The rapid growth of 5G and IoT technology signifies a significant shift in the global landscape, with businesses and industries embracing the potential of these advanced networks. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), there has been a tremendous increase in the adoption of 5G devices and a surge in vendor participation worldwide.
The GSA report reveals that there are currently 2,147 commercially available 5G devices from 240 manufacturers, indicating a consistent annual growth rate of 50%. These devices are essential in generating and handling data across various applications, ranging from mobile phones to advanced factory production systems.
Furthermore, the GSA emphasizes that 5G networks play a crucial role in powering the Internet of Things (IoT) and fueling industry initiatives globally. The impact of IoT can be seen in connected and autonomous vehicles, smart homes, agriculture, robotics, smart cities, and more. The demand for remote operations during the pandemic has also accelerated the exploration of use cases involving Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) and Long-Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M) networks.
The GSA predicts rapid growth in the IoT market over the next five years, with 3GPP technologies, which are developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project, projected to gain significant market share. Currently, 254 operators have deployed or launched NB-IoT or LTE-M networks in 81 countries, and an additional 173 operators are actively investing in NB-IoT technology. The market has witnessed a surge in the variety of devices supporting 3GPP IoT standards, with 1,366 devices available.
As the 3GPP ecosystem expands, it drives commercialization and economies of scale in IoT, attracting key players such as mobile operators, infrastructure suppliers, chipset manufacturers, and device companies. This growth in infrastructure and support from established companies and startups paves the way for the development of innovative services.
The increasing adoption of 5G devices and IoT technology signals a profound global shift. This transformation will lead to advancements in various sectors and an interconnected future driven by data and automation.
FAQ
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of interconnected devices, objects, and systems that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to exchange data and enable communication and interaction.
What is 3GPP?
3GPP, or 3rd Generation Partnership Project, is a collaboration between international standards organizations responsible for developing protocols and standards for mobile communications technologies.
What are NB-IoT and LTE-M?
NB-IoT (Narrowband-IoT) and LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines) are wireless communication technologies designed specifically for IoT applications. NB-IoT provides low-power, wide-area connectivity for devices, while LTE-M offers higher data rates and improved mobility support.
Sources:
– GSA report: [domain.tld]
– IoT Connections To Grow 400% In Four Years: [domain.tld]