U.S. MNO Edge Computing Spending Forecast, 2021-2026: Extending the Edge Cloud

Edge computing (EC), along with software defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), is helping mobile operators realize the promise of 5G. But in the case of edge computing, much has changed in the last 24 months.

In addition to the edge computing technology, the business model of edge computing is also being developed. In the last two years many partnerships between mobile network operators and public cloud providers have been formed, and these will support the use of edge computing for many new 5G use cases. In short, the mobile operators are building the edge cloud into their mobile networks. This effort is ongoing with the move to cloud RAN; while edge computing does not require cloud RAN, and vice versa, they are somewhat related.

This market study forecasts what U.S. mobile operators will spend to build and operate edge computing centers, in various locations, in the next five years.

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Key Questions Answered

• What is edge computing and how does it work?
• What is the ETSI Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) initiative?
• What are the focuses of other edge computing consortiums and initiatives, such as Open Networking Foundation (ONF), Open Edge Computing Initiative, Open Compute Project, EdgeX Foundry, 5G Future Forum and Telco Edge Cloud Forum?
• How does edge computing relate to the public cloud, especially when a mobile operator (MNO) deploys at the edge? What are some recent MNO / public cloud/hyperscaler partnerships?
• To date, where and how have edge computing solutions been successfully deployed?
• What are some of the perceived benefits and issues related to edge computing?
• Which vendors have products and services to support enterprise edge computing?
• What are the edge computing strategies / initiatives / partnerships of the major U.S. mobile operators?
• How much will U.S. mobile operators spend to build and operate edge computing resources in their mobile networks over the next five years?

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Who Should Read

• Mobile operators
• Infrastructure OEMs
• Computing infrastructure OEMs
• Public cloud vendors and OEMs
• Data center OEMs and operators
• Small cell product and solution vendors
• Backhaul service providers and equipment OEMs
• Financial analysts and investors.

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Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Executive Summary
• What This Means
• Methodology
• What is Edge Computing?
• What is Edge Computing?
• History of Edge Computing
• Criteria around what goes at the edge
• Edge computing in 4G
• Brief overview of MEC building blocks
• Edge Computing with Public Cloud and the MNO
• Summary
• Pros & Cons of Edge Computing for Mobile Operators
• Benefits of Edge Computing
• Cons of Edge Computing
• MNO Edge Use Cases
• Vodafone and Verizon Each Deploy AWS Wavelength
• AT&T Partners with Google Cloud
• U.S. MNO Spending on Edge Computing
• Methodology and Assumptions
• U.S. MNO Edge Computing Spending Forecast
• U.S. Mobile Operator Profiles
• AT&T
• DISH
• T-Mobile US
• Verizon
• Edge Computing Vendor Profiles
• ADLINK
• ADVA Optical Networking
• Affirmed Networks
• Alef
• Altiostar
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• American Tower
• Athonet
• Capgemini Engineering
• CBRE
• Cisco
• CommScope
• Compass Datacenters
• CPLANE.ai
• Crown Castle
• DartPoints
• Dell Technologies
• EdgeConneX
• EdgeMicro
• Equinix
• Ericsson
• Fastly
• Google / Alphabet
• GE Digital
• HPE
• Huawei
• IBM
• Iguazio
• Intel
• JMA Wireless
• Juniper Networks
• Limelight Networks
• Mavenir
• Microsoft
• MobiledgeX
• NetFoundry
• Nokia Networks
• NVIDIA
• Pensando
• Quortus
• Radisys
• RTI (Real-Time Innovations)
• Saguna Networks
• SBA Communications Corporation (SBA)
• StackPath
• Vapor IO
• Vertical Bridge
• VMware
• ZTE Corporation
• Definitions
• About iGR
• Disclaimer

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List of Tables

• Table A: U.S. MNO Build and Operating Spending on Edge Computing, 2021-2026
• Table 1: U.S. MNO Spending on Edge Computing, 2021-2026
• Table 2: U.S. MNO Network Build Spending on Edge Computing, 2021-2026
• Table 3: U.S. MNO Operating Spending on Edge Computing, 2021-2026
• Definitions Table

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List of Charts and Figures

• Figure A: U.S. MNO Build and Operating Spending on Edge Computing, 2021-2026
• Figure 1: The 4G LTE Network without Edge Computing
• Figure 2: The 4G LTE Network with Edge Computing behind the EPC
• Figure 3: The 4G LTE Network with Edge Computing in front of the EPC
• Figure 4: 5G System Architecture – Network Function Interactions, Non-roaming
• Figure 5: Non-roaming architecture for the NEF
• Figure 6: Example of an Integrated MEC Deployment in a 5G Network
• Figure 7: Illustrating Edge Computing in 5G
• Figure 8: Example of an Integrated MEC Deployment in a 5G Network
• Figure 9: Edge Computing with the MNO
• Figure 10: Edge Computing with the MNO and Public Cloud
• Figure 11: Edge Computing with the MNO, Enterprise and Public Cloud
• Figure 12: Extending a virtual private cloud to a mobile network
• Figure 13: Anthos Hybrid Ecosystem
• Figure 14: U.S. MNO Spending on Edge Computing, 2021-2026
• Figure 15: U.S. MNO Network Build Spending on Edge Computing, 2021-2026
• Figure 16: U.S. MNO Operating Spending on Edge Computing, 2021-2026
• Figure 17: Azure private MEC solution

For additional information on the U.S. MNOr Edge Computing Spending Forecast, 2021-2026: Extending the Edge Cloud market study, please contact Iain Gillott, at (512) 796-1675 or by email.