What’s next for Microwave?

The global backhaul market is shifting toward a near-equal split between microwave (49 percent) and fiber (51 percent) by 2030. Microwave backhaul now supports 75 percent of live 5G networks globally, with the installed base of transceivers rising to approximately 10.5 million since 2022. E-band deployments have surpassed the 38 GHz band, with W- and D-bands emerging as future spectrum leaders. Coupled with AI-driven network management and advancements in mmWave technology, operators can now boost capacity cost-effectively, often without additional hardware. This report explores the trends, innovations, and practical strategies shaping next-generation microwave connectivity.