With the rapid development of IoT technology, industries around the world are actively exploring how to leverage this emerging technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Recently, Telenor IoT and Analysys Mason jointly released an in-depth guide to IoT connectivity technologies, providing valuable insights into the development of cellular technologies in the IoT sector through 2025. This report not only focuses on technology selection but also offers strategic planning recommendations for companies in various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, utilities, and transportation.
Overview of Current Cellular IoT Technologies
In this report, Telenor IoT provides a comprehensive review of current mainstream cellular IoT technologies. These technologies include NB-IoT, LTE-M, LTE Cat series (Cat-1/Cat-1bis, Cat-4/4+), 5G non-standalone (NSA), 5G standalone (SA), 5G RedCap, and non-terrestrial networks such as satellite communications. By comparing key metrics such as coverage, throughput, latency, and energy efficiency, the report reveals the unique advantages and applicable scenarios of each technology.
For example, NB-IoT, with its excellent indoor coverage and low power consumption, is ideal for low-data-volume applications. LTE-M, on the other hand, strikes an ideal balance between speed and coverage, supports seamless roaming, and is suitable for a variety of IoT needs. While 5G RedCap offers comprehensive performance, its reliance on 5G SA networks means its widespread adoption will take time. Non-terrestrial networks, particularly satellite communications, are showing great potential for extending coverage in remote areas and are currently experiencing rapid development.
Global Deployment Status and Future Outlook
The report points out that as 2G/3G networks are gradually phased out, enterprises need to closely monitor the shutdown plans of their regions and operators and develop corresponding migration strategies. Currently, 4G networks remain dominant. LTE Cat-1, with its extensive coverage and roaming support, is considered an ideal replacement for 2G/3G and is expected to continue to support IoT applications in most enterprises for the next decade.
Regarding 5G RedCap, although some operators have launched commercial services, widespread adoption is not expected until around 2030 due to the progress of 5G SA deployment, with varying global deployment rates. Non-terrestrial networks, particularly satellite communications, are expected to steadily expand coverage between 2025 and 2030. By 2035, enterprises in most major economies may have access to commercial services, effectively complementing terrestrial networks.
Use Cases & Tech Recommendations
The report provides specific technology adaptation recommendations for different application scenarios. For smart metering and environmental sensing, NB-IoT, LTE-M, or LTE Cat-1 are suitable choices. For asset tracking, LTE-M and LTE Cat-1 are commonly used, with 5G RedCap and non-terrestrial networks potentially serving as complementary solutions. For industrial automation, LTE Cat-4/4+ and 5G NSA (Non-Standalone Standalone) perform well, with further performance improvements expected as 5G SA matures. For connected vehicles, the appropriate technology must be selected based on specific needs, with non-terrestrial networks ensuring stable connectivity in remote areas. Scenarios such as video surveillance, smart agriculture, wearables, and emergency response each have their own optimal technologies.
Enterprise IoT Recommendations
The Telenor IoT report recommends that enterprises build IoT solutions by starting with existing, proven technologies and flexibly selecting technology paths based on actual needs. Facing the challenges of 2G/3G network retirements, enterprises should adopt modular designs to facilitate future upgrades and expansion. Furthermore, enterprises are encouraged to conduct small-scale trials of new technologies to verify their feasibility and effectiveness before gradually expanding deployments to ensure robust and future-proof IoT solutions.
In short, as IoT technology continues to evolve, enterprises must keep pace and flexibly adapt to technological change to remain competitive in the future. The blueprint for the IoT in 2025 is already being laid out; seizing opportunities and meeting challenges are key to future enterprise development.
