A detailed survey by the Small Cell Forum (SCF) finds that network densification has already begun in current LTE networks and will intensify during the 5G era, driven by substantial shifts in small-cell architecture and economics.
The research shows that deployments are accelerating, particularly in enterprise environments: small-cell deployments rose by 98% between 2015 and 2017. Projections indicate deployments could increase by as much as 1,600% from 2015 to 2025. SCF estimates that new small-cell installations in the non-residential sector will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 36% from 2015 to 2025, approaching roughly 8.5 million units by 2025.
The survey, carried out by Rethink Technology Research on behalf of the Small Cell Forum, offers insight into mobile operators’ densification plans. More than 50 operators were polled: 40% expect to deploy between 100 and 350 small cells per square kilometre in the outdoor and indoor areas they choose to densify by 2020. Within the first two to three years after 5G New Radio begins rolling out, 58% of operators say they will place primary focus on small cell deployments.
David Orloff, chair of the Small Cell Forum, commented: “We are seeing explosive growth in small-cell deployments. These systems are the practical solution for densifying today’s LTE networks and are also a core building block for future 5G networks. This research highlights the confidence and priority operators around the world are placing on this technology.”
Separately, Ericsson’s most recent Mobility Report projected that there will be one billion 5G subscriptions by 2023 and that 5G coverage will reach more than 20% of the world’s population within six years.