Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Offerings (Solutions, Services), Deployment Mode (On-Premises, Cloud-based), By Network Type (LTE, 5G), By End-User), By Region, And By Segment Forecasts, 2023-2031.
The Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market Size is valued at USD 7.04 Bn in 2022 and is predicted to reach USD 30.36 Bn by the year 2031 at a 17.8 % CAGR during the forecast period for 2023-2031.
The term Virtualized Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) is a network architecture used in telecommunications, particularly in the realm of mobile networks. It's a virtualized and software-based version of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which is a critical component of LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and 5G networks. vEPC replaces traditional hardware-based EPC elements with software running on virtual machines (VMs) or cloud infrastructure. The portions of the network's core that were previously managed by dedicated hardware are now managed by software on economical commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers.
The building of a voice and data 4G (Long Term Evolution [LTE]) network can be virtualized with the help of a system called virtualized Evolved Packet Core (VEPC) solutions. The vEPC industry is expanding quickly as a result of the sharp rise in mobile long-term evolution (LTE) users worldwide. Businesses are implementing vEPC, which is anticipated to spur the market for vPEC to expand in the years to come.
The development of 5G infrastructure drives the market for the virtualized evolving packet core. Numerous new technological developments have occurred, including 5G, in the telecommunications sector. The IoT and M2M services market is anticipated to increase significantly throughout the projected period. Several mobile suppliers have installed vEPC in the IoT packet core network. VEPC solution providers are also preparing NFV solutions for the IoT cellular network. It is simple for the operator to provide superior connections for M2M devices & explore new services for customers by accepting the vEPC solution in IoT core networks.
Competitive Landscape
Some major key players in the Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market:
- ZTE Corporation (China)
- Cisco Systems Inc. (U.S.)
- Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson SE (Sweden)
- Affirmed Networks Inc. (U.S.)
- Mavenir Systems Inc. (U.S.)
- Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. (China)
- Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (South Korea)
- Tecore Inc. (U.S.)
- Nokia Corporation (Finland)
- Parallel Wireless Inc. (U.S.)
- F5 Networks Inc. (U.S.)
- NEC Corporation (Japan)
- IPLOOK Technologies Co Ltd (China)
- Polaris Networks (U.S.)
- Athonet SRL (Italy)
- LEMKO Corporation (U.S.)
- Metaswitch Networks (U.K.)
- Intel Corporation (U.S.)
Market Segmentation:
The Virtualized Evolved Packet Core market segmentation is By Offering, Deployment Mode, Network Type, End-User. As per the Offerings, it is divided into Solutions and services. Solutions comprise Virtualized Packet Gateway, Virtualized Mobility Management Entity (vMME), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF). Also, Services consist of Consulting and Advisory Services, System Integration and Deployment Services, and Maintenance and Support Services.
The second segment, Deployment Modes, is of two types: On-Premises and Cloud-based. By Network Type, the market is segmented into LTE and 5G. Whereas, by End-User, the market is divided into Telecommunication Service Providers (Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Virtual Network Operators (VNOs)) and Enterprises (Manufacturing (Healthcare, Transportation and Logistics).
Based On Component, The Services Segment Is Accounted As A Major Contributor In The Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market.
During the forecast period, a greater CAGR is envisaged for the Services section. Services play a significant role in the adoption and integration of next-generation networking solutions in an organization's operational environment. Because they primarily focus on optimizing business operations and improving the organisation's network, services are seen as a significant component of the VEPC industry. Because they are essential to meeting the clients' needs, services, including network testing, planning, optimization, support, and advising, are regarded as the heart of VEPC.
The Telecom Operators Segment Witnessed Growth At A Rapid Rate.
The Telecom Operators are anticipated to hold the biggest market share during the projection period. Telecom operators in many countries have already started using virtualized evolved packet core solutions. The South Korean carrier SK Telecom has successfully implemented a virtualized evolving packet core system. Telecom companies in North America and Asia Pacific have also applied the technology to boost network effectiveness.
In The Region, The North America Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market Holds A Significant Revenue Share.
Because there are numerous large telecom giants in the region, vEPC solution providers are anticipated to have a major market share. The machine-to-machine (M2M), Internet of Things (IoT), and wireless broadband networks are all being used by mobile providers. 2018 will see the US government's planned rollout of the CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) band for private operators and businesses, which will serve as a stimulus for the expansion of vEPC solutions in the enterprise market.
The market expansion in this region is due to the rising demand for VoLTE and the rising use of multimedia services. The market in the area is experiencing accelerated expansion as a result of the existence of cutting-edge telecom network infrastructure and rising 4G technology adoption.
Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market Report Scope
| Report Attribute | Specifications |
| Market size value in 2022 | USD 7.04 Bn |
| Revenue forecast in 2031 | USD 30.36 Bn |
| Growth rate CAGR | CAGR of 17.8 % from 2023 to 2031 |
| Quantitative units | Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 |
| Historic Year | 2019 to 2022 |
| Forecast Year | 2023-2031 |
| Report coverage | The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends |
| Segments covered | By Offering, Deployment Mode, Network Type, End-User |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
| Country scope | U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico ;The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; South East Asia; South Korea; South East Asia |
| Competitive Landscape | ZTE Corporation (China), Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson SE (Sweden), Affirmed Networks, Inc. (U.S.), Mavenir Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (China), Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd. (South Korea), Tecore Inc. (U.S.), Nokia Corporation (Finland), Parallel Wireless, Inc. (U.S.), F5 Networks, Inc. (U.S.), NEC Corporation (Japan), IPLOOK Technologies Co Ltd (China), Polaris Networks (U.S.), Athonet SRL (Italy), LEMKO Corporation (U.S.), Metaswitch Networks (U.K.), and Intel Corporation (U.S.). |
| Customization scope | Free customization report with the procurement of the report, Modifications to the regional and segment scope. Particular Geographic competitive landscape. |
| Pricing and available payment methods | Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements. |
Segmentation of Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market-
Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market By Offerings-
- Solutions
- Virtualized Packet Gateway
- Virtualized Mobility Management Entity (vMME)
- Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF)
- Services
- Consulting and Advisory Services
- System Integration and Deployment Services
- Maintenance and Support Services
Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market By Deployment Mode
- On-Premises
- Cloud-based
Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market By Network Type-
- LTE
- 5G
Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market By End-User-
- Telecommunication Service Providers
- Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
- Virtual Network Operators (VNOs)
- Enterprises
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Transportation and Logistics
Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market By Region-
North America-
- The US
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe-
- Germany
- The UK
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific-
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- South East Asia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
Latin America-
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa-
- GCC Countries
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East and Africa
Research Design and Approach
This study employed a multi-step, mixed-method research approach that integrates:
- Secondary research
- Primary research
- Data triangulation
- Hybrid top-down and bottom-up modelling
- Forecasting and scenario analysis
This approach ensures a balanced and validated understanding of both macro- and micro-level market factors influencing the market.
Secondary Research
Secondary research for this study involved the collection, review, and analysis of publicly available and paid data sources to build the initial fact base, understand historical market behaviour, identify data gaps, and refine the hypotheses for primary research.
Sources Consulted
Secondary data for the market study was gathered from multiple credible sources, including:
- Government databases, regulatory bodies, and public institutions
- International organizations (WHO, OECD, IMF, World Bank, etc.)
- Commercial and paid databases
- Industry associations, trade publications, and technical journals
- Company annual reports, investor presentations, press releases, and SEC filings
- Academic research papers, patents, and scientific literature
- Previous market research publications and syndicated reports
These sources were used to compile historical data, market volumes/prices, industry trends, technological developments, and competitive insights.
Primary Research
Primary research was conducted to validate secondary data, understand real-time market dynamics, capture price points and adoption trends, and verify the assumptions used in the market modelling.
Stakeholders Interviewed
Primary interviews for this study involved:
- Manufacturers and suppliers in the market value chain
- Distributors, channel partners, and integrators
- End-users / customers (e.g., hospitals, labs, enterprises, consumers, etc., depending on the market)
- Industry experts, technology specialists, consultants, and regulatory professionals
- Senior executives (CEOs, CTOs, VPs, Directors) and product managers
Interview Process
Interviews were conducted via:
- Structured and semi-structured questionnaires
- Telephonic and video interactions
- Email correspondences
- Expert consultation sessions
Primary insights were incorporated into demand modelling, pricing analysis, technology evaluation, and market share estimation.
Data Processing, Normalization, and Validation
All collected data were processed and normalized to ensure consistency and comparability across regions and time frames.
The data validation process included:
- Standardization of units (currency conversions, volume units, inflation adjustments)
- Cross-verification of data points across multiple secondary sources
- Normalization of inconsistent datasets
- Identification and resolution of data gaps
- Outlier detection and removal through algorithmic and manual checks
- Plausibility and coherence checks across segments and geographies
This ensured that the dataset used for modelling was clean, robust, and reliable.
Market Size Estimation and Data Triangulation
Bottom-Up Approach
The bottom-up approach involved aggregating segment-level data, such as:
- Company revenues
- Product-level sales
- Installed base/usage volumes
- Adoption and penetration rates
- Pricing analysis
This method was primarily used when detailed micro-level market data were available.
Top-Down Approach
The top-down approach used macro-level indicators:
- Parent market benchmarks
- Global/regional industry trends
- Economic indicators (GDP, demographics, spending patterns)
- Penetration and usage ratios
This approach was used for segments where granular data were limited or inconsistent.
Hybrid Triangulation Approach
To ensure accuracy, a triangulated hybrid model was used. This included:
- Reconciling top-down and bottom-up estimates
- Cross-checking revenues, volumes, and pricing assumptions
- Incorporating expert insights to validate segment splits and adoption rates
This multi-angle validation yielded the final market size.
Forecasting Framework and Scenario Modelling
Market forecasts were developed using a combination of time-series modelling, adoption curve analysis, and driver-based forecasting tools.
Forecasting Methods
- Time-series modelling
- S-curve and diffusion models (for emerging technologies)
- Driver-based forecasting (GDP, disposable income, adoption rates, regulatory changes)
- Price elasticity models
- Market maturity and lifecycle-based projections
Scenario Analysis
Given inherent uncertainties, three scenarios were constructed:
- Base-Case Scenario: Expected trajectory under current conditions
- Optimistic Scenario: High adoption, favourable regulation, strong economic tailwinds
- Conservative Scenario: Slow adoption, regulatory delays, economic constraints
Sensitivity testing was conducted on key variables, including pricing, demand elasticity, and regional adoption.
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The Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market Size is valued at USD 7.04 Bn in 2022 and is predicted to reach USD 30.36 Bn by the year 2031.
The Virtualized Evolved Packet Core Market Size is expected to grow at a 17.8 % CAGR during the forecast period for 2023-2031.
ZTE Corporation (China), Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson SE (Sweden), Affirmed Networks, Inc. (U.S.), Mavenir Systems, Inc