Operator RAN Requirements on the Path to 6G: Survey Results and Analysis

"Vendors should position vRAN/Open RAN and 5G Advanced as powerful complementary architectures that support foundational 6G capabilities."

Analysys Mason conducted a survey of 65 Tier 1 and Tier 2 operators worldwide in 4Q 2025 to assess their RAN requirements for the 5G Advanced (5G-A) era and towards 6G. The results show that operators strongly intend to adopt vRAN, Open RAN and 5G-A adoption by 2030. However, their plans could be delayed if vendors do not sufficiently prove the relevant business case.

Information included in this report

• Operators’ plans for adopting various architectures and capabilities in their next-generation RANs
• The major challenges that operators are facing in their deployment of vRAN and Open RAN architecture and high-priority actions for vendors
• The developments operators expect to value most in 5G-A and 6G, including both evolutionary and revolutionary capabilities
• A potential combined business case for vRAN/Open RAN and 5G-A and how this could support a strong foundation for 6G