5G Core Revolution: Key Players, Growth, and Trends Shaping Global Networks in 2025

The 5G Core is transforming the future of mobile communications, providing the critical foundation for ultra-fast, low-latency, and highly reliable next-generation networks. This cloud-native, service-based architecture (SBA) vastly improves scalability, flexibility, and efficiency compared to previous generations, enabling diverse applications such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive IoT connectivity, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications across industries worldwide.

According to Straits Research, the global 5G core size was valued at USD 3.89 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 5.94 billion in 2025 to reach USD 177.67 billion by 2033, expanding at a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 52.9% during 2025–2033. This explosive growth highlights the increasing investments by telecom operators and enterprises to upgrade legacy infrastructure and fully harness 5G’s capabilities for digital transformation globally.

Key Players and Industry Progress

Leading global vendors dominating the 5G core landscape include Ericsson (Sweden), Nokia (Finland), Huawei (China), Samsung (South Korea), ZTE (China), and Cisco Systems (United States). These companies are focusing on delivering cloud-native core solutions that support network slicing, edge computing, and AI-driven automation crucial for flexible network management.

In North America, Ericsson and Cisco are making significant strides. Ericsson’s 5G core solutions emphasize AI-based automation and energy efficiency through multi-cloud support, while Cisco integrates its cloud expertise to enhance mobile edge computing capabilities for enterprises. Recent U.S. regulatory policies promoting spectrum allocation and private 5G networks encourage faster adoption of advanced core technologies.

Europe’s 5G core deployments are driven by Nokia and Ericsson, which support a shift toward fully virtualized, standalone 5G networks. These companies are investing in edge cloud infrastructures to serve industrial IoT use cases such as smart manufacturing and autonomous vehicles. EU regulatory frameworks on data privacy and interoperability further stimulate innovation.

Asia Pacific is a hotbed of activity, led by Huawei and ZTE, supported by government-driven 5G initiatives in China, South Korea, and Japan. Huawei’s 5G core platforms focus on enhanced network slicing and massive IoT support to elevate smart city projects and connected transport networks. Samsung’s 5G core solutions also gain traction in South Korea with close ties to local carriers emphasizing low latency and private 5G deployments for enterprises.

Technological Trends Reshaping 5G Core

2025 brings several transformative trends redefining 5G core development:

• Cloud-Native and Service-Based Architecture (SBA): Core functions are modular microservices deployed on cloud infrastructure, allowing independent upgrades, scalability, and multi-vendor interoperability.

• Network Slicing: This enables operators to partition network resources for specific use cases, such as eMBB for enhanced multimedia, URLLC for mission-critical services, and massive IoT for dense sensor networks.

• Edge Computing Integration: To minimize latency, 5G core functions are increasingly deployed closer to end users and devices, supporting applications like autonomous driving, AR/VR, and industrial automation.

• AI and Machine Learning: These tools drive predictive analytics, dynamic resource allocation, anomaly detection, and automation within the core network to optimize performance and security.

• Support for Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) Architectures: Operators are transitioning from NSA deployments leveraging 4G cores to fully independent standalone 5G cores to unlock the complete benefits of 5G technology.

Regional Developments and Growth Outlook

In North America, there is growing adoption of common 4G/5G core architectures to smoothly transition subscribers while optimizing operational efficiency. This is supported by private 5G network rollouts across major industries including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

Europe focuses on increasing deployment of standalone 5G cores with emphasis on privacy, security, and environmental sustainability aligned with EU digital sovereignty goals. Telecom operators here are prioritizing AI-powered orchestration to manage diverse network slices efficiently.

Asia Pacific’s dynamic telecommunications ecosystem is fueling unparalleled 5G core growth with heavy government investment in infrastructure and strategic partnerships. China’s large-scale commercial 5G standalone network rollout remains a global benchmark, while Japan and South Korea accelerate use cases in smart cities and connected vehicles. Southeast Asian countries are rapidly building out digital infrastructure to offer cloud-enabled 5G core services to broaden digital inclusivity.

Recent News and Competitive Moves

• Ericsson launched an AI-powered 5G core platform update in mid-2025, enabling enhanced automation for multi-cloud environments targeting energy savings and operational agility.

• Nokia introduced a new orchestration solution focused on network slicing and edge computing for industrial clients in Europe during early 2025.

• Huawei unveiled enhanced 5G core capabilities supporting massive IoT ecosystem deployments for smart cities across China and Southeast Asia.

• Samsung expanded its partnership with South Korean telecom providers to boost private 5G core deployments dedicated to low latency enterprise applications.

• Cisco Systems strengthened its 5G core portfolio by integrating advanced security features and comprehensive cloud-native management tools, supporting North American carriers’ digital transformations.

Conclusion

The 5G core architecture is the nerve center of next-generation telecommunications, making it pivotal to the digital future worldwide. Fueled by innovation from leading global players and rapid adoption across continents, the 5G core converts network scalability, flexibility, and reliability into tangible business and societal benefits. As cloud native designs, AI automation, and network slicing mature, the breadth of 5G-enabled applications—from autonomous vehicles to immersive media—will expand exponentially, marking a new era in connectivity.