarios, standardization, spectrum availability/allocation, regulatory landscape, case studies, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also provides global and regional forecasts for unlicensed LTE and 5G NR RAN infrastructure from 2020 till 2030. The forecasts cover two air interface technologies, two modes of operation, two cell type categories, seven frequency band ranges, seven use cases and five regional markets.
The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report.
Table of Contents
1 Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Executive Summary
1.2 Topics Covered
1.3 Forecast Segmentation
1.4 Key Questions Answered
1.5 Key Findings
1.6 Methodology
1.7 Target Audience
1.8 Companies & Organizations Mentioned
2 Chapter 2: An Overview of LTE & 5G NR in Unlicensed Spectrum
2.1 Spectrum: The Lifeblood of the Wireless Communications Industry
2.1.1 Traditional Exclusive-Use Licensed Spectrum
2.1.2 Unlicensed Spectrum
2.1.2.1 Dedicated License-Exempt Bands
2.1.2.2 Opportunistic Unlicensed Access
2.2 Why Utilize Unlicensed Spectrum for LTE & 5G NR Networks?
2.2.1 Alleviating Capacity Constraints on Mobile Operator Spectrum
2.2.2 New Business Models: Neutral Host, Enterprise & Private Cellular Networks
2.2.3 Resurgence of FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) Services
2.3 How Unlicensed Spectrum Differs From Traditional Licensed Frequencies
2.3.1 Exclusive vs. Shared Use
2.3.2 License Fees & Validity
2.3.3 Network Buildout & Service Obligations
2.3.4 LBT (Listen Before Talk) & Coexistence Mechanisms
2.3.5 Power Limits & Other Restrictions
2.4 The Value Chain of LTE & 5G NR in Unlicensed Spectrum
2.4.1 Chipset & Enabling Technology Specialists
2.4.2 Terminal OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
2.4.3 LTE & 5G NR Infrastructure Suppliers
2.4.4 Wireless Service Providers
2.4.4.1 Mobile Operators
2.4.4.2 Fixed-Line Service Providers
2.4.4.3 MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators)
2.4.4.4 Towercos (Tower Companies)
2.4.4.5 Neutral Hosts
2.4.4.6 Private Network Operators
2.4.5 End Users
2.4.5.1 Consumers
2.4.5.2 Enterprises & Vertical Industries
2.4.6 Other Ecosystem Players
2.5 Market Drivers
2.5.1 Continued Growth of Mobile Data Traffic
2.5.2 New Revenue Streams: FWA, IoT & Vertical-Focused Services
2.5.3 Private & Neutral Host Network Deployments
2.5.4 Unlicensed Spectrum Availability
2.5.5 Lower Cost Network Equipment & Installation
2.5.6 Expanding Ecosystem of Compatible Devices
2.6 Market Barriers
2.6.1 Cell Site Deployment Challenges
2.6.2 Restricted Coverage Due to Transmit Power Limits
2.6.3 Interference & Congestion Concerns
2.6.4 Resistance From Other Spectrum Users
2.6.5 Competition From Non-3GPP Technologies
2.6.6 Economic & Pandemic-Related Factors
3 Chapter 3: Enabling Technologies & Concepts
3.1 LTE-U
3.1.1 Channel Selection
3.1.2 CSAT (Carrier Sensing Adaptive Transmission)
3.1.3 Opportunistic On-Off Switching
3.2 LAA (Licensed Assisted Access)
3.2.1 LBT (Listen Before Talk): Category 4 & Category 2 LBT
3.2.2 FS3 (Frame Structure Type 3) for Unlicensed Carriers
3.2.3 Other LAA Design & Operational Aspects
3.3 eLAA (Enhanced LAA)
3.4 FeLAA (Further Enhanced LAA)
3.5 5G NR-U (NR in Unlicensed Spectrum)
3.5.1 Modes of Operation
3.5.1.1 Anchored NR-U
3.5.1.2 Standalone NR-U
3.5.2 LBT-Based Channel Access
3.5.3 Air Interface Refinements for NR-U
3.5.4 Time-Synchronized NR-U & Future Developments
3.6 MulteFire
3.6.1 Supported Unlicensed Bands
3.6.2 Building on 3GPP-Specified LAA & eLAA Functionality
3.6.3 Modifications for Standalone Operation Without Licensed Anchor
3.6.4 Neutral Host Access, Cellular IoT Optimizations & Additional Capabilities
3.7 Japan's sXGP (Shared Extended Global Platform)
3.7.1 License-Exempt Operation of 1.9 GHz Private LTE Networks
3.7.2 LBT for Coexistence With PHS & Other sXGP Networks
3.7.3 Possible Use of 1.9 GHz as an Anchor Band for Local 5G Networks
3.8 United States' CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service)
3.8.1 Dynamic Three-Tiered Sharing of the 3.5 GHz CBRS Band
3.8.2 Tiers of Authorization
3.8.2.1 Tier 1 – Incumbent Access
3.8.2.2 Tier 2 – PALs (Priority Access Licenses)
3.8.2.3 Tier 3 – GAA (General Authorized Access)
3.9 TVWS (TV White Spaces)
3.9.1 Database-Assisted Access to Unoccupied TV Channels
3.9.2 Possible Implementation Using 3GPP RAN Technologies
3.10 Integration & Aggregation With Unlicensed Non-3GPP Networks
3.10.1 Core Network-Centric Integration
3.10.1.1 System-Level WLAN Offload in LTE
3.10.1.2 Interworking With Non-3GPP Access Networks in 5G
3.10.2 RAN Centric Offload & Link Aggregation
3.10.2.1 RALWI (RAN Assisted LTE-WLAN Interworking)
3.10.2.2 RCLWI (RAN Controlled LTE-WLAN Interworking)
3.10.2.3 LWA (LTE-WLAN Aggregation)
3.10.2.4 eLWA (Enhanced LWA)
3.10.2.5 LWIP (LTE-WLAN Radio Level Integration With IPsec Tunnel)
3.10.2.6 eLWIP (Enhanced LWIP)
3.10.3 Multipath Protocols
3.10.3.1 MPTCP (Multipath TCP)
3.10.3.2 MPQUIC (Multipath Quick UDP Internet Connections)
3.10.4 Other Protocols & Techniques
4 Chapter 4: Business Models, Use Cases & Applications
4.1 Business Models & Use Cases
4.1.1 Service Provider Networks
4.1.1.1 Mobile Network Densification & Build-Outs
4.1.1.2 FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) Broadband
4.1.1.3 Mobile Networks for Cable Operators & New Entrants
4.1.2 Neutral Host Networks
4.1.2.1 Indoor Spaces
4.1.2.2 Large Public Venues
4.1.2.3 Transport Hubs & Corridors
4.1.2.4 High-Density Urban Settings
4.1.2.5 Remote and Rural Coverage
4.1.3 Private Cellular Networks
4.1.3.1 Offices, Buildings & Corporate Campuses
4.1.3.2 Vertical Industries
4.1.3.2.1 Manufacturing
4.1.3.2.2 Transportation
4.1.3.2.3 Utilities
4.1.3.2.4 Mining
4.1.3.2.5 Oil & Gas
4.1.3.2.6 Healthcare
4.1.3.2.7 Education
4.1.3.2.8 Retail & Hospitality
4.1.3.2.9 Governments & Municipalities
4.1.3.2.10 Other Verticals
4.2 Applications
4.2.1 Mobile Broadband
4.2.2 Home & Business Broadband
4.2.3 Voice & Messaging Services
4.2.4 High-Definition Video Transmission
4.2.5 Telepresence & Video Conferencing
4.2.6 Multimedia Broadcasting & Multicasting
4.2.7 IoT (Internet of Things) Networking
4.2.8 Wireless Connectivity for Wearables
4.2.9 Untethered AR/VR/MR (Augmented, Virtual & Mixed Reality)
4.2.10 Real-Time Holographic Projections
4.2.11 Tactile Internet & Haptic Feedback
4.2.12 High-Precision Positioning & Tracking
4.2.13 Industrial Automation
4.2.14 Remote Control of Machines
4.2.15 Connected Mobile Robotics
4.2.16 Unmanned & Autonomous Vehicles
4.2.17 BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight) Operation of Drones
4.2.18 Data-Driven Analytics & Insights
4.2.19 Sensor-Equipped Digital Twins
4.2.20 Predictive Maintenance of Equipment
5 Chapter 5: Unlicensed Spectrum Availability, Allocation & Usage
5.1 Candidate Frequency Bands for LTE & 5G NR in Unlicensed Spectrum
5.1.1 Sub-1 GHz Bands (470 – 700/800/900 MHz)
5.1.2 1.8 GHz DECT Guard Band (1780 – 1785 MHz, 1875 – 1880 MHz)
5.1.3 1.9 GHz sXGP/DECT Band (1880 – 1920 MHz)
5.1.4 2.4 GHz (2400 – 2483.5 MHz)
5.1.5 3.5 GHz (3550 – 3700 MHz) CBRS Band
5.1.6 5 GHz (5150 – 5925 MHz)
5.1.7 6 GHz (5925 – 7125 MHz)
5.1.8 57 – 71 GHz
5.1.9 Other Bands
5.2 North America
5.2.1 United States
5.2.2 Canada
5.3 Asia Pacific
5.3.1 Australia
5.3.2 New Zealand
5.3.3 Japan
5.3.4 South Korea
5.3.5 China
5.3.6 Hong Kong
5.3.7 Taiwan
5.3.8 Singapore
5.3.9 Malaysia
5.3.10 Indonesia
5.3.11 Philippines
5.3.12 Thailand
5.3.13 Vietnam
5.3.14 Myanmar
5.3.15 India
5.3.16 Pakistan
5.3.17 Rest of Asia Pacific
5.4 Europe
5.4.1 United Kingdom
5.4.2 Ireland
5.4.3 France
5.4.4 Germany
5.4.5 Belgium
5.4.6 Netherlands
5.4.7 Switzerland
5.4.8 Austria
5.4.9 Italy
5.4.10 Spain
5.4.11 Portugal
5.4.12 Sweden
5.4.13 Norway
5.4.14 Denmark
5.4.15 Finland
5.4.16 Estonia
5.4.17 Czech Republic
5.4.18 Poland
5.4.19 Greece
5.4.20 Turkey
5.4.21 Bulgaria
5.4.22 Romania
5.4.23 Hungary
5.4.24 Slovenia
5.4.25 Serbia
5.4.26 Russia
5.4.27 Rest of Europe
5.5 Middle East & Africa
5.5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.5.2 United Arab Emirates
5.5.3 Qatar
5.5.4 Kuwait
5.5.5 Israel
5.5.6 South Africa
5.5.7 Rest of the Middle East & Africa
5.6 Latin & Central America
5.6.1 Mexico
5.6.2 Brazil
5.6.3 Argentina
5.6.4 Colombia
5.6.5 Chile
5.6.6 Rest of Latin & Central America
6 Chapter 6: Standardization, Regulatory & Collaborative Initiatives
6.1 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project)
6.1.1 Releases 8-11: System-Level WLAN Offload
6.1.2 Release 12: RAN Assisted LTE-WLAN Interworking
6.1.3 Release 13: LAA, LWA, LWIP & RCLWI
6.1.4 Release 14: eLAA, eLWA, eLWIP & CBRS Band 48 Support
6.1.5 Release 15: Further Enhancements & LAA/eLAA (Band 49) for CBRS
6.1.6 Release 16: Anchored & Standalone 5G NR-U
6.1.7 Release 17 & Beyond: Future Evolution of 5G NR-U
6.2 ATIS (Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions)
6.2.1 IMSI Assignment & Management for CBRS
6.2.2 Additional CBRS-Related Efforts
6.3 CBRS Alliance
6.3.1 OnGo Certification Program for 3.5 GHz CBRS Equipment
6.3.2 CBRS Network Services & Coexistence Specifications
6.3.2.1 Release 1: Baseline Specifications for LTE Systems in the 3.5 GHz Band
6.3.2.2 Release 2: Enhanced Specifications in Preparation for OnGo Commercial Service
6.3.2.3 Release 3: Incorporation of 3GPP’s 5G Definitions & Standards in the 3.5 GHz CBRS Band
6.3.2.4 Release Independent Specifications for CBRS Identifiers
6.4 CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations)
6.4.1 ECC (Electronic Communications Committee): Operational Guidelines & Technical Solutions for Spectrum Sharing in Europe
6.5 CTIA
6.5.1 Product Certification for 3.5 GHz CBRS Equipment
6.6 DSA (Dynamic Spectrum Alliance)
6.6.1 Advocacy Efforts to Promote Unlicensed & Dynamic Access to Spectrum
6.7 ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute)
6.7.1 BRAN (Broadband Radio Access Networks) Technical Committee: Harmonized Standards for Wireless Access Systems
6.7.1.1 WSD (White Space Devices) Operating in the 470 – 790 MHz Band
6.7.1.2 5 GHz RLANs (Radio Local Area Networks)
6.7.1.3 6 GHz RLANs
6.7.1.4 60 GHz Multi-Gigabit Wireless Systems
6.7.1.5 Other Relevant Work
6.8 IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)
6.8.1 Standards & Protocols for Interworking Between 3GPP & Unlicensed Technologies
6.9 ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector)
6.9.1 International Regulation of Unlicensed Spectrum
6.10 LTE-U Forum
6.10.1 Technical Specifications for LTE-U in Unlicensed 5 GHz Spectrum
6.11 MulteFire Alliance
6.11.1 Specifications for LTE/5G NR Operation in Unlicensed Spectrum
6.11.1.1 Release 1.0: LTE Operation in the Unlicensed 5 GHz Band
6.11.1.2 Release 1.1: Support for Industrial IoT & Sub-1/1.9/2.4 GHz Spectrum Bands
6.11.2 MulteFire Certification Program
6.12 NGMN Alliance
6.12.1 Unlicensed Spectrum-Related Activates
6.13 ONF (Open Networking Foundation)
6.13.1 Shared & Unlicensed Spectrum Support in the Aether 5G/LTE ECaaS (Edge-Cloud-as-a-Service) Platform
6.14 Small Cell Forum
6.14.1 Work Related to License-Exempt & Shared Spectrum Small Cells
6.15 WhiteSpace Alliance
6.15.1 Promoting the Use of 3GPP, IEEE & IETF Standards for TVWS Spectrum
6.16 WInnForum (Wireless Innovation Forum)
6.16.1 SSC (Spectrum Sharing Committee): CBRS Standards
6.16.1.1 Release 1: CBRS Baseline Standards
6.16.1.2 Release 2: Enhancements to CBRS Baseline Standards
6.16.1.3 Administration of Root Certificate Authority, Professional Installer Training & CBSD Certification Programs
6.16.2 6MSC (6 GHz Multi-Stakeholder Planning Committee)
6.16.3 Other Committees
6.17 XGP (eXtended Global Platform) Forum
6.17.1 Development & Promotion of the sXGP Unlicensed LTE Service
6.18 Others
6.18.1 National Government Agencies & Regulators
6.18.2 Vertical Industry Associations
6.18.3 Non-3GPP Technology Alliances
7 Chapter 7: Case Studies of Unlicensed Spectrum Deployments
7.1 AT&T: Tapping Unlicensed Spectrum for Mobile Network Densification & FWA
7.1.1 Spectrum Type
7.1.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.1.3 Deployment Summary
7.2 BBB (BB Backbone Corporation): 1.9 GHz sXGP-Based Private LTE Network Platform
7.2.1 Spectrum Type
7.2.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.2.3 Deployment Summary
7.3 BYD SkyRail: Unlicensed 5 GHz Wireless System for Railway Communications
7.3.1 Spectrum Type
7.3.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.3.3 Deployment Summary
7.4 Chunghwa Telecom: Utilizing Unlicensed 5 GHz Spectrum to Enhance Mobile Broadband Experience
7.4.1 Spectrum Type
7.4.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.4.3 Deployment Summary
7.5 Dallas Love Field Airport: Private LTE Network for Internal Operations & Passenger Experience
7.5.1 Spectrum Type
7.5.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.5.3 Deployment Summary
7.6 Gogo: Capitalizing on Unlicensed 2.4 GHz Spectrum for LTE/5G-Ready A2G (Air-to-Ground) Network
7.6.1 Spectrum Type
7.6.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.6.3 Deployment Summary
7.7 Memorial Health System: LTE-Based CBRS Network to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts
7.7.1 Spectrum Type
7.7.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.7.3 Deployment Summary
7.8 Midco (Midcontinent Communications): Shared & Unlicensed Spectrum for Rural Broadband Connectivity
7.8.1 Spectrum Type
7.8.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.8.3 Deployment Summary
7.9 MTS (Mobile TeleSystems): Delivering Gigabit-Grade LTE Services Using LAA Technology
7.9.1 Spectrum Type
7.9.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.9.3 Deployment Summary
7.10 Murray City School District: LTE-Based Private CBRS Network for K-12 Education
7.10.1 Spectrum Type
7.10.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.10.3 Deployment Summary
7.11 NetCity (GEOS Telecom): Unlicensed Sub-1 GHz LTE Network for AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)
7.11.1 Spectrum Type
7.11.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.11.3 Deployment Summary
7.12 Ocado: Custom-Built LTE Network Over Unlicensed 5 GHz Spectrum for Warehouse Automation
7.12.1 Spectrum Type
7.12.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.12.3 Deployment Summary
7.13 RCI (Rural Cloud Initiative): Building the Farm of the Future With CBRS Spectrum
7.13.1 Spectrum Type
7.13.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.13.3 Deployment Summary
7.14 SmarTone: Effectively Managing Traffic Surges With Strategically Located LAA Small Cells
7.14.1 Spectrum Type
7.14.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.14.3 Deployment Summary
7.15 URSYS: Bringing Cellular Connectivity to Rural Areas and Outlying Regions With Unlicensed Spectrum
7.15.1 Spectrum Type
7.15.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.15.3 Deployment Summary
7.16 Verizon Communications: Exploiting 5 GHz & 3.5 GHz CBRS Spectrum to Address Capacity Demands
7.16.1 Spectrum Type
7.16.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.16.3 Deployment Summary
7.17 Vodacom Group: Employing Unlicensed 5 GHz Spectrum To Improve LTE Network Capacity & Performance
7.17.1 Spectrum Type
7.17.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.17.3 Deployment Summary
7.18 Yangshan Port: Unlicensed 5 GHz LTE Network for Automated Container Terminal Operations
7.18.1 Spectrum Type
7.18.2 Integrators & Suppliers
7.18.3 Deployment Summary
8 Chapter 8: Market Sizing & Forecasts
8.1 Global Outlook for LTE & 5G NR in Unlicensed Spectrum
8.2 Segmentation by Air Interface Technology
8.2.1 Unlicensed LTE
8.2.2 5G NR-U
8.3 Segmentation by Mode of Operation
8.3.1 Standalone
8.3.2 LAA
8.4 Segmentation by Cell Type
8.4.1 Indoor Small Cells
8.4.2 Outdoor Small Cells
8.5 Segmentation by Frequency Band
8.5.1 Sub-1 GHz
8.5.2 1.9 GHz sXGP
8.5.3 2.4 GHz
8.5.4 3.5 GHz CBRS GAA
8.5.5 5 GHz
8.5.6 6 GHz
8.5.7 Higher Frequencies
8.6 Segmentation by Use Case
8.6.1 Mobile Network Densification
8.6.2 FWA (Fixed Wireless Access)
8.6.3 Cable Operators & New Entrants
8.6.4 Neutral Hosts
8.6.5 Private Cellular Networks
8.6.5.1 Offices, Buildings & Corporate Campuses
8.6.5.2 Vertical Industries
8.7 Regional Outlook
8.7.1 North America
8.7.2 Asia Pacific
8.7.3 Europe
8.7.4 Middle East & Africa
8.7.5 Latin & Central America
9 Chapter 9: Key Ecosystem Players
9.1 6Harmonics/6WiLInk
9.2 ABiT Corporation
9.3 Accelleran
9.4 Accuver (InnoWireless)
9.5 ADRF (Advanced RF Technologies)
9.6 Affirmed Networks (Microsoft Corporation)
9.7 Airgain
9.8 Airspan Networks
9.9 Airtower Networks
9.10 Airwavz Solutions
9.11 Akoustis Technologies
9.12 Alef Edge
9.13 Allen Vanguard Wireless
9.14 Alpha Wireless
9.15 Altiostar Networks
9.16 Altran
9.17 Amazon
9.18 Amdocs
9.19 American Tower Corporation
9.20 Amit Wireless
9.21 Anritsu Corporation
9.22 ANS (Advanced Network Services)
9.23 Antenna Company
9.24 Anterix
9.25 Apple
9.26 Artemis Networks (Rearden)
9.27 ASOCS
9.28 ASTRI (Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute)
9.29 ASUS (ASUSTeK Computer)/Askey Computer Corporation
9.30 Athonet
9.31 ATN International
9.32 AttoCore
9.33 Axell Wireless
9.34 Azcom Technology
9.35 BAI Communications/Transit Wireless
9.36 Baicells Technologies
9.37 Ballast Networks
9.38 BearCom
9.39 BEC Technologies
9.40 Benetel
9.41 Billion Electric
9.42 Black Box Corporation
9.43 Blackned
9.44 Blue Arcus Technologies
9.45 Blue Danube Systems
9.46 Boingo Wireless
9.47 Branch Communications
9.48 BTI Wireless
9.49 Bureau Veritas/7Layers
9.50 BVSystems (Berkeley Varitronics Systems)
9.51 CableFree (Wireless Excellence)
9.52 CableLabs/Kyrio
9.53 Cambium Networks
9.54 Cambridge Consultants
9.55 Carlson Wireless Technologies
9.56 Casa Systems
9.57 CCI (Communication Components Inc.)/BLiNQ Networks
9.58 CCN (Cirrus Core Networks)
9.59 CellAntenna Corporation
9.60 cellXica
9.61 Celona
9.62 Centerline Communications
9.63 CICT (China Information and Communication Technology Group)/China Xinke Group
9.64 Cisco Systems
9.65 ClearSky Technologies
9.66 Codium Networks
9.67 Comba Telecom
9.68 CommAgility (Wireless Telecom Group)
9.69 CommScope/Ruckus Networks
9.70 Compal
9.71 COMSovereign
9.72 Connectivity Wireless Solutions (M/C Partners)
9.73 Contela
9.74 Corning
9.75 Council Rock
9.76 Cradlepoint (Ericsson)
9.77 Crown Castle International Corporation
9.78 CTS (Communication Technology Services)
9.79 Dali Wireless
9.80 Dejero Labs
9.81 DEKRA
9.82 Dell Technologies
9.83 Digi International
9.84 Digicert
9.85 DKK (Denki Kogyo)
9.86 Druid Software
9.87 EION Wireless
9.88 Encore Networks
9.89 Ericsson
9.90 ETRI (Electronics & Telecommunications Research Institute, South Korea)
9.91 EXFO
9.92 ExteNet Systems (Digital Colony)
9.93 Facebook
9.94 Fairspectrum
9.95 FCNT (Fujitsu Connected Technologies)/JEMS (Japan EM Solutions)
9.96 Federated Wireless
9.97 Fibrolan
9.98 FreedomFi
9.99 FRTek
9.100 Fujitsu
9.101 Future Technologies Venture
9.102 GCT Semiconductor
9.103 GE (General Electric)
9.104 Gemtek Technology
9.105 Geoverse (ATN International)
9.106 Getac Technology Corporation
9.107 Goodman Networks
9.108 Google (Alphabet)
9.109 Granite Telecommunications
9.110 Green Packet
9.111 HCL Technologies
9.112 HFR
9.113 Hitachi Kokusai Electric
9.114 Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn Technology Group)
9.115 HP
9.116 HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)
9.117 Huawei
9.118 Huber+Suhner
9.119 iBwave Solutions (Corning)
9.120 Infomark Corporation
9.121 Infosys
9.122 Infovista
9.123 Innonet
9.124 Inseego Corporation
9.125 Insta Group
9.126 Intel Corporation
9.127 Intenna Systems
9.128 InterDigital
9.129 IoT4Net
9.130 ip.access (Mavenir Systems)
9.131 IPLOOK Networks
9.132 iPosi
9.133 Jaton Technology
9.134 JCI (Japan Communications Inc.)/Contour Networks
9.135 JIT (JI Technology)
9.136 JMA Wireless
9.137 JRC (Japan Radio Company)
9.138 Juni Global
9.139 Kajeet
9.140 Key Bridge Wireless
9.141 Keysight Technologies
9.142 Kisan Telecom
9.143 KLA Laboratories
9.144 Kleos
9.145 KMW
9.146 KORE Wireless
9.147 Kyocera Corporation
9.148 Landmark Dividend
9.149 Lekha Wireless Solutions
9.150 Lemko Corporation
9.151 Lenovo/Motorola Mobility
9.152 LG Electronics
9.153 Lime Microsystems
9.154 Lindsay Broadband
9.155 Linx Technologies
9.156 LS telcom
9.157 Maven Wireless
9.158 Mavenir Systems
9.159 Metaswitch Networks (Microsoft Corporation)
9.160 Metro Network Services
9.161 MiCOM Labs
9.162 Microlab
9.163 Microsoft Corporation
9.164 MitraStar Technology (Unizyx Holding Corporation)
9.165 Mobile Mark
9.166 Mobilitie
9.167 Motorola Solutions
9.168 MRT Technology (Suzhou)
9.169 MSB (M S Benbow & Associates)
9.170 MTI (Microelectronics Technology, Inc.)
9.171 MTI Wireless Edge
9.172 Multi-Tech Systems
9.173 NEC Corporation
9.174 Nemko
9.175 Netgear
9.176 NetNumber
9.177 Netvision Telecom
9.178 NewEdge Signal Solutions
9.179 Nextivity
9.180 Node-H
9.181 Nokia
9.182 Nominet
9.183 Nsight Telservices
9.184 NuRAN Wireless/Nutaq Innovation
9.185 Oceus Networks
9.186 Octasic
9.187 OPPO/Vivo/OnePlus/Realme (BBK Electronics Corporation)
9.188 Oracle Communications
9.189 Panasonic Corporation
9.190 Panorama Antennas
9.191 Parallel Wireless
9.192 Parsec Technologies
9.193 Pavlov Media
9.194 PCTEL
9.195 PCTEST Lab (PCTEST Engineering Laboratory)
9.196 Pierson Wireless
9.197 Pivot Technology Services
9.198 Pivotal Commware
9.199 Polaris Networks
9.200 Potevio
9.201 QuadGen Wireless Solutions
9.202 Qualcomm
9.203 Quantum Wireless
9.204 Qucell (InnoWireless)
9.205 Quectel Wireless Solutions
9.206 Qulsar
9.207 Quortus
9.208 Radisys Corporation (Reliance Industries)
9.209 Ranplan Wireless
9.210 Raycap
9.211 RED Technologies
9.212 Redline Communications
9.213 RF Connect
9.214 RFS (Radio Frequency Systems)
9.215 Rivada Networks
9.216 RKTPL (RK Telesystem Private Limited)
9.217 Rohde & Schwarz
9.218 RuggON Corporation
9.219 Saankhya Labs
9.220 SAC Wireless (Nokia)
9.221 Samsung
9.222 Sanjole
9.223 SBA Communications Corporation
9.224 Select Spectrum
9.225 Seowon Intech
9.226 Sequans Communications
9.227 Sercomm Corporation
9.228 SGS
9.229 Shanghai Smawave Technology
9.230 Sharp Corporation/Dynabook (Foxconn)
9.231 Siemens
9.232 Sierra Wireless
9.233 Sivers IMA
9.234 Smart City Networks
9.235 SOLiD
9.236 Sony Corporation
9.237 Spectrum Effect
9.238 Spirent Communications
9.239 Sporton International
9.240 SQUAN
9.241 SSC (Shared Spectrum Company)
9.242 Star Solutions
9.243 STEP CG
9.244 STL (Sterlite Technologies Ltd)
9.245 Sunwave Communications
9.246 SureSite Consulting Group
9.247 Suzhou Aquila Solutions (Aquila Wireless)
9.248 Syniverse Technologies
9.249 T&W (Shenzhen Gongjin Electronics)
9.250 Tait Communications
9.251 Tango Networks
9.252 Taoglas
9.253 Teal Communications
9.254 Tecore Networks
9.255 Telewave
9.256 Teleworld Solutions
9.257 Telit Communications
9.258 Telrad Networks
9.259 Telsasoft
9.260 Tessares
9.261 TESSCO Technologies
9.262 ThinkRF
9.263 Tilson
9.264 TLC Solutions
9.265 TÜV SÜD
9.266 Ubicquia
9.267 UL
9.268 Valid8
9.269 Vapor IO
9.270 Vertical Bridge (Digital Colony)
9.271 Verveba Telecom
9.272 Viavi Solutions
9.273 Virtual Network Communications (COMSovereign)
9.274 Wave Wireless
9.275 Wavesight
9.276 Westell Technologies
9.277 Widelity
9.278 Wilson Electronics
9.279 Wilus
9.280 WIN Connectivity (Wireless Information Networks)
9.281 Winncom Technologies
9.282 WNC (Wistron NeWeb Corporation)
9.283 Wytec International
9.284 Zebra Technologies
9.285 ZenFi Networks
9.286 Zinwave (McWane)
9.287 Zmtel (Shanghai Zhongmi Communication Technology)
9.288 ZTE
9.289 Zyxel Communications (Unizyx Holding Corporation)
10 Chapter 10: Conclusion & Strategic Recommendations
10.1 Why is the Market Poised to Grow?
10.2 Future Roadmap: 2020 – 2030
10.2.1 2020 – 2024: Steady Growth of 5 GHz LAA, 3.5 GHz CBRS GAA & 1.9 GHz sXGP Deployments
10.2.2 2025 – 2029: Commercial Maturity of 5G NR-U for Industrial IoT Requirements
10.2.3 2030 & Beyond: Mass-Market Adoption of Unlicensed Cellular Networks
10.3 Which Unlicensed Frequency Bands Will Dominate the Market?
10.4 Leveraging 6 GHz Greenfield Spectrum for 5G NR-U Deployments
10.5 Outlook for 60 GHz & Higher Frequencies
10.6 Is Wi-Fi 6 a Threat to 5G NR-U?
10.7 Densification of Mobile Operator Networks in the 5G Era
10.8 The Emergence of New Entrants in the Cellular Industry
10.9 Private Cellular Networks for Industrial IoT
10.10 COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Unlicensed Spectrum Deployments
10.11 Strategic Recommendations
10.11.1 LTE/5G Equipment Suppliers & System Integrators
10.11.2 Mobile Operators, Neutral Hosts & Other Service Providers
10.11.3 Enterprises & Vertical Industries