Magma
Magma is an open-source, Linux Foundation–governed mobile packet core platform providing 3GPP-compliant 4G/5G, WiFi, and CBRS connectivity for MNOs, ISPs, fixed wireless providers, and decentralized wireless networks through community-led adoption and implementation partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersMenlo Park, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Magma does
Magma is an open-source mobile packet core network platform hosted by the Linux Foundation under the Magma Core Foundation. It originated at Meta Connectivity as a rural internet access initiative, was transferred to an independent open-source project in July 2020, and joined the Linux Foundation in February 2021 with a Technical Steering Committee governing technical decisions. The platform delivers 3GPP-compliant 4G LTE, 5G NSA, 5G SA, WiFi, and CBRS support through three core components: the Access Gateway (AGW) that terminates 3GPP protocols at the network edge for resilience over unreliable backhaul, the Orchestrator that provides centralized configuration and monitoring via REST APIs, and the Federation Gateway that integrates Magma deployments with existing mobile network operator cores via standard 3GPP interfaces.
Magma serves mobile network operators, internet service providers, multiple system operators, satellite providers, fixed wireless access providers, and private LTE/5G network operators across use cases including rural connectivity, community networks, and decentralized wireless deployments. Named adopters include Brisanet (Brazil rural connectivity), Access Parks (US National and State Parks fixed wireless), Dish Network (carrier roaming via Helium 5G federation), Helium Network (decentralized 5G), MuralNet (Native American reservations), and ERTEL/WLLCTEL (Brazil LTE). The architecture supports multi-architecture deployment on ARM64 and AMD64 commodity hardware, runs on Kubernetes, and ships as pre-built AMIs on AWS Marketplace.
Magma generates no direct revenue; it is funded through Linux Foundation membership dues and contributed engineering from member organizations including Meta, Deutsche Telekom, Arm, Helium, and FreedomFi. Go-to-market is community-led through GitHub, documentation, developer conferences (Magma Day, Magma Developers Conference), KubeCon, and a channel of implementation partners (FreedomFi, Connect5G, MotoJeannie) who commercialize deployments. MagmaML, a microservice within the Orchestrator, adds AI-based anomaly detection and automated fault diagnosis, while the broader roadmap continues to expand 5G SA capabilities and multi-architecture support.
Magma firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Magma
- Website
- https://magmacore.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Magma is an open-source, Linux Foundation–governed mobile packet core platform providing 3GPP-compliant 4G/5G, WiFi, and CBRS connectivity for MNOs, ISPs, fixed wireless providers, and decentralized wireless networks through community-led adoption and implementation partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Magma industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobile Packet Core / Telecom Infrastructure Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)
- SIC
- Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Virtualized RAN & Open RAN (vRAN/O-RAN) (HDAFANAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- vRAN & Open RAN Platforms (CU/DU, RIC, xApps/rApps) (HDAIAIAA)
Keywords
Where Magma is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Menlo Park
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Magma business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Open Source Software (No Direct Revenue): Magma is open-source software with no licensing fees. The project is funded through Linux Foundation membership dues and contributed engineering resources from member organizations. Member organizations include CSPs, technology companies, and open-source communities who invest in the project for strategic benefits of the technology.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | Open Source - No licensing fees |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels11 records
Magma product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Magma is an open-source, cloud-native mobile packet core platform that delivers 3GPP-compliant 4G, 5G NSA, 5G SA, Wi-Fi, and CBRS network capabilities for service providers. It comprises three major components: the Access Gateway (AGW) that terminates 3GPP protocols at the network edge and enforces policy, the Orchestrator that centrally configures and monitors the network via a single API, and the Federation Gateway that integrates with existing mobile network operator cores. The platform is distributed free of charge under an open-source license and deployed by system integrators or by operators themselves on commodity hardware or Kubernetes clusters.
Product overview
Magma is an open-source, next-generation mobile packet core platform that delivers 3GPP-compliant 4G and 5G network capabilities at lower cost. The platform consists of three major components: Access Gateway (AGW) which provides network services and policy enforcement at the network edge; Orchestrator, a cloud service providing centralized network configuration and monitoring; and Federation Gateway, enabling integration with existing mobile network operators via standard 3GPP interfaces. The architecture is 3GPP generation and access network agnostic, supporting LTE, 5G NSA, 5G SA, and Wi-Fi from a common converged software core. Additional offerings include MagmaML for automated network management using ML-based anomaly detection and fault diagnosis, and NMS for network management. Magma is hosted at the Linux Foundation under the Magma Core Foundation governance model.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Magma Mobile Packet Core Platform Open-source, cloud-native, 3GPP-compliant converged mobile packet core that delivers 4G, 5G NSA, 5G SA, Wi-Fi, and CBRS network capabilities. Designed for MNOs, ISPs, MSOs, and satellite providers seeking cost-effective mobile broadband infrastructure.
- Access Gateway (AGW) The data plane component that provides network services and policy enforcement. In LTE networks it implements an evolved packet core (EPC), combining AAA and PGW functionality. Terminates 3GPP protocols close to the radio access network and works with unmodified commercial radio hardware.
- Orchestrator (orc8r) A cloud service that provides a simple and consistent way to configure and monitor the wireless network securely. Can be hosted on public or private cloud and exposes REST APIs for integration with monitoring and management systems.
- Federation Gateway Integrates the MNO core network with Magma using standard 3GPP interfaces. Acts as a proxy between the Magma AGW and the operator's network, facilitating authentication, data plans, policy enforcement, and charging uniformly across existing MNO networks and expanded Magma networks.
- MagmaML A software module that uses rule-based and deep learning techniques to observe, diagnose, and provide fixes for cellular networks. Observes the network at every layer through control-plane and data-plane, enables fault injection for training ML models, and provides a fault suggestion tool for network operators.
- NMS (Network Management System) Full-featured web-based management console for Magma deployments. Provides UI for viewing analytics and traffic flows of wireless users. Integrated with the Orchestrator for network-wide visibility and management.
Quantifiable outcome
- 70% reduction in CAPEX and OPEX compared to traditional mobile core solutions
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Magma
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Magma technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability2 records
Feature9 records
Magma partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- OpenAirInterface Software AlliancecoreThe OpenAirInterface Software Alliance provides major contributions to Magma's core network development. The seed code for one of the main components of the Magma core (MME) originates from OAI. OAI engineers contribute to Magma core development and the collaboration is integral to the Magma Core Foundation. The collaboration enables multi-dimensional integration in open source 5G core network development.
- Open Infrastructure FoundationcoreThe Open Infrastructure Foundation (OpenInfra Foundation) supports Magma development aligned with its mission to create open infrastructure code that runs in production. Mark Collier, COO of Open Infrastructure Foundation, serves on the Magma Core Foundation governing board. The foundation assists with community meetings and Slack workspace management.
- Connect5GminorConnect5G is focused on bringing rural and remote areas to the global network using Magma as the pioneering open, unified, and access convergent networking layer.
- FreedomFiminorFreedomFi builds on Helium and Magma to create commercial deployments. FreedomFi is helping customers like Access Parks choose Magma over alternatives to power hundreds of cell sites across national and state park systems.
- ArmcoreArm is an existing member of the Magma Core Foundation and contributed to Magma's Arm architecture support, including porting and best practices for running Magma on Arm-based systems.
- Deutsche TelekomcoreDeutsche Telekom is an existing member contributing to the Magma Core Foundation. DT contributes to spectrum innovation building blocks and Magma development.
- Meta (Facebook Connectivity)coreMeta Connectivity developed and open-sourced Magma to bring advanced packet core technology at lower total cost of ownership. Meta continues as a core contributor and TSC member (Pravin Shelar). The project originated from Facebook Connectivity's incubator program.
- MotoJeannieminorMotoJeannie uses a curated form of Magma core enabling focus on delivering desired value to end customers in network deployments.
- HeliumcoreHelium Network uses Magma as its mobile core implementation for 5G service. Helium's blockchain-based incentive model uses proof-of-coverage to reward hotspot operators. The partnership enables decentralized wireless networks where individuals can deploy small cells and earn tokens for providing coverage.
- Dish NetworkcoreDish Network is the first major carrier to announce allowing customers to roam onto the Helium 5G network. Using Magma's federation capabilities, Dish's subscribers can access the Helium 5G network wherever coverage exists. Dish owns the billing relationship and ensures payment for costs incurred.
- Rice University (RENEW Project)minorRice University's RENEW project (NSF PAWR) develops open-source massive MIMO platforms used with Magma for full-stack open source 5G systems and automated network diagnosis research (MagmaML).
- University of Utah (POWDER Testbed)minorUniversity of Utah runs the POWDER testbed with software-defined radio base stations used for deploying and testing Magma-based virtualized cellular networks at scale.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Magma competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Open5GS: Open-source 4G/5G mobile core implementation supporting EPC and 5GC functions. Directly comparable as another open-source alternative for mobile packet core deployment, with similar target users (researchers, small operators, private networks).
- Free5GC: Open-source 5G core network (5GC) implementation by National Chiao Tung University. Directly comparable as an open-source alternative for 5G core deployments targeting research, testbeds, and private networks.
- OpenAirInterface Software Alliance: Open-source 5G RAN and core network implementation. Directly comparable and an actual Magma core foundation partner whose MME code contributed to Magma's origin; both target similar open-source mobile infrastructure use cases.
- Athonet (HPE): Private LTE/5G mobile core solution now part of HPE. Comparable as a competing mobile core offering targeting private networks, fixed wireless access, and edge deployments with similar use cases to Magma.
- Celona: Private 5G platform with integrated mobile core for enterprise deployments. Comparable as a competing solution targeting private LTE/5G use cases with similar enterprise customer profiles.
Broad incumbents
- Mavenir: Vendor of cloud-native mobile network software including virtualized EPC and 5GC. Comparable as a competing provider of virtualized mobile core solutions targeting MNOs and private networks, though as a commercial vendor rather than open-source.
- Ericsson: Major incumbent vendor of mobile core networks (EPC, 5GC) and RAN equipment. Comparable as the dominant commercial alternative for tier-1 MNO core network deployments that Magma targets as a cost-disruptive alternative.
- Nokia: Major incumbent vendor of mobile core and RAN equipment (including AnyRAN, Cloud RAN). Comparable as a competing vendor offering virtualized mobile core solutions alongside broader telecom infrastructure portfolio.
- Cisco: Major networking and telecom infrastructure vendor with mobile packet core offerings (Ultra Packet Core). Comparable as an incumbent vendor offering competing mobile core solutions with broader networking portfolios.
Emerging players
- Helium Network: Decentralized wireless network using Magma as its mobile core for 5G service. Comparable as a customer/ecosystem partner rather than direct competitor; represents the DeWi use case that Magma uniquely enables.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Magma social profiles
Digital presenceMagma compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Magma financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Magma leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Magma funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Magma M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Magma
What does Magma do?
Magma is an open-source, cloud-native mobile packet core platform that delivers 3GPP-compliant 4G, 5G NSA, 5G SA, Wi-Fi, and CBRS network capabilities for service providers. It comprises three major components: the Access Gateway (AGW) that terminates 3GPP protocols at the network edge and enforces policy, the Orchestrator that centrally configures and monitors the network via a single API, and the Federation Gateway that integrates with existing mobile network operator cores. The platform is distributed free of charge under an open-source license and deployed by system integrators or by operators themselves on commodity hardware or Kubernetes clusters.
Is Magma a public or private company?
Magma is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Magma founded?
Magma was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Magma based?
Magma is headquartered in Menlo Park, United States, in the North America region.
How does Magma make money?
One revenue line is on record: open Source Software (No Direct Revenue).
Who are Magma's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Open5GS, Free5GC, OpenAirInterface Software Alliance, Athonet (HPE) and Celona. Broad incumbents are Mavenir, Ericsson, Nokia and Cisco. Helium Network is listed as an emerging player.
Does Magma have an API?
Yes. Magma provides REST APIs through the Orchestrator (orc8r) for network configuration, monitoring, and management. The APIs allow users or other software systems to configure the intended state of the network, while the control plane ensures that this state is realized. The Orchestrator provides a single API from which the network as a whole may be configured and monitored. Additional REST APIs allow simple integration with monitoring and management systems. The platform also uses gRPC for internal communication between components. Developer documentation is at docs.magmacore.org/docs/next/orc8r/dev_rest_api#rest-api.
What industry is Magma in?
Magma's product category is Mobile Packet Core / Telecom Infrastructure Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFANAF, Virtualized RAN & Open RAN (vRAN/O-RAN), with a secondary code of HDAIAIAA, vRAN & Open RAN Platforms (CU/DU, RIC, xApps/rApps). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 3576.