Internet of Things connectivity reaches one billion cellular connections

The Internet of Things (IoT) sector continues to expand, with cellular networks designed for low-power devices reaching one billion connections by the end of 2025, according to the GSMA. IoT Analytics estimated there were 18.5 billion active connected IoT devices worldwide in 2024, with forecasts suggesting this number will reach 21.1 billion in the near future.

For businesses, the primary challenge lies in converting these connections into reliable, secure, and manageable services. This includes applications such as energy management, fleet tracking, and predictive maintenance. New European cybersecurity reporting requirements have also increased the responsibility for manufacturers to ensure connected products remain secure across different networks and long-term use.

From an engineering perspective, the development of low-power IoT devices is increasingly focused on integrated System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions. By combining Wi-Fi for cloud connectivity and high data throughput with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for local, short-range communication and smartphone interaction, manufacturers can create more compact and efficient hardware architectures.