Today the cellular connectivity landscape for IoT looks completely different from ten years ago. In 2010 most devices would have been connected by MVNOs/resellers, almost all based on roaming and the lion’s share using 2G. Fast forward to 2020 and the world has changed. 2G and 3G are on their way out and 4G is the workhorse for much of IoT. Meanwhile 5G and new LPWA networks have arrived. The decade also saw the enforcement of permanent roaming rules and the arrival of eSIM, the platformisation of the sector, and a precipitous decline in prices and margins. The big question for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs ), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), infrastructure vendors and adopters of IoT is, what does the 2020s have in store?
This report examines the likely trends and developments in technology, ecosystem and commercial relationships, including the face of radio access networks, the new dynamics in how core and access networks are delivered, new models for spectrum ownership, the impact of hyperscalers, pricing and network economics, regulation and the relationships between the various participants in the ecosystem.
