Frost Radar™: Private Multi-Access Edge Computing in North America, 2024

Edge computing pushes intelligence, data processing, analytics, and communication capabilities to where the data originates: at network gateways or endpoints. The aim is to reduce latency and ensure efficient networks, operations, service delivery, and an improved user experience. By bringing computing closer to the data source, edge computing enables latency-sensitive computing and greater business agility through better control and faster insights. It also lowers operating expenses, resulting in more efficient network bandwidth support.

Private multi-access edge computing (MEC) is a private mobile network deployment with edge computing capabilities that is custom-built for enterprises. It enables an infrastructure that runs mission-critical and latency-sensitive applications by offering ultra-low latency levels (less than 10 milliseconds). Enterprises usually have a choice of two models: either paying upfront for the hardware and the installation charges of the macro cell tower and MEC and then a lower monthly recurring charge for the services provided; or paying for everything as-a-service with no or minimal upfront costs. Typical contracts have a duration from three to five years, but this may vary by provider. There may be additional charges for gateways, software-defined wide area networks, and other add-ons.

Industry participants deploy dedicated computing and networking resources on a client's premises. This approach prioritizes ultralow latency, data security, and customization, ideal for industrial automation, smart factories, and other applications demanding real-time control and stringent data privacy. This distinction translates to key differences in control, security, and latency. Private MEC provides superior control over data and applications, heightened security because of physical isolation, and ultralow latency for real-time operations.

Frost & Sullivan analyzes numerous companies in an industry. This Frost Radar™ benchmarks service providers in North America, consisting of global system integrators and telecom operators. Those selected for further analysis based on their leadership or other distinctions are benchmarked across 10 Growth and Innovation criteria to reveal their position on the Frost Radar™. The publication presents competitive profiles of each company on the Frost Radar™ considering their strengths and the opportunities that best fit those strengths.