Access infrastructure market seen reaching $56.95B by 2030

The Business Research Company says the global access infrastructure market will grow from $42.12 billion in 2026 to $56.95 billion by 2030, driven by 5G densification, fiber expansion and rising demand for high-speed connectivity. North America led the market in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is projected to grow fastest through the forecast period.

Why it matters: - Access infrastructure is the backbone that connects end users to core communication networks for voice, data and video services. - The market’s growth reflects continuing investment in broadband, mobile networks and newer connectivity technologies that support digital life and business operations. - Rising demand for fast, reliable internet affects households, employers, schools and public services across both developed and emerging markets.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its Access Infrastructure Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2026-2035 on September 30, 2026. - The report estimates the market will rise from $39.14 billion in 2025 to $42.12 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the market will reach $56.95 billion by 2030, implying a 7.8% compound annual growth rate. - North America held the largest share of the market in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period.

The details: - Historical growth has been supported by copper-based broadband rollouts, higher mobile data use, early 4G LTE deployments, government broadband programs and telecom infrastructure spending. - Future growth is expected to come from 5G network densification, fiber expansion in emerging regions, more IoT device connectivity, edge computing adoption and demand for ultra-reliable low-latency communications. - The report points to continued expansion in fiber-to-the-home, gigabit broadband, fixed wireless access, rural connectivity and software-defined networking in access systems. - The market also is moving toward more energy-efficient network designs with lower latency. - Access infrastructure includes fiber optics, copper cables and radio-based systems that extend wired, wireless and hybrid connectivity to end users. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - In November 2024, the UK Parliament's House of Commons Library said gigabit-capable broadband reached 78% of UK premises, up from 72% in 2023 and 64% in 2022. - The report says this kind of broadband expansion is a direct driver of access infrastructure demand. - The report’s 2026 edition adds market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technologies and future trends, and updated graphics and tables. - The company is offering a free sample of the report and a full version for download via its website. - More information - The full report

Between the lines: - The growth story is less about one network technology and more about multiple upgrades happening at once, from fiber to 5G to edge computing. - The regional split suggests mature markets are still spending, but the fastest expansion is shifting toward markets building out broadband and mobile infrastructure from a lower base. - The emphasis on software-defined networking and energy efficiency signals pressure on operators to do more with less power and more automation.

What's next: - Operators and infrastructure vendors are likely to keep prioritizing fiber, 5G and rural connectivity projects as demand for capacity rises. - The market’s next phase will likely be shaped by how quickly emerging regions can expand broadband access and how fast enterprises adopt low-latency applications. - The report’s forecast points to sustained investment through 2030 rather than a short-term upgrade cycle.