A recent study by Juniper Research showed that telecom network operators spending on multi-access edge computing (MEC) will grow from $2.7 billion in 2020 to reach $8.3 billion in 2025.

MEC is a network architecture that enables cloud computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge of the cellular network. It was thus recently reported that mobile service providers are expected to invest in enhancing their communication network capacities and IT systems infrastructure in order to support the increasing data generated by emerging 5G network apps.

Moreover, the research revealed that the number of deployed MEC nodes will reach two million globally by 2025. The devices will then play a major role in managing the quantities of Internet of Things (IoT) data generated by emerging data-intensive services.

It was also found out that this results from mobile services providers who are seeking to improve key network functions, by moving systems used for processing data from core network locations, to base stations at the edge of their networks.

Besides, the study stated that smart cities were key emerging market sectors to benefit from MEC node roll-outs. Hence, it would seem that involved parties are thinking of using existing city structures in order to mitigate issues of space limitation in cities.

Finally, the research predicts that more than 920 million individuals will be able to benefit from edge-enhanced Internet connectivity by 2025.