5G IoT Boom: Omdia Predicts 5.1 Billion Cellular Connections by 2030

Omdia’s latest research forecasts that cellular IoT connections will reach 5.1 billion by 2030, driven by advancements in 5G technologies. The study identifies 5G RedCap, 5G Massive IoT, and 4G LTE Cat-1bis modules as key growth drivers reshaping the cellular IoT landscape.

The report highlights 5G RedCap as a significant mid-tier connectivity solution for devices not requiring Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (uRLLC) or Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB). RedCap is expected to see accelerated adoption from 2025, offering futureproofing as 4G networks face phase-out beyond 2030. However, initial RedCap deployment has been slower than anticipated due to delays in 5G standalone (SA) rollouts. Alexander Thompson, Senior Analyst for IoT at Omdia, noted that 5G SA rollouts are regaining momentum, with the first RedCap devices emerging in the U.S. market, marking a transition from 4G to 5G for mid-tier connectivity.

The Asia & Oceania region is projected to account for over 67% of global IoT module shipments and approximately 80% of total IoT connections in 2024. Andrew Brown, Practice Lead for IoT at Omdia, emphasized the region’s dominance, highlighting its role in shaping global IoT deployment strategies. T...