Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market Size (2025-2030)

The Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market was valued at USD 2.03 billion and is projected to reach a market size of USD 4.23 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.81%.

The market for mobile network drive test equipment is the sector that supplies specialised hardware and software for evaluating and improving mobile network performance. Telecom operators, network engineers, and service providers utilise these technologies to measure key performance indicators (KPIs) like network coverage, data throughput, call quality, and signal strength. With the rise in 4G and 5G networks across the world, this equipment has become necessary to identify various aspects of mobile network technology. They also help telecom companies keep track of their infrastructure and make sure that it is up to date.

Key Market Insights:

• Emerging market trends include the integration of automation and artificial intelligence into drive test solutions, enabling predictive network maintenance and performance optimisation. The shift toward cloud-based solutions is also gaining traction, allowing telecom operators to access real-time network data remotely.
• 5G network proliferation and the rise in mobile usage have meant that the market has scaled rapidly and is projected to do so in the future as companies look to optimise their infrastructure to meet the rising demand in the market.
• Companies are introducing advanced benchmarking tools to assess network performance more accurately. For instance, in January 2023, Rohde & Schwarz launched Benchmarker 3, featuring enhanced reliability and smart analytics.
• India's Vodafone Idea signed a $3.6 billion agreement with Samsung, Nokia, and Ericsson in September 2024 to deliver network equipment over three years. This investment reflects the growing need for sophisticated network testing and optimisation tools in the area and is a part of a larger $6.6 billion capital expenditure plan intended to deploy 5G services and increase 4G coverage.
• In an effort to strengthen its position as a leader in 5G Radio Access Networks (RAN), Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. recently purchased Cellwize Wireless Technologies Pte Ltd. Cellwize's cutting-edge mobile network automation and management software is integrated into this acquisition, speeding up the rollout of both public and private 5G networks and streamlining network administration.

Key Market Drivers

5G Boom and Rising Demand Drive Growth in the Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market.

The rise of 5G technology, combined with increasing disposable incomes and the affordability of low-cost smartphones and data plans, has fueled an unprecedented boom in the telecom sector, especially in emerging markets. As more consumers gain access to mobile connectivity, telecom operators are expanding their network infrastructure to accommodate the surge in demand. The deployment of 5G networks requires extensive infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of small cells, massive MIMO antennas, and advanced radio access technologies. Unlike previous generations, 5G operates at higher frequencies, such as millimeter-wave (mmWave) and mid-band spectrum, which provide faster data speeds but require denser network coverage to function efficiently. Furthermore, the need for dependable and fast mobile connectivity has increased due to the quick digitization of services like telemedicine, online banking, e-commerce, and mobile payments. Telecom operators must guarantee low latency, smooth handovers, and continuous coverage as mobile networks emerge as the foundation of digital economies. To continuously analyse and improve mobile network performance has led to an increase in investments in network optimisation technologies, such as driving test equipment.

The rise of AI has opened up multiple opportunities in this market. AI can be leveraged massively to optimise this technology. Also, the evolution of high-capacity networks with enhanced mobile broadband and ultra-reliable low-latency communications fuels the demand for sophisticated drive-testing solutions.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market, opening up multiple opportunities for enhancing network performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. One of the key applications of AI in drive testing is automated network optimization. Traditional drive tests require field engineers to conduct network assessments, but AI-based virtual drive testing can simulate network conditions, reducing the need for extensive field tests. Moreover, network slicing—a critical feature of 5G that allows multiple virtual networks to coexist within the same physical infrastructure—requires advanced testing and monitoring to ensure seamless service delivery. AI can be leveraged to predict traffic patterns, allocate resources efficiently, and automate quality of service (QoS) assessments.

Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market Restraints and Challenges:

There is a problem of cost management when it comes to these network equipment as they can be very costly and difficult to operate without specialized knowledge, Also, the 5G networks are difficult to understand and operate in some cases.

Telecom operators must invest in high-end testing hardware, software, and skilled personnel, which can be a significant financial burden, especially for smaller operators or those in emerging markets. The cost of network deployment, maintenance, and testing has surged with the transition from 4G to 5G, as the latter requires more complex infrastructure, dense small-cell deployment, and advanced spectrum management. Moreover, the operation of drive test equipment is highly technical, requiring trained engineers to analyse network performance metrics, troubleshoot issues, and interpret vast amounts of data. This presents a dual challenge: not only do companies have to invest in expensive testing solutions, but they also need to ensure they have highly skilled personnel capable of utilizing them effectively. Many telecom firms struggle with a skills gap as 5G technology introduces new network architectures, multiple frequency bands, and software-driven optimizations that are more complex than those of previous generations.

Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market Opportunities:

The Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market presents significant opportunities driven by the rapid expansion of 5G networks, increasing demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity, and the adoption of AI-driven automation in network testing. Emerging markets, where mobile penetration is soaring due to affordable smartphones and data plans, offer vast growth potential. Additionally, advancements in cloud-based testing, remote network monitoring, and self-optimizing networks (SONs) are enabling cost-effective and efficient network optimization.

MOBILE NETWORK DRIVE TEST EQUIPMENT MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market Segmentation

Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market Segmentation By Application:

• Benchmarking
• Monitoring and Control
• Network Testing

The Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market is segmented by application into Benchmarking, Monitoring and Control, and Network Testing, each playing a crucial role in ensuring optimal network performance. Benchmarking is essential for comparing network quality among multiple service providers. Telecom operators and regulatory bodies use benchmarking tools to evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) such as signal strength, latency, download speeds, and call drop rates. Monitoring and Control focuses on the continuous assessment and optimization of mobile networks, ensuring seamless connectivity and minimal service disruptions. By utilizing real-time monitoring tools, telecom operators can track network traffic, detect interference, and optimize spectrum utilization.

Meanwhile, Network Testing plays a vital role in validating network performance before deployment. It includes drive testing, walk testing, and remote testing, helping operators fine-tune network configurations, optimize coverage, and address potential technical issues.

Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market Segmentation: By End User:

• Mobile Operators
• Equipment Manufacturers
• Other End Users

The Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market is segmented by end users into Mobile Operators, Equipment Manufacturers, and Other End Users, each with distinct needs and contributions to the industry. Mobile operators are the primary users of drive test equipment as they need to ensure seamless network performance, optimize coverage, and maintain high-quality service for customers. With the ongoing expansion of 5G, IoT, and cloud-based services, telecom companies are investing heavily in real-time network monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated testing solutions to minimize downtime and enhance user experience and access equipment, using drive test solutions to validate the performance of their hardware before deployment. As 5G networks become more complex, manufacturers are incorporating advanced testing methodologies, AI-driven analytics, and virtualized network simulations to ensure compatibility with evolving technologies. Other end users include government agencies, regulatory bodies, and enterprises that rely on network testing for compliance and private network deployments.

Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market Segmentation: By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• South America
• Middle East and Africa

North America leads the market due to the early adoption of 5G, strong telecom infrastructure, and high investments in network optimization technologies. The presence of major telecom giants like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile drives demand for automated network testing solutions, while the region's focus on IoT, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles further accelerates the need for advanced drive testing tools. Similarly, Europe is experiencing strong market growth, driven by stringent regulatory standards, increasing 5G rollouts, and investments in AI-powered network optimization.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, fuelled by massive mobile penetration, affordable data plans, and government-led 5G initiatives in countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan. The rising demand for high-speed internet, digital payments, and video streaming is pushing telecom operators to invest in drive test equipment for better network performance. Meanwhile, South America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets with growing mobile adoption, infrastructure expansion, and increasing investments in telecom modernization.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Mobile Network Drive Test Equipment Market, causing both challenges and opportunities for telecom operators and equipment manufacturers. Initially, the market faced disruptions in supply chains, delayed network deployments, and reduced capital expenditures by telecom operators, as lockdowns and restrictions slowed down infrastructure projects. The pandemic also led to workforce shortages and mobility restrictions, making traditional on-site drive testing difficult due to health and safety concerns. However, the rise of telemedicine, online learning, remote work, and digital entertainment greatly raised the need for dependable, fast mobile networks, forcing operators to spend money on performance testing and network optimization.

Trends/Developments:

AI-powered self-optimizing networks (SONs) and automated drive test solutions are reducing the need for manual testing, allowing operators to optimize network performance in real time. Machine learning algorithms help analyze large volumes of data to identify coverage gaps, predict network congestion, and enhance service quality.

Real-time network performance monitoring is now possible without the need for actual field operations because of the move toward cloud-driven drive testing systems. This lowers operating costs while increasing efficiency, which is especially helpful for telecom operators in geographically expansive and cost-sensitive areas.

With stricter telecom regulations and customer expectations for uninterrupted service, drive test equipment is being used to benchmark network performance, ensure compliance with industry standards, and enhance Quality of Service (QoS).

Key Players:

1. Rohde and Schwarze
2. Infovista
3. Anritsu
4. Qualcomm
5. EXFO Inc
6. Viavi Solutions
7. Keysight Technologies
8. Accuver
9. PCTel
10. CellWize