With first-blush services turned up in the U.S. and a few other key global markets, operators are planning to scale out 5G networks throughout 2019. And, with a pipeline full of compatible commercial devices coming to market, expect network investments to continue to ramp  ahead of expected 5G service-related revenues in the 2020-2021 timeframe.

Domestic operators Verizon and AT&T are using mmWave frequencies for their initial 5G deployments, which requires RAN densification by way of street level small cells. Globally, the 3.5 GHz band is key for next-generation networks and also requires significant RAN upgrades.

Beyond the RAN, 5G over time will require significant updates to transport and core networks, distribution of computing out to the network edge and across the board virtualization on the way to network slicing–seen as a key piece of flexibly offering differentiated services and driving new revenue streams.

Here we will take stock of publicly announced 5G contract wins as tallied by network infrastructure, software and service vendors Ericsson and Nokia.

Ericsson 5G wins

• North America: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile US, US Cellular, Verizon

• Europe: Swisscom, TDC, Telenor, Vodafone UK, Wind 3

• Middle East: Etisalat, Ooredoo, STC

• Asia Pacific: KT, SK Telecom, Telstra

Nokia 5G wins

• North America: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile US, US Cellular

• Europe: A1, Salt, Telenor Group, Telia Company, TIM in San Marino, Vodafone Italy

• Middle East: STC

• Africa: Rain

• Asia Pacific: Docomo, KT, Optus, SK Telecom

According to Nokia it has a total of 30 commercial deals.