The cellular IoT market is set for dramatic expansion over the next five years, with connections projected to reach 5.1 billion by 2030, according to research from Omdia.

The research study reveals how 5G technologies are fundamentally transforming the cellular IoT landscape, with three key technologies emerging as primary growth drivers: 5G RedCap, 5G massive IoT and 4G LTE Cat-1bis modules.

The research identifies 5G RedCap as a particularly significant development, with adoption expected to accelerate from this year onwards. RedCap is positioning itself as the mid-tier connectivity option for 5G devices that don’t require the premium specifications of ultra-reliable low latency communications (uRLLC) or enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB).

RedCap also delivers essential futureproofing benefits as the industry prepares for the gradual phase-out of 4G networks beyond 2030. Despite these advantages, the research notes that RedCap adoption has experienced slower initial deployment than originally anticipated.

“We are beginning to see 5G SA rollouts accelerate again after a brief period of slowdowns, which has delayed 5G RedCap mass adoption by a couple of years,” said Alexander Thompson, senior analyst for IoT at Omdia. “We are also seeing the first devices emerge on the market in the USA, starting the transition of mid-tier connectivity from 4G to 5G.”

The Asia and Oceania region contributed over 67% of worldwide IoT module shipments, representing approximately 80% of total IoT connections in 2024.

The automotive industry has emerged as a significant catalyst in this growth, primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for intelligent vehicles with integrated 5G connectivity.

“The dominance of the Asia and Oceania region in the IoT market cannot be overstated,” said Andrew Brown, practice lead for IoT at Omdia. “With 80% of total IoT connections concentrated in this region, we’re witnessing a significant shift in global technology leadership that will shape IoT innovation and deployment strategies for years to come.”

This substantial regional concentration underscores Asia and Oceania’s pivotal role in shaping global IoT deployment strategies and highlights the region’s technological leadership in connected device ecosystems.

For more details see omdia.tech.informa.com/om129698/5g-redcap-and-eredcap-the-current-and-future-state-of-the-market.