Mobile Core Network Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Component (Hardware, Software and Services), Network Type, Deployment Type, Technology, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Mobile Core Network Market is accounted for $38.06 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $70.92 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period. The main component of a mobile telecommunications system that links mobile users to other networks, including the internet or landline systems, is called a mobile core network. It oversees vital operations like call control, data routing, mobility management, and user authentication. The Gateway, Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), Packet-Switched Core, and Home Location Register (HLR) are some of its constituent parts. Across mobile devices in a cellular network, the Mobile Core Network guarantees smooth communication, safe data transfer, and effective management of voice, video, and data services.

According to official estimates, more than 5 billion people in the world population own a smartphone.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing 5G deployment worldwide

The need for reliable and scalable core network solutions is growing as telecom operators deploy 5G infrastructure. For 5G to serve cutting-edge applications like the Internet of Things, smart cities, and driverless cars, high-performance, low-latency networks are necessary. As a result, more advanced and adaptable core network systems are required. The market is expanding as a result of mobile operators' significant investments in modernising their current networks to support 5G. The emergence of 5G also speeds up the adoption of virtualised and cloud-native network operations, improving the ecology of mobile core networks.

Restraint:

High capital and operational expenditure

Smaller businesses find it difficult to break into the market as a result, which restricts competition and creativity. Telecom operators' financial resources may also be strained by continuous maintenance and operating expenses, which limits their capacity to make investments in other crucial areas. Longer ROI periods are another consequence of high spending, which makes it challenging for companies to earn a profit fast. Telecom companies may postpone network development or improvements as a result, which would impede market growth. Additionally, consumers may pay more for services as a result of this financial strain, which would lower demand for sophisticated network services.

Opportunity:

Rising adoption of cloud-native and virtualized core networks

Mobile operators can improve network cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility by utilising cloud technologies. Virtualized core networks offer faster deployment and management of services, boosting overall performance and saving operating costs. Because of their microservices architecture, cloud-native networks offer faster upgrades and more agility, which speeds up service rollouts. These developments make it possible for operators to more efficiently handle growing data traffic and the need for 5G connectivity. The need for sophisticated mobile core networks is fuelled by the ability of mobile carriers to provide more creative services.

Threat:

Cybersecurity and privacy concerns

Growing cyberthreats force service providers to make significant investments in cutting-edge security solutions, which drives up operating expenses. Operators' freedom is restricted by additional compliance requirements brought on by data protection laws like the GDPR. The possibility of data breaches can harm telecom firms' brands and erode customer confidence. Furthermore, the deployment of newer technologies, such as 5G, is slowed down by complicated security requirements. In the end, these difficulties impede market expansion and innovation in the field of mobile core networks.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mobile core network market, accelerating digital transformation and driving demand for robust, scalable network infrastructures. With increased reliance on remote work, video streaming, and online services, operators focused on enhancing network capacity, latency, and security. The surge in mobile data consumption led to the adoption of 5G technologies, edge computing, and virtualized solutions. However, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty also posed challenges to market growth during the early stages of the pandemic.

The 5G segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The 5G segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period by enabling faster data transmission speeds, enhancing connectivity, and providing low latency. It can handle more connections at once, which is crucial for smart cities and Internet of Things devices. 5G enables tailored network solutions to serve particular industries, such as healthcare, automotive, and entertainment, through the use of network slicing. Operators are being forced to improve their core networks due to the increasing demand for high-bandwidth services like augmented reality and 4K/8K video streaming. The potential of 5G to lower operating costs and increase network efficiency also speeds up market expansion.

The telecom operators segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the telecom operators segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate by differentiating services based on customer needs, ensuring tailored network solutions. They use techniques like implementing Virtualised Core Networks (VBNs) to improve scalability and flexibility. The integration of 5G technologies is another aspect of the segmentation that enhances speed and efficiency for a variety of industries, including enterprise solutions and the Internet of Things. Operators respond to the growing need for high performance and low latency by providing specialised services like edge computing and private networks. By conforming to new trends in mobile data usage and connectivity needs, these tactics promote market expansion.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to increasing demand for high-speed internet, mobile data services. Major telecom operators are investing heavily in upgrading their infrastructure to meet the rising data consumption and enhance network efficiency. With a large consumer base and rapid technological advancements, countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are leading the market. The adoption of cloud-based solutions, IoT, and smart devices further fuels the demand for advanced mobile core networks in the region.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the demand for 5G deployment, and the need for enhanced network security. Major telecom operators in the region are investing in advanced technologies like cloud-native networks, network slicing, and virtualization to support growing data traffic and improve network efficiency. The expansion of IoT devices, coupled with rising consumer demand for mobile connectivity, is also fuelling market growth. Key players in the market include Ericsson, Nokia, and Huawei, offering innovative solutions for network infrastructure.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Mobile Core Network Market include Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Ericsson AB, Nokia Corporation, ZTE Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., NEC Corporation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Mavenir Systems, Inc., Affirmed Networks, Inc., Fujitsu Limited, Ciena Corporation, Juniper Networks, Inc., Oracle Corporation, FiberHome, IPLOOK Technologies, Athonet and Parallel Wireless, Inc.

Key Developments:

In April 2025, Huawei and MTN South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation on Net5.5G. The collaboration aims to enhance MTN's service experience and network availability for both consumer and B2B sectors.

In February 2024, Huawei launched the world's first 5.5G intelligent core network at MWC 2024. The solution integrates service intelligence, network intelligence, and O&M intelligence to enhance business value and development potential.

In January 2024, Nokia introduced the Network Exposure Platform (NEP), a software offering designed to expand and simplify the number of APIs available to operators, their partners, and customer channels. NEP supports various API models, including Linux Foundation CAMARA APIs and TM Forum Open APIs, enabling the creation of network-powered applications for consumer, enterprise, and industrial customers.

Components Covered:
• Hardware
• Software
• Services

Network Types Covered:
• 3G
• 4G or LTE
• 5G
• Other Network Types

Deployment Types Covered:
• On-premise
• Cloud-based
• Hybrid

Technologies Covered:
• Circuit Switched Core
• Packet Switched Core
• Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
• Voice over New Radio (VoNR)
• Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
• Other Technologies

Applications Covered:
• Mobile Voice
• Mobile Data
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• M2M Communications
• Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
• Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC)
• Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC)
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Telecom Operators
• Enterprises
• Government and Public Sector
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

• Company Profiling
Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances