Growth and Innovations in Global IoT Connectivity

The global Internet of Things (IoT) market is experiencing significant growth, with the number of connected IoT devices projected to reach 21.1 billion by the end of 2025, marking a 14% increase from 2024. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with forecasts estimating 39 billion connected devices by 2030 and over 50 billion by 2035. The growth is driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and the increasing demand for device data.

Number of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion

Three primary technologies dominate the IoT connectivity landscape, accounting for nearly 80% of all connections:

Number of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion

1. Wi-Fi: Comprising 32% of all IoT connections, Wi-Fi is the largest connectivity technology. The adoption of low-power Wi-Fi, particularly Wi-Fi 6, is enhancing energy efficiency for battery-powered devices. The introduction of Wi-Fi HaLow is expanding its application in industrial and outdoor settings.

Number of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion

2. Bluetooth: Representing 24% of connected IoT devices, Bluetooth continues to be a major player, especially with the rise of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for battery-powered applications. Its integration into various sectors, including retail and industrial automation, is driving growth.

Number of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion

3. Cellular IoT: Accounting for 22% of global IoT connections, cellular technologies (including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G) are witnessing rapid adoption. The cellular IoT market is projected to grow significantly, with 5G expected to be a key driver, particularly in applications requiring high reliability and low latency.

Number of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion

Recent advancements in satellite technology are reshaping IoT connectivity. Hubble Network raised $70 million to expand its satellite constellation, aiming to provide affordable, low-power connectivity for billions of IoT devices. Similarly, BeWhere Holdings successfully connected an IoT device to AST SpaceMobile's direct-to-device satellite network, demonstrating the potential for standard devices to achieve global connectivity without specialized hardware.

BeWhere Holdings Inc. Successfully Connects IoT Device on AST SpaceMobile's Direct-to-Device Satellite NetworkHubble Network raises $70 million Series B to scale global Bluetooth®-to-Satellite connectivity + presenting at Silicon Valley Space Week – SatNewsNumber of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion

Globalstar has also launched the RM200M two-way satellite IoT module, which enables reliable communications for critical applications across various industries. This module supports seamless switching between cellular and satellite connectivity, enhancing operational efficiency.

Globalstar Launches RM200M Two-Way Satellite IoT Module with Global CertificationBeWhere Holdings Inc. Successfully Connects IoT Device on AST SpaceMobile's Direct-to-Device Satellite NetworkFormer D2D Rivals Lynk Global, Omnispace to MergeNumber of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion

The cellular IoT market is evolving, with a shift towards LTE Cat-1 and Cat-1 bis as the preferred standards as older networks phase out. Meanwhile, the merger of Lynk Global and Omnispace aims to enhance direct-to-device services, leveraging their combined spectrum and technology to improve global connectivity.

Number of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion

Despite the promising growth, challenges remain, particularly in sustaining momentum for technologies like NB-IoT, which faces increasing competition. The market for alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions is also emerging, with Iridium developing a compact chip to protect GNSS devices from disruptions.

Iridium develops compact chip for robust global GPS protection

The IoT landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for connectivity. As the number of connected devices grows, innovations in both terrestrial and satellite connectivity will play a crucial role in shaping the future of IoT applications across various sectors.

Number of connected IoT devices growing 14% to 21.1 billion