A new report from analyst firm ABI Research has indicated private 5G networks are poised to close the considerable in-building wireless network gap with the currently dominant Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) over the coming five years.
According to ABI Research's In-Building Wireless application analysis report, the private 5G market, currently about 14 times smaller than DAS, is expected to grow at a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 63%, compared to DAS's 21% through 2029.
This rapid growth could result in a market value of approximately US$19.4 billion for private 5G by 2029, as compared to US$44.2 billion for DAS, signalling a dramatic shift in how enterprises approach in-building connectivity.
"While DAS will remain the go-to solution for large-scale environments like airports, offering broad coverage with minimal investment in new infrastructure, private 5G is gaining traction across various sectors due to its support for advanced technologies like mmWave, low latency, and IoT applications," said Sam Bowling, Research Analyst at ABI Research.
"As demand grows for next-gen applications and more customised connectivity solutions, private 5G is poised for broader adoption in the coming years, particularly in greenfield sites where tailored networks can be fully optimised."
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However, providers must address issues such as the need for scalable, reliable coverage in complex environments, diverse building architectures, and the growing demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity to support next-generation applications, according to ABI Research.
Additionally, the high costs and complexity of network installation and upgrades complicate widespread adoption.
"The in-building wireless market is poised for continued growth, driven by DAS and private 5G deployments," said ABI Research's Bowling.
"While private 5G is set to expand faster than DAS, catering to industries requiring customised, high-performance networks, DAS will remain crucial for large-scale environments needing broad coverage.
"To stay competitive, vendors should prioritise trends like network slicing and neutral host solutions, as these will enable more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective deployments.
"By aligning their solutions with these evolving needs, vendors can ensure their technologies remain relevant and are widely adopted in the future of in-building connectivity."
The In-Building Wireless application analysis report (for a fee) can be accessed here https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/7784644-in-building-wireless/?utm_source=media&utm_medium=email