Market Trends of OTA Testing Industry
Telecommunication and Consumer Devices Segment Expected to Witness Significant Growth
- Some IoT devices have very poor RF antenna performance, which leads to a poor user experience. IoT devices are different from traditional devices in terms of size, shape, and material and work in various environments. This poses challenges when it comes to OTA testing IoT devices. CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association) has established an IoT Task Force and published OTA test methodologies for LTE-M devices.
- Due to the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, the significance of OTA measurement, and the current state of standardization, the GSMA is creating OTA testing specifications for IoT devices. The specifications include test setup, test methodology, test procedure, and performance requirements. A smart gadget is able to receive firmware updates through the cloud. The firmware updates the processor, the hardware peripherals, and the application running on top of it. These updates are expected to lead the market.
- The use of OTA (over-the-top) methods for testing 5G parts and wireless devices, rather than the conventional cabled methods, is primarily necessary to validate the performance of 5G technologies and devices. While the challenges of 5G testing are complex, engineers around the world are already creating new test tools and methods, such as OTA, which are essential for making 5G ubiquitous.
- In January 2022, Vodafone renewed its CETECOM certification for OTA testing. CETECOM can now conduct testing in accordance with the Vodafone Specification for Terminals on Over-the-Air RF Performance V5.1. OTA testing is used to validate the performance and dependability of wireless devices, antennas, and other components. Additionally, major wireless service providers, like Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint, among others, require their suppliers first to verify that the wireless devices can function seamlessly under numerous conditions.
- According to Ericsson, 5G subscriptions are expected to skyrocket globally between 2019 and 2027, rising from over 12 million to over 4 billion. Subscriptions are predicted to be highest in North East Asia, Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Moreover, the number of smart cities worldwide has been increasing rapidly, which has been significantly increasing the number of smart and wireless-connected devices. This is anticipated to drive the demand for OTA testing services for all wireless devices to meet industry standards and facilitate the assessment of receiver and antenna performance.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
North America Expected to Witness Significant Growth
- North America is expected to generate significant revenue during the forecast period due to an increase in the number of smart cities, increased research activities to develop next-generation wireless technology, and rising adoption of 5G technology in the telecom sector, automotive industry, aerospace industry, and defense industry. Furthermore, rising demand for autonomous vehicles and increased production of self-driving cars are boosting market revenue growth.
- By performing OTA tests regularly, manufacturers can detect and fix defects before they become critical issues. This helps to reduce production costs, speed up time to market, and enhance vehicle quality. The vast automotive production would be the driving force of the studied market. For example, according to the Office for Industry Cooperation and Development (OICA), the U.S. automotive industry produced 9.17 million vehicles last year.
- According to the Ericsson Mobility report, in the North American region, 5G subscriptions are predicted to account for 55% of mobile subscriptions by 2024. According to GSMA's report on the state of the global mobile economy, the North American region is expected to be a "leader" in 5G deployment in the coming years following deployments by the four major U.S. telecoms. The group estimates that, by 2025, 48% of connections on the continent will be on 5G networks, trailing only behind Asia at 50%.
- The companies are working together to better serve their customers. For instance, Eurofins, part of the global network of laboratories known as Eurofins, announced that it is now able to provide FR1, FR2, and FR1 OTA (over-the-air) pre-tests at its lab facility in Santa Clara. For FR2, Eurofins is using the 5G FR2 mmWave (mmWave) test chamber. For FR2 OTA (5G mmWave) pre-tests, Eurofins will use the European Telecommunications Standards Agency's (ETS) AmS-5705 compact antenna test range (CTAR) chamber, an excellent solution for 5G mmWave.
- In October 2022, Applitools, the provider of the next-generation test automation platform powered by Visual AI, announced the formal launch of its Partner Program with leading GSIs, SIs, and VARs such as Accenture, Apexon, Cap Gemini, EPAM, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, TTC, and others. Applitools' mission is to construct the necessary infrastructure and understand what partners require most in order to collaborate on building a scalable business that also satisfies the needs of its combined consumers. This includes training and certification pathways, official routes to market that align with the way its partners go to market, and a Partner Resource Center.
Get Analysis on Important Geographic Markets
Download PDF
