Fixing the middle mile in mobile networks: a multi-technology assessment for the 5G era
Access this insight with a Standard plan. Contact our sales team to get started.
Or
The rapid expansion of 5G networks is driving an unprecedented surge in mobile data consumption, with traffic projected to triple by 2030. However, this growth places immense pressure on the 'middle mile', the critical transport layer connecting base stations to the core network. Mobile operators must diversify their product/solution mix for middle-mile transport, beyond the traditional mix of fibre and microwave backhaul. Emerging technologies such as free-space optics (FSO), mmWave and satellite all provide options. FSO solutions occupy a unique space between fibre and microwave, offering relative advantages in terms of capacity, range, cost and time to deploy.
To aid operators that are evaluating middle-mile transport solutions, GSMA Intelligence has developed the TCO Calculator, based on research and analysis of existing and emerging middle-mile transport solutions across a number of deployment scenarios around the world.
Report details
Fixing the middle mile in mobile networks: a multi-technology assessment for the 5G era
More info
This report is one of more than 140 published annually as part of the GSMA Intelligence data and research subscription, which is designed for organisations that require regular access to our insights. Contact our sales team for details.
Contact usReport details
Fixing the middle mile in mobile networks: a multi-technology assessment for the 5G era
More info
This report is one of more than 140 published annually as part of the GSMA Intelligence data and research subscription, which is designed for organisations that require regular access to our insights. Contact our sales team for details.
Contact usRelated research
A target architecture for telecoms cybersecurity
This white paper, using evidence from a GSMA Intelligence survey of operators in Asia Pacific, explains why traditional perimeter-based security is no longer enough and what operators need to do to build a more resilient, architecture-led approach. It covers how AI is changing the threat landscape; why expanding attack surfaces require stronger governance; and how native security, depth defence, dual security operation centre (SOC) operations and AI-enabled tools can help operators protect critical networks.
Fixed Broadband and FWA Markets, Q1 2026: developments and outlook
Fixed markets continue to evolve around the world, with technology investments, competition, M&A and shifting consumer behaviour being major drivers. This quarterly series outlines the latest market developments and the key trends to watch, charting the period to 2030. The report also provides comprehensive cross-country comparisons at your fingertips, allowing you to identify which markets or technologies will grow the most.
GSMA Open Gateway: State of the Market, H1 2026
This latest edition of the GSMA Open Gateway research series provides an update on the state of the market, recent developments and examples of Open Gateway in action. The market is increasingly moving away from operator-specific API exposure and towards platform-mediated distribution, where developers prefer a single integration point with global reach. This changes the commercial dynamic for the ecosystem.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn more- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
How can we support you?
Get in touch
Contact the GSMA Intelligence support team for help with your account, subscriptions, or access to reports and insights.
Newsletter
Subscribe to the GSMA Intelligence newsletter for the latest industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
