NEC exits 4G/5G base station market

NEC is pulling out of the mainstream 4G and 5G base station business, ending new research and development in that segment while continuing to support networks already using its equipment. The company said it will shift its focus to defense-related and other specialized communications gear instead of competing in the broader commercial radio access network market.

The move comes as European and Chinese vendors tighten their hold on the global RAN market, with those suppliers now accounting for roughly 80% of deployments worldwide. Under that pressure, NEC has opted to step back from chasing scale in 4G/5G base stations and concentrate on niches where it sees more durable demand and less direct competition.