Edge computing and 5G/6G evolution drive market growth

The evolution of mobile networks toward 6G and the integration of edge computing are driving significant shifts in telecommunications. 6G aims to advance beyond 5G by increasing capacity, reducing latency, and utilizing edge computing to bring processing closer to devices. Key improvements focus on sustainable throughput, stable low latency, and high connection reliability for immersive applications and smart environments.

Parallel to these developments, the edge computing market is experiencing rapid growth. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is projected to grow from an estimated $111.34 billion in 2026 to $317.39 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of 23.3%. This expansion is fueled by the proliferation of IoT devices, AI-based workloads, and industrial automation.

For telecommunications operators, the deployment of 5G and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) provides a strategic opportunity to monetize 5G investments. By integrating network, cloud, and enterprise applications, telcos can move beyond selling simple connectivity to providing managed edge services.