LMR market worth $2.6 billion

The global market for licensed mobile radio (LMR) infrastructure equipment, installation and system integration services amounted to $2.6 billion, according to a first-of-its-kind study titled ‘Licensed Mobile Radio Infrastructure and System Integration’ from IMS Research. The worldwide LMR market is forecast to grow every year through at least 2017.

“Although [IMS Research] has been tracking the market and publishing forecasts on several infrastructure components for a number of years, this is the first report to examine the LMR network market as a whole, from the unit shipments of infrastructure equipment to the system integration functions,” said Deryn Evans, senior mobile radio market analyst. “Our findings confirm and quantify what has long been believed: infrastructure accounts for a significant portion of the overall LMR market and represents a major opportunity.”

Among the factors driving the growth of the LMR market are the migration to digital LMR solutions, advances in technology, and economic and social factors.

“This is a fascinating time for the LMR infrastructure industry,” Evans noted. “With the migration to digital gathering pace, more users are demanding new LMR systems. At the same time, there is an increasing range of available digital solutions. With this expanding array comes increased competition among the different technologies, giving end users a wider choice and a variety of budget options.”

IMS Research says it believes that no single technology will win in the LMR market. Instead, each will offer a unique solution to fit the diversity of professional users - from public safety to utilities.

The LMR technologies covered include analog, TETRA, TETRAPOL, P25 and DMR/dPMR/NXDN/PDT. Market revenue is split by equipment type, including base stations and network control; by services including staging and maintenance; and by system integration including design, planning and installation. Shipment data is provided for transceivers and base stations.