Private Wireless RAN Growth Slows to 16% in 2025

Sarah Mitchell · 2026-04-16

The private wireless RAN market is still growing, but it's not the sprint it used to be. According to a recent report from Dell'Oro Group, growth slowed to 16% in 2025. That's down from the breakneck pace of previous years. But don't let that number fool you — this market is far from dead. It's just maturing, and that comes with its own set of opportunities. ### What's Behind the Slowdown? It's easy to assume that a slowdown means trouble. But in this case, it's more about the market finding its footing. Early adopters — think large factories, ports, and energy companies — have already deployed their networks. Now, the next wave of buyers is taking a more cautious approach. - **Budget constraints**: Many mid-sized businesses are waiting for prices to drop. - **Integration challenges**: Setting up a private RAN isn't plug-and-play. It requires expertise. - **Competing technologies**: Wi-Fi 6 and 6E are getting better, and they're cheaper for some use cases. Still, the 16% growth rate is impressive for a niche market. It's like a marathon runner who slows down to pace themselves for the long haul.  ### Why Private RAN Still Matters Private wireless RAN isn't just a trend; it's a critical tool for industries that need reliable, secure, and low-latency connectivity. Think of a hospital that can't afford a dropped connection during surgery, or a warehouse that relies on real-time inventory tracking. These are the environments where private RAN shines. The Dell'Oro report highlights that sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and mining continue to invest. They're not just buying technology — they're buying peace of mind. And that's something Wi-Fi can't always deliver, especially in dense or interference-prone environments. ### What's Next for 2026? If you're a professional looking at wireless LAN solutions for 2026, here's what to expect: - **More hybrid setups**: Companies will mix private RAN with Wi-Fi for cost efficiency. - **Focus on automation**: Expect more AI-driven network management to reduce complexity. - **Price drops**: As competition heats up, hardware costs will inch downward. The market is evolving from "wow, this is cool" to "okay, how do we make this work for our bottom line?" That's a good thing. It means the technology is becoming practical, not just flashy. ### Final Thoughts Growth slowing to 16% isn't a red flag — it's a sign of maturity. The private wireless RAN market is settling into a sustainable rhythm. For those looking to invest in wireless LAN solutions for 2026, the message is clear: don't expect overnight miracles, but do expect steady, reliable progress. As one industry insider put it, "The gold rush is over, but the real mining has just begun." And that's a pretty good way to look at it.