Cellular IoT Connections Forecast To Hit 5.9 Billion By 2035
The landscape of global connectivity is poised for a dramatic expansion over the next decade as new research indicates a massive surge in cellular Internet of Things connections. A recent study by Omdia projects that these connections will reach a total of 5.9 billion by the year 2035. This significant growth trajectory is largely attributed to the rapid advancement and integration of 5G technologies across various industries. The shift represents a fundamental transformation in how devices communicate and interact within the digital ecosystem.
Three specific technologies have been identified as the primary engines driving this upward trend. The report highlights 5G RedCap, 5G Massive IoT, and 4G LTE Cat-1bis modules as the pivotal solutions that will reshape the market. 5G RedCap is particularly improved as it serves as a mid-tier connectivity layer for devices that do not require the extreme performance of high-end 5G specifications. This technology bridges the gap between complex high-speed demands and simpler low-power applications.
Adoption of these advanced modules is expected to accelerate significantly starting in 2025. Alexander Thompson is a Senior Analyst for IoT at Omdia and he noted that the integration of RedCap technology into the latest Apple Watch range effectively signaled the starting gun for wider market acceptance. This development suggests that enterprises will soon have access to a diverse array of connectivity options tailored to meet specific operational needs. The introduction of enhanced RedCap modules in 2026 will further broaden these possibilities and ensure continued growth throughout the decade.
The automotive sector stands out as a major beneficiary of this technological evolution. Forecasts suggest that connections within the automotive industry will more than double from 500 million to approximately 1.2 billion by 2035. This increase will expand the sector’s share of total cellular IoT connections from roughly 13 percent to 21 percent. Andrew Brown serves as the IoT Practice Lead at Omdia and he emphasized that the rise of software-defined vehicles is a key factor enabling this surge.
Regional analysis points to Asia and Oceania as the leading drivers of this expansion. The growing consumer demand for intelligent vehicles equipped with 5G connectivity in these territories contributes heavily to the global figures. As network operators begin to phase out legacy 4G networks after 2030 the industry’s transition to 5G solutions will become a necessity rather than just an option. This migration ensures that infrastructure remains future-proofed against the changing tides of telecommunications standards.
Enterprises and manufacturers must prepare for this shift by evaluating their current hardware strategies. The availability of 5G eRedCap modules will provide additional flexibility for developers creating the next generation of smart devices. This ongoing evolution promises to deliver a more interconnected world where data flows seamlessly between billions of distinct endpoints.
Please share your thoughts on how this massive growth in connectivity might impact your daily life or business in the comments.
