Omdia: It is estimated that the global cellular Internet of Things connections will reach 5.1 billion by 2030.

Omdia's article stated that the cellular Internet of Things (IoT) market will experience rapid expansion in the next six years, with global cellular IoT connections expected to reach 5.1 billion by 2030. The report highlights that the rapid growth of cellular IoT is mainly driven by three key technologies: 5G RedCap, 5G massive IoT, and 4G LTE Cat-1bis modules. 5G RedCap: Key role in mid-range connectivity solutions Omdia research shows that 5G RedCap (referred to as 5G below) will be a key driver of market development. Deployment of this technology is expected to accelerate from 2025 onwards. RedCap is positioned as a mid-range device connectivity solution suitable for applications that do not require advanced 5G performance (such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication uRLLC or enhanced mobile broadband eMBB). Furthermore, as the industry prepares for the gradual phase-out of 4G networks after 2030, RedCap provides a more forward-looking technological guarantee. Despite its clear advantages, the report also points out that the initial deployment speed of RedCap has been slower than expected. Alexander Thompson, Omdia's Senior Analyst for IoT, stated, "After a brief slowdown, we are seeing a resurgence in the deployment of 5G SA (standalone network), and the previous delay has postponed the large-scale commercial deployment of RedCap by a few years. Now, we are seeing the first batch of RedCap devices being launched in the US market, marking the transition from 4G to mid-range 5G connectivity." Asia-Pacific leads global IoT growth Omdia's latest research shows that by 2024, the Asia-Pacific region will contribute more than 67% of global IoT module shipments and account for 80% of IoT connections. A key driver of this growth is the automotive industry. Increasing consumer demand for smart cars with integrated 5G features is driving the rapid development of in-vehicle connectivity modules. Andrew Brown, Head of IoT Research at Omdia, stated, "The dominant position of the Asia-Pacific region in the IoT market cannot be overlooked. With 80% of global IoT connections, the region demonstrates that global technological leadership is shifting towards Asia, which will significantly impact the future innovation direction and deployment strategies of IoT." The highly concentrated IoT deployments in the Asia-Pacific region not only highlight its strategic position in the global IoT ecosystem but also emphasize its core role in the evolution of connected device technologies.