Global RAN Automation and RIC Market Strategic Research Report

Scope of the Report

The global RAN Automation and RIC market size is predicted to grow from US$ 1,272 million in 2025 to US$ 6,098 million in 2032; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25.4% from 2026 to 2032.

RAN automation takes over the role of carrying out daily repetitive tasks and processes by using a machine-learning functionality that is focused on the radio network. A RAN Intelligent Controller is a software-defined component of the Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architecture that’s responsible for controlling and optimizing RAN functions. The RIC is a critical piece of the Open RAN disaggregation strategy, bringing multivendor interoperability, intelligence, agility, and programmability to radio access networks. The RIC enables the onboarding of third-party applications that automate and optimize RAN operations at scale. The RAN Automation and RIC product in the early stage (before 2020) of development is mainly a test version. Therefore, the test version of the product is also included in this report.

Global key players of RAN Automation and RIC include Nokia, Parallel Wireless, Ericsson, Juniper Networks, etc. Global top five manufacturers hold a share over 76%. In terms of product, not real time is the largest segment, with a share over 85%. And in terms of application, the largest application is indoor base station, with a share over 87%.

The driving factors of the RAN Automation (Radio Access Network Automation) and RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) markets can be summarized as follows:

RAN Automation Market Drivers

Increased Network Complexity and Operation and Maintenance Costs:

With the deployment of 5G and future 6G networks, the complexity of RAN networks has increased significantly, and operation and maintenance costs have also risen accordingly. RAN Automation can effectively reduce operation and maintenance costs and improve network operation efficiency through automation tools and technologies.

Demand for network performance optimization:

In order to ensure the stable operation and efficient performance of the network, RAN Automation can provide functions such as real-time monitoring, troubleshooting and automatic repair to meet the needs of network performance optimization.

Technological innovation and standardization promotion:

The continuous development and standardization process of automation technology have accelerated the popularization and application of RAN Automation.

RIC Market Drivers

Growing Network Management Demand:

With the continuous expansion and complexity of RAN networks, the demand for efficient and intelligent network management is increasing. RIC can achieve optimized scheduling and efficient management of network resources by providing cross-ecosystem collaboration and open interfaces.

Technological Convergence and Innovation:

The RIC market benefits from the convergence and innovation of technologies such as AI, big data, and cloud computing. These technologies provide RIC with more powerful data processing and analysis capabilities, enabling it to better adapt to complex and changing network environments.

Policy support and industrial development:

The attention and support of governments of various countries for 5G and future communication technologies have provided a good policy environment for the development of the RIC market. At the same time, with the rapid development of the global communications industry, as one of the key infrastructures, the market demand for RIC will continue to grow.

Market demand drive:

RIC can meet the needs of operators for efficient, flexible and intelligent network management, especially in responding to emergencies, ensuring network stability and improving user experience. Therefore, market demand is one of the important factors driving the development of the RIC market.

In summary, the driving factors of the RAN Automation and RIC markets mainly include the increase in network complexity and operation and maintenance costs, the demand for network performance optimization, the promotion of technological innovation and standardization, the growth of network management needs, technological integration and innovation, policy support and industrial development, and market demand drive. These factors have jointly promoted the rapid development of the RAN Automation and RIC markets and laid a solid foundation for their future development.

This report presents a comprehensive overview of the global RAN Automation and RIC market, covering market size and forecast, segmentation by product type and application, competitive landscape, leading players and regional and country-level outlook.

Segment by Type

• Not Real Time
• Near Real Time

Segment by players, this report covers

• Nokia
• Parallel Wireless
• Ericsson
• Juniper Networks
• Vmware
• Mavenir
• Altiostar
• ASOCS
• AirHop Communications
• Atrinet
• STL

Segment by Application

• Indoor Base Station
• Outdoor Base Station

Who Can Use This Report?

This report is written for decision-makers who need a clear, data-backed view of the global RAN Automation and RIC market:

• Manufacturers, suppliers and solution providers benchmarking their position and planning product, capacity and go-to-market strategy
• Distributors, channel partners and end users in Indoor Base Station, Outdoor Base Station evaluating demand and sourcing options
• Investors, financial analysts and consultants assessing growth opportunities, competitive dynamics and M&A potential
• Government agencies, industry associations and research institutions tracking industry developments and policy impact