Mobile Core Network Expands with 5G Growth, Dell'Oro Reports

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) introduced five new 5G Standalone (SA) networks in 2025, facilitating notable growth in the Mobile Core Network (MCN) sector. Dell'Oro Group's report indicates a 19% year-over-year increase in the MCN market for the second quarter of 2025, with the 5G MCN segment experiencing a growth of 31% and the Voice Core segment increasing by 18%.

Growth Trends

According to Dave Bolan, Research Director at Dell'Oro Group, the annual growth rate for the MCN sector has been revised to 10%. This growth is attributed to the increasing number of 5G SA subscribers and the ongoing deployment of new networks. Currently, there are 71 MNOs offering 5G SA services, with additional network launches expected as more operators initiate rollouts.

Technological Advancements

As the 5G SA networks continue to evolve, there are advancements in new radio technologies, reduced capability elements for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and dynamic network slicing. These improvements aim to enhance the connectivity for devices such as smartwatches and Augmented Reality (AR) glasses. MNOs are also transitioning towards cloud-native network solutions and upgrading their voice core systems to support the growth of the mobile core network.

Market Performance

The 2Q 2025 report from Dell'Oro Group highlighted a 32% year-over-year growth in Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), with projections suggesting a total increase of 44% for the full year. Key players in the market identified include Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, and ZTE.

This summary reflects the significant developments in the Mobile Core Network market as reported by the Dell'Oro Group, providing insights relevant to enterprise IT leaders and decision-makers.