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June 22, 2026

Operator Capex Forecast 2026-2031

Operator capex rises on 6G expectations, as inflation eats into real-terms revenue and profit growth

This report maps operator capex as we head into the 6G transition period, showing how historical 5G spending patterns can be used to anticipate the timing and scale of future infrastructure investment.

For many MNOs, the move to 5G Standalone will be a critical prerequisite, creating a further phase of network modernization before commercial 6G deployment can truly begin.

That means new investment windows, new procurement priorities, and new opportunities across the telecoms ecosystem.

Understanding these investment cycles is essential to forecasting the future telecoms infrastructure market.

For vendors, the forecast identifies where and when operator spending will emerge, enabling more effective sales targeting and strategic planning. For MNOs, it provides a clearer view of future capital requirements, helping them prepare for the next phase of network investment.

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RAN Research

RAN Research forecasts disruption in wireless technology, and is essential reading for anyone who wants to stay on top of current trends and thinking among Mobile Network Operators.