European vendors that are able to deploy large numbers of mid-band sites in China in 2023 and 2024 are likely to reap not only significant revenues, but also capture production cost benefits, in the form of deployment experience and rapid progression along the volume learning curve as a result of access to China’s vast and competitive market for 5G mid-band base stations.
Success in the competitive Chinese market should accelerate Ericsson and Nokia 5G base station volume and massive MIMO capabilities.
Both vendors are eagerly eying the opportunity to take their expertise in mid-band and massive MIMO global.

1. Nokia and Ericsson significantly increase 5G market share in China

1.1 Scale and Advanced State of 5G in China

1.2 Recent China Mobile 5G award provides greater shares to European vendors

2. Importance of massive MIMO in both China and other markets especially Europe

2.1 Ericsson and Nokia’s successful sales of massive MIMO to China Mobile enhance their global position

2.2 Chinese Operators are much further along in their massive MIMO deployments

3. Experience in China with massive MIMO enhances position of Ericsson and Nokia as global competitors