X
Tech

5G network infrastructure spending to surge through 2022, says IDC

The 5G build out is just starting and will deliver a compound annual growth rate of 118 percent between 2018 and 2022, says IDC.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor
5g-network-wireless-systems.jpg
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Spending on 5G network infrastructure is expected to jump from $528 million in 2018 to $26 billion in 2022 good for a compound annual growth rate of 118 percent, according to IDC.

CNET: Best Black Friday deals 2018 | Best Holiday gifts 2018 | Best TVs to give for the holidays

IDC's inaugural 5G network infrastructure forecast highlights the network boom that 5G will bring. Wireless carriers ranging from Verizon to AT&T to T-Mobile have aggressive 5G build out plans. For businesses, 5G is expected to give a boost to edge computing and make Internet of things devices more intelligence.

TechRepublic: A guide to tech and non-tech holiday gifts to buy online | Photos: Cool gifts for bosses to buy for employees | The do's and don'ts of giving holiday gifts to your coworkers

"2019 is set to be a seminal year in the mobile industry," noted IC" "5G handsets will begin to hit the market and end users will be able to experience 5G firsthand."

IDC also noted that the mobile industry is trialing network virtualization, machine learning and artificial intelligence to leverage new spectrum and create value from existing services. The 5G NR standards will enable faster speeds in cities, but the full potential won't come until there are more standards.

Also: What is 5G? Everything you need to know about the new wireless revolution | Where's the 'edge' in edge computing? Why it matters, and how we use it

The forecast also assumes the communications service providers will invest in 5G gear as well as related technologies. IDC's forecast will be a boon for players such as Ericsson and Nokia and Samsung is also betting that 5G will make it an infrastructure player too.

Best gifts for co-workers under $50 on Amazon

Black Friday 2018 deals:

Related stories:

Editorial standards