PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1954775
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1954775
The global smart pole market was valued at USD 6.07 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 6.87 billion in 2026, eventually expanding to USD 25.17 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.60% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific led the market in 2025 with a 33.90% share, driven by rapid urbanization, smart city initiatives, and increasing adoption of IoT- and 5G-enabled urban infrastructure.
Overview of Smart Poles
Smart poles represent the next-generation urban infrastructure that integrates IoT, 5G connectivity, environmental sensors, surveillance cameras, EV charging stations, and communication modules into conventional street lighting. These poles enable cities to collect real-time data, improve energy efficiency, enhance public safety, and optimize urban services. By leveraging AI and cloud-based analytics, municipalities can manage lighting, traffic flow, environmental monitoring, and emergency responses through a unified platform. Key market players such as Signify, Omniflow, Delta Electronics, and Huawei Technologies are driving innovations in this sector.
Impact of AI
The adoption of AI capabilities in smart poles is transforming them into intelligent, decision-making units rather than passive infrastructure. AI enables smart poles to analyze traffic patterns, detect emergencies, and optimize lighting and signage in real time. It also supports predictive maintenance, helping cities identify equipment faults before failures occur, reducing downtime and operational costs. For instance, in November 2024, Ubicquia launched the UbiCell Utility-Grade Universal (UGU) lighting controller, which leverages AI to provide real-time insights and diagnostics for streetlights, enhancing energy efficiency and asset management.
Impact of Reciprocal Tariffs
Global reciprocal tariffs could hinder market growth by increasing the cost of importing smart pole components, including sensors, controllers, and LED modules. Supply chain disruptions between major economies, such as a hypothetical U.S.-China tariff scenario, could raise costs by 10-15%, delay deployment, and reduce investment confidence, potentially limiting market expansion.
Market Drivers
Urbanization and Smart City Initiatives: The increasing urban population and global push toward smart cities are driving demand for multi-functional smart poles. By integrating lighting, connectivity, and surveillance, these poles improve energy efficiency, traffic control, and public safety. Government policies and urban modernization projects further support adoption.
5G Integration: Smart poles are becoming key platforms for 5G infrastructure. Cities and telecom operators deploy poles as cost-effective platforms for small cells and antennas, ensuring dense 5G coverage, particularly for mmWave networks. For example, in May 2025, O2 Telefonica and 5G Synergiewerk planned 5G streetlight deployment across Germany's 25 largest cities, combining LED lighting and fiber connectivity with 5G antennas.
Market Restraints
Infrastructure and Technology Challenges: Implementing smart poles involves challenges, including grid limitations, complex maintenance, and integration of multi-functional systems. Failures in one component can disrupt multiple services. In February 2025, smart poles installed under India's Smart City Mission in Visakhapatnam became non-functional due to rusting and poor maintenance, causing public dissatisfaction.
Market Opportunities
EV Charging Integration: Integrating EV charging stations into smart poles offers a lucrative growth opportunity. Smart poles repurpose existing streetlight infrastructure to provide convenient charging without additional land use. For example, in June 2024, Indonesia's PLN planned to convert 2,000 poles into EV chargers, and in May 2024, Sydney retrofitted seven poles into 22 kW EV chargers to support rising EV adoption.
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Competitive Landscape
Major players include Signify, Omniflow, Delta Electronics, Huawei Technologies, Schreder, Wipro Lighting, Kesslec, and Ubicquia, Inc. Key strategies include strategic alliances, mergers, acquisitions, and global expansion. Notable developments:
Conclusion
The smart pole market is projected to grow from USD 6.07B in 2025 to USD 25.17B by 2034, driven by AI integration, EV charging, 5G connectivity, and smart city initiatives. Asia Pacific leads the market, while North America and Europe are expanding rapidly with advanced infrastructure and regulatory support. Public-private partnerships and technological innovations provide significant investment opportunities in this rapidly evolving market.
Segmentation By Component
By Installation Type
By Application
By Region
Companies Profiled in the Report * Signify Holdings (Netherlands)