The global multiple input multiple output market is anticipated to witness significant growth in the coming years attributed to increasing use of smartphone and internet. MIMO is a type of antenna technology in which multiple antennas are used at source (transmitter) end and destination (receiver) end. The technology is used for wireless communications to optimize data speed and reduce errors. Multiple antennas can transmit multiple signals from transceiver end to receiver end, which reduce problems caused by multipath wave propagation.
Growing demand for high speed internet to perform wireless communications efficiently is anticipated to propel market growth. Such communication is possible by using advanced MIMO technology. Increasing use of smartphones and wireless broadband to communicate wirelessly from one end to another can augment market growth in the coming years. In addition, growing need for fewer calls drops, higher network capacity, and better quality services among mobile users can stimulate market growth. New technologies offering improved network links, operational reliability, and spectral efficiency are required to meet the growing demand. This, in turn, can boost the demand for MIMO technology among mobile service providers in the coming years.
However, delay in standardization of spectrum allocation can hamper growth of market in the coming years. Growing adoption of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) among consumers and rising demand for ultra-fast internet are likely to influence adoption of 5G based on MIMO and other advanced network technologies.
The market can be segmented on the basis of format type and technology. Based on format type, the market can be categorized into single input single output, single input multiple output, multiple input single output, and multiple input multiple output. On the basis of technology, the market can be classified into Wi-Fi, LTE, LTE Pro, and 5G.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share in the market owing to increasing number of smartphone users and growing need for high speed internet and other mobile services for data transmission. This, in turn, can propel demand for advanced antenna technologies in the region. Implementation of next generation cellular mobile communication technology by local service providers can drive the market in the coming years. For instance, Reliance Jio is likely to launch 5G telecom services once spectrum is allocated by the Indian government. The technology can offer 50 to 60 times better download speed than 4G. The company has 5G-ready LTE network based on advanced technologies, including Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), MIMO, and Software-defined Networking (SDN). This, in turn, can augment regional market growth in coming years. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) invited Reliance Jio along with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and other service providers for field trials. Similarly, ZTE in collaboration with China Unicom conducted first 5G phone call successfully. The test has also verified various 5G technologies, including Massive MIMO, Non Standalone Architecture (NSA) dual connectivity, 5G New Radio (NR), and 5G Common Core.
North America is likely to emerge highly lucrative in the coming years owing to increasing penetration of advanced telecom technologies, such as LET and 5G. Advent of these technologies is expected to benefit both businesses and consumers. Top carriers in the United States, including AT&T and T-Mobile are likely to launch 5G mobility services soon. In addition, mergers and acquisitions among service providers for business and product portfolio expansion can spur market growth. For instance, Verizon in collaboration with Samsung is planning to launch one of the first commercial 5G smartphones. In addition, the former company is expected to launch its 5G mobility service. This will allow Samsung 5G smartphone users to take advantage of the company’s ultra wideband network and experience all the new services available.
Europe is predicted to bode well in the coming years attributed to deployment of MIMO on a larger scale in various countries. This deployment is expected to offer mobile broadband to local consumers. Local companies are increasingly involved in deployment activities. For instance, Ericson in collaboration with MTS deployed Massive MIMO setup to provide broadband facility to thousands of football fans attending soccer tournament in Russia. Ericsson installed AIR6468 for MTS at more than 40 sites across seven cities in the country. AIR 6468 is a New Radio (NR) capable radio compatible with 5G New Radio standard supporting LTE. It offers 64 transmit and 64 receive antennas to support 5G plug-ins for multi-user MIMO.
Some of the leading companies operating in the multiple input multiple output market are Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, Airtel Ltd, Nokia Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., and Vodafone Group PLC.
