mmWave in Cellular: Top 10 Key Players to Watch in 2025

As the world transitions to 5G and beyond, millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology is at the forefront of revolutionizing cellular communications. Its potential to deliver ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and high capacity has made it a critical component for advancing 5G networks globally. By 2025, several players are expected to lead the charge in deploying mmWave solutions across diverse sectors, from mobile devices to enterprise networks. In this article, we will look at the top 10 key players to watch as mmWave technology evolves in the cellular space.

Key players in the mmWave cellular domain are primarily concentrated in the USA, China, and Korea, with leading companies and research institutions from these countries driving the evolution of 5G and beyond. In the USA, Qualcomm stands out with its groundbreaking work in deploying end-to-end 5G mmWave test networks across Europe, along with its partnerships with Nokia and Movandi to enhance mmWave deployment. Samsung and LG, based in Korea, are deeply involved in integrating mmWave technology into their devices and network infrastructure. In China, universities and research institutes like Southeast University and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) are making significant contributions to mmWave research, advancing the country’s strategic focus on wireless innovations. Southeast University, for instance, has partnered with Xphased to establish a Joint R&D center dedicated to mmWave chip development. The top key players shaping the future of mmWave in cellular are as follows:

1. Qualcomm Qualcomm has been a key player in enabling mmWave technology for mobile devices and cellular networks. The company’s Snapdragon Mobile Platform powers mmWave capabilities in selected smartphones and devices, supported by advancements in mobile and antenna technology. Qualcomm also developed the QTM547 chip, a second-generation mmWave Antenna Module designed for 5G Fixed Wireless Access Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). To further propel 5G’s next phase, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF system, which incorporates the latest 3GPP Release 17 and 18 features. In China, Qualcomm achieved 5G standalone mmWave performance with impressive speeds—7.1 Gbps for downloads and 2.1 Gbps for uploads. As 5G networks continue to expand, Qualcomm's innovations will be integral to bringing ultra-fast connectivity to consumers worldwide.
2. Samsung Samsung has made significant strides in advancing mmWave technology, particularly with its indoor small cell solutions. The company introduced Link Cell, an integrated 5G indoor small cell designed to provide seamless 5G experiences in indoor environments. Additionally, Samsung’s Compact Macro combines baseband, radio, and antenna into a compact design, enabling operators to deploy mmWave services efficiently while maximizing energy efficiency. This unique solution supports all frequencies within the mmWave spectrum and boosts network capacity, making it a prime choice for operators aiming to enhance network performance.
3. Southeast University Southeast University, in partnership with Keysight Technologies, is pioneering research on 5G Massive MIMO, a critical technology for mmWave deployment. The university’s collaboration aims to advance Massive MIMO algorithms, system design, and antenna technologies. Their efforts contribute to the 5G research ecosystem, particularly in China, where mmWave technology is integral to the next wave of mobile connectivity. As a leader in academic research, Southeast University is laying the foundation for innovative mmWave solutions that will benefit the broader cellular industry.
4. Intel Intel has been integral in providing mmWave support through its cutting-edge chipsets. The company’s 14nm Stratix 10 FPGA supports mmWave, enabling high-performance 5G applications. Intel has also partnered with SOLiD to develop RocketWAVE mmWave repeaters, essential components for enhancing 5G network coverage. These repeaters help to extend mmWave signals, which is crucial for deploying high-speed, high-capacity networks. Intel’s role in providing the necessary hardware for mmWave solutions ensures the continued success of 5G deployments.
5. University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) stands out for its contributions to mmWave research. Focused on coverage analysis of RIS-assisted mmWave cellular networks with 3D beamforming, UESTC plays a pivotal role in the academic side of mmWave advancements. Their research publications delve into essential aspects of mmWave technology, including the scenarios and vision required for its successful implementation. UESTC’s work will likely shape future mmWave network designs and deployments, making it a key player in the research and development landscape.

6. LG LG has made significant strides in advancing mmWave technology, particularly in the South Korean market. In partnership with Qualcomm Technologies and LG Uplus, LG successfully deployed South Korea’s first 5G mmWave network at the Kumoh National Institute of Technology. Additionally, LG has been instrumental in developing a 5G-V2X cellular module, enabling long-distance data transmission for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P), and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications. LG’s 5G innovations demonstrate its commitment to driving next-generation cellular technologies across multiple sectors.
7. Huawei Huawei has been at the forefront of mmWave 5G deployments, achieving significant milestones in speed and performance. In collaboration with Turkcell, Huawei set a new 5G mmWave speed test record with a system speed of 70 Gbps operating in the 71.5-73.5 GHz frequency range. The company also showcased live 5G demonstrations using 39 GHz mmWave radio technology in Japan. At the 2023 Global Mobile Broadband Forum, Huawei unveiled its comprehensive 5.5G solutions, which include eight innovative practices designed to help operators initiate the commercial launch of 5.5G. Huawei's continued leadership in mmWave technology will shape the future of 5G and beyond.
8. AT&T AT&T has been one of the pioneers in rolling out 5G networks across the United States. As of December 2018, AT&T became the first carrier to launch a 5G network in the U.S., and its mmWave service, 5G+, is available in over 50 cities. The company is also leveraging mid-band and low-band 5G networks to provide a mix of fast speeds and broad coverage across more than 22,000 cities. By 2025, AT&T’s 5G coverage will likely expand even further, solidifying its role as a major player in the global telecom market. AT&T's partnerships with companies like Facebook, Cinemark, and the NBA have also demonstrated the growing importance of 5G in powering next-generation services.
9. Shenzhen Sunway Communication Shenzhen Sunway Communication is a key supplier of components for mmWave 5G applications. The company operates a dedicated 5G mm-wave lab in Shenzhen, focused on developing advanced antennas, RF transmission materials, and high-frequency electromagnetic simulations. Sunway's research and development efforts help push the boundaries of mmWave technology, ensuring reliable and high-performance 5G networks. With R&D centers worldwide, including in China, Japan, the U.S., and Sweden, Shenzhen Sunway Communication is positioned to be a major player in global 5G mmWave solutions.
10. Apple Apple's entry into the mmWave space is evident in its latest iPhone models. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16+, and iPhone 16 Pro Max all support mmWave technology in the U.S. market, enabling users to access ultra-fast 5G speeds. Apple’s job offerings related to mmWave and wireless designs further indicate its commitment to advancing mmWave capabilities. By incorporating mmWave support in its flagship products, Apple is solidifying its position as a leader in the consumer electronics space, driving widespread adoption of 5G technology.

As we progress through 2025, the deployment of mmWave technology is rapidly advancing, with these key players now leading the charge in shaping the future of cellular networks. Their innovations in mobile platforms, hardware solutions, and research-driven initiatives are not only enhancing the capabilities of 5G but also paving the way for the transition to 5.5G and beyond. With mmWave technology now an integral part of their strategies, these players are positioned to drive faster, more efficient, and sustainable connectivity solutions on a global scale. As the demand for high-speed, low-latency networks continues to grow, their contributions will be critical in unlocking new possibilities for both consumers and industries, reshaping the global telecommunications landscape in the years to come.