Dell’Oro: Microwave Transmission Equipment Market Flattens in 2025

Revenue Consolidates Among Top Vendors

Global revenue for point-to-point microwave transmission equipment declined 1 percent in 2025, reversing early-year gains and finishing flat overall, according to new data from Dell’Oro Group. The market weakened in the second half as demand in India and Latin America slowed, offsetting growth in emerging regions where wireless backhaul remains critical for connecting mobile base stations to operator core networks.

Dell’Oro Group reported that vendor consolidation accelerated during the year, with the top six manufacturers increasing their combined revenue share from 85 percent in 2024 to 87 percent in 2025. Huawei retained the top revenue position, while ZTE and Aviat improved their rankings. Ceragon dropped two positions in the revenue share table as its annual revenue declined 19 percent.

Microwave equipment shipments for mobile backhaul increased during 2025, supported by continued 4G and 5G radio access network rollouts. However, demand from vertical markets such as private networks and mission-critical enterprise segments declined, more than offsetting gains in mobile backhaul. Dell’Oro Group expects demand to grow through 2027 before peaking alongside broader 5G deployment cycles.

• 2025 global revenue for point-to-point microwave transmission equipment declined 1 percent year over year

• Top six vendors increased combined revenue share from 85 percent (2024) to 87 percent (2025)

• Huawei maintained the No. 1 revenue position with 6 percent growth

• ZTE revenue grew 15 percent, moving from No. 5 to No. 4

• Aviat revenue grew 2 percent, moving from No. 6 to No. 5

• Nokia posted 6 percent revenue growth and retained the No. 3 position

• Ericsson declined 3 percent and held the No. 2 position

• Ceragon revenue fell 19 percent, dropping from No. 4 to No. 6