Imagine being able to download full-length movies in seconds versus minutes. Or never losing connectivity as you move seamlessly between work, home and around town. 5G has the power to make this happen through blistering fast speeds, massive capacity to connect billions of devices simultaneously, and near real-time responsiveness unlocking innovations like self-driving cars.
5G represents a new era for the $5+ trillion global telecom industry. With all the hype, you might wonder: Who exactly are the major companies making 5G real – and why should you care as an everyday consumer? I‘ll overview the technology leaders in wireless connectivity so you can better understand this next-generation network being built for you.
Why 5G Matters – New Use Cases and Economic Impact
To provide context before diving into the players, let‘s quickly recap what makes 5G special. Known as “fifth generation” wireless, 5G delivers exponentially faster speeds versus obsolete 3G and 4G networks – we’re talking fiber-optic like levels above 1 Gbps!
Other game-changing capabilities include:
- Ultra low latency – near instant device communication unlocks remote precision through innovations like telehealth surgery, factory automation
- Network slicing – essentially “lanes” of connectivity ensure smooth operation for diverse needs whether gaming, autonomous EVs, augmented reality
- Massive capacity – enables billions of sensor enabled devices paving way for smart cities where everything from streets to stadiums are intelligently managed in real time
The promise translates an estimated global economic impact approaching $13 trillion by 2035 spanning various industries according to research from Ericsson, the Harvard Business Review, and other analysts tracking 5G.
Clearly revolutionary, right? Now let‘s look at the 10 highly influential corporations leading technology development and build-out of these fast, versatile and responsive next-generation mobile networks.
#10: ZTE Corporation
Founded originally in 1985 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, ZTE ranks among the world’s top five telecom infrastructure providers with revenue exceeding $15 billion annually. However, you likely interact with their products given ZTE’s status as #4 globally in smartphone shipments during 2021 per IDC research figures.
ZTE actively researches 5G innovation through partnerships established across institutes worldwide, including a 5G lab in Austria investigating new radio frequencies and an Internet of Things lab in Malaysia trialling smart city applications. Out of the 125,000 patents held by ZTE, nearly 20% relate to 5G and future wireless technologies.
However, expansion efforts into Western markets hit roadblocks recently due to sanctions from the U.S. government stemming from security concerns. Yet given national leadership backing initiatives like “Made in China 2025”, ZTE along with domestic peer Huawei seem positioned to play an instrumental role in 5G within their home nation which harbors the world’s largest wireless subscriber base.
#9 Nokia Corporation
When you think Nokia, chances are that iconic ringtone comes to mind for Gen X or elder millennials! Yet today, the proud Finnish brand no longer relies on mobile devices having licensed that business off years ago. Instead, Nokia pivoted into network infrastructure and related technologies across cloud, hardware and software solutions.
In 2021, Nokia generated over $26 billion supporting communication service providers across building 5G networks globally. With end-to-end capabilities spanning devices, radio access and cloud infrastructure tied together by AI-powered automation, Nokia partners with leading carriers such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile here in the U.S. plus similar prominent telecoms abroad.
Fun fact: Nokia owns the record for fastest 5G speeds demonstrated to date, having hit 8 Gbps in joint trials with carrier Elisa in Finland during 2020. This type of innovation stems from Nokia’s ongoing commitment to R&D including around 5G, averaging 25% of the company’s net sales yearly.
#8 Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
Try saying that three times fast! Now over 145 years old, Ericsson proves a pioneer in communications technology spanning networks, services and software solutions especially as adoption of open-standard 5G networks accelerates globally. In fact, the Swedish gearmaker currently holds the most 5G patents worldwide across infrastructure, devices and applications numbering over 6,000 invention families.
Big investments back up that IP including $5 billion spent on R&D during 2021 alone to further advance 5G. Ericsson’s efforts team telecom providers everywhere with capabilities like:
- Multi-band base station antenna radios supporting different spectrum needs from low to high frequencies
- Cloud-native 5G Core solutions allowing efficient network slicing allocation
- Multiple partnership programs from Silicon Valley to Europe encouraging ecosystem innovation
With equipment supporting the biggest barricades worldwide and managed services engaging over 1 billion subscribers, Ericsson stocks the arsenal enabling partners globally to leverage 5G’s full potential both now and in the future.
#7 NEC Corporation
Moving to Japan, NEC Corporation traces back over 120 years when established jointly by the Western Electric Company of the United States and domestic partners. Today, NEC distinguishes itself through global leadership in emerging technologies from biometrics authentication and AI platforms to quantum computing and 5G mobile networks.
Early on, NEC pioneered lightning fast data transmission rates throughout trials starting in 2019. But recognition extends beyond sheer networking speed to the high reliability, low latency and advanced security delivered by NEC to customers such as NTT DOCOMO fulfilling stringent 5G performance requirements.
Supporting carrier achievements, NEC itself continues investing in solutions to unlock 5G’s potential across industries through integrated IT combining their networking expertise with partnerships specializing in automotive, manufacturing and retail use cases.
#6 Qualcomm
Transitioning to the United States, Qualcomm plays an instrumental yet less public role empowering the global 5G environment. You may not realize it, but this San Diego based company develops and licenses much of the key technology making devices from smartphones to IoT gadgets work. Qualcomm’s patents form industry standards across essential areas like cellular communication, graphics processing and more.
For 5G specifically, Qualcomm has forged ahead optimizing next-gen network integration across critical layers encompassing modems, RF front-end and antenna modules. Years of R&D translate the capability for compatibility across unique 5G spectrum frequencies and bands crucial for widespread mobile adoption.
Leading handset makers such as Samsung, OPPO and Xiaomi rely on Snapdragon platforms to enable 5G connectivity and advanced capabilities from computational photography to elite gaming. Network providers likewise lean on Qualcomm infrastructure offerings including small cell systems reducing deployment costs as 5G scales globally.
#5 Cisco Systems, Inc.
Another Silicon Valley mainstay, Cisco builds the behind the scenes equipment empowering public and private data networking for over 30 years since founding in 1984. Today, Cisco still leads routing and switching hardware plus software that runs mission-critical infrastructure supporting the gradual 5G rollout.
Yet Cisco contributes more than just plumbing by working closely with carriers on solutions tailored for traffic patterns and use cases expected in a 5G future from augmented reality experiences to intelligent robotic controls. One example, they teamed with UK provider BT to test dynamically prioritizing connectivity for emergency response vehicles leveraging 5G network slicing.
Such contributions warranted 5G industry recognition through Cisco winning a Global Mobile Award for innovation alongside Deutsche Telekom and over two dozen other technology and academic partners focused on 5G maturation.
#4 Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd
The only company here giving Samsung competition for the smartphone sales crown, Huawei advances lightning fast 5G both for consumers and businesses despite geopolitical tensions constraining the Chinese giant’s growth in Western markets lately. Alleged too close association with Beijing stokes fears over state influenced cyber security threats.
Still, Huawei‘s commanding patent lead numbering over 3,500 invention families core to 5G combined with hefty R&D spending persists progress. Ongoing refinement helps Huawei offer comprehensive infrastructure solutions adapting to diverse deployment needs whether street lamp style small cell antennas or AI capabilities improving network planning as 5G integrates deeply across industries through innovations like autonomous container ships and real-time supply chain tracking.
Early on in 2018, Huawei also launched the first 5G networks in partnership with numerous overseas carriers. Now the company aims to install over two-thirds of commercial deployments running globally by 2025 showcasing Huawei’s scale and ability to deliver on ultrafast promises even with political pushback.
#3 Verizon
Shifting to customer facing brands you definitely recognize, Verizon represents America’s largest wireless carrier combining 4G LTE and 5G coverage commanding over 70% nationwide. Beyond blanketing the country in zippy connectivity, Verizon aggressively pursues 5G-centric partnerships to drive technological development across entertainment, education, healthcare and more.
For example, Verizon teams with the NFL equipping stadiums from Miami to Seattle leveraging 5G video streaming. Similar Verizon collaborations advance augmented shopping experiences through AR together with Snap and ecommerce titan Shopify. Verizon even joined forces with leading medical institutions to experiment applying 5G and artificial intelligence toward revolutionizing cancer treatment.
Supported by expertise running tier one networks plus enterprise reach engaging over 100 million mobile subscribers daily, Verizon continues close collaboration with peers powering 5G for consumers and industries everywhere.
#2 AT&T
Rivaling Verizon’s ubiquity, AT&T likewise concentrates on 5G expertise stemming from unprecedented control across not only wireless infrastructure but also the media, broadband and cloud assets amassed recently. Combined capabilities equip AT&T to uniquely develop tech spanning self-driving data analysis to cinematic streaming as 5G empowers immersive experiences before practically imaginable.
Early strides involved working alongside North American and European equipment developers to solidify foundational 5G New Radio standards. Today, AT&T aggressively scales 5G coverage to blanket the country and enhance capacity through recent C-band spectrum acquisitions at record dollar figures. The latest purchasing from Auction 110 topped $23 billion reaffirming AT&T’s commitment to advancing what 5G promises.
Despite trailing competition in raw subscriber totals domestically, AT&T leads global rivals in total wireless revenue including Latin America and Mexico where additional investment steers 5G internationally too. Deep pockets at over $170 billion annually position AT&T well to shape 5G future applications through continuing research partnerships across automotive and entertainment.
#1 Samsung Electronics
Claiming the crown as most dominant 5G leader requires excellence across both consumer mobile devices along with the underlying network infrastructure. Korean conglomerate Samsung delivers that breadth as today’s premiere consumer electronics brand yet also a major telecom equipment maker second only to Huawei globally. Combined scale nearing a quarter trillion dollars annually cements Samsung at the apex of 5G.
You likely own or covet Samsung’s latest smartphones and tablets primed to harness 5G’s lightning quickness through premium Galaxy S23 series or foldable models, which represented 63 million shipments last year. Samsung’s prowess in components manufacturing including high bandwidth memory and advanced OLED displays drives further innovation as 5G allows more powerful on device experiences.
On the infrastructure side, Samsung provides 5G technologies like small cell systems, AI powered software automation and leading edge virtualization solutions helping carriers cost effectively scale networks supporting massive device density and extreme data loads required of 5G.
Samsung also leans partnerships mutually advancing 5G, for example teaming with government agencies and universities on smart city concepts not otherwise possible without 5G infrastructure modernization.
Who’s Winning the 5G Race?
Given 5G rollout remains in early phases, leadership positions continue jockeying as explored above by the largest publicly listed corporations globally investing to shape next-gen mobile connectivity. I‘ve ranked them here according to latest annual revenue with additional context around their wireless contributions.
While Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia figure prominently supplying equipment behind the scenes, big brand service providers like Verizon and AT&T race to blanket consumer facing 5G networks domestically and beyond. And we can’t ignore ecosystem drivers including Qualcomm licensing intellectual property core to operational 5G devices and network equipment while hyperscalers like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services provide the cloud infrastructure supporting modernized telecom architecture.
As the dawn of 5G shines through over the coming decade, exactly who crosses the finish line first matters less than how broadly capabilities transform user experiences across entertainment, retail, education and healthcare. From self-driving cars to holographic video calls to performing remote surgery, 5G lays the indispensable connectivity foundation enabling this imagination into soon reality.
