Key Takeaways
- APAC’s IoT device connections are projected to exceed 1.3 billion by 2030, driven by 5G and improved digital infrastructure.
- Countries with advanced 5G networks, like South Korea and Japan, are leading in IoT adoption.
- Telecom companies have opportunities for new revenue through tailored IoT solutions as demand for connectivity rises.
Accelerating Growth Driven by 5G Technology
GlobalData’s recent analysis indicates a significant surge in IoT device connections across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, projecting a rise to over 1.3 billion by 2030. This growth, expected to exceed nine percent annually from 2025, is primarily fueled by the rollout of 5G technology, enhancement of digital infrastructures, and innovative applications of IoT in various sectors.
The introduction of 5G can be likened to upgrading transportation routes from a congested road to a streamlined expressway. It enables faster data transmission and supports a high volume of simultaneous connections with minimal latency. Such features are crucial for the proliferation of IoT devices across APAC. According to GlobalData, 5G phone subscriptions are also expected to grow at a remarkable rate of over 11 percent annually, with nations like South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Australia at the forefront. Meanwhile, Hong Kong and China are setting new records in 5G usage.
Kantipudi Pradeepthi, a telecom analyst at GlobalData, emphasizes that the expansion of 5G networks—characterized by ultra-low latency and high-bandwidth connectivity—is essential for the growth of IoT markets in the region. Countries with advanced 5G capabilities are witnessing faster adoption of IoT technologies.
The impact of IoT extends beyond consumer products. Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and agriculture are innovating with connected devices, utilizing IoT as the backbone for initiatives like smart cities and efficient energy grids. Major telecom providers are already capitalizing on this trend. For example:
– PLDT in the Philippines is delivering solutions for smart stores and factories.
– Spark in New Zealand assists the healthcare and agriculture sectors in managing their connected devices securely.
– In India, Bharti Airtel offers various specialized M2M SIM cards, catering to different device needs.
As the demand for high-speed connectivity and enterprise-grade IoT solutions continues to rise, the mobile landscape in APAC is set for transformation. Pradeepthi notes that this shift presents telecom companies with opportunities to diversify their revenue streams by offering comprehensive IoT solutions, rather than just connectivity services.
To succeed, telecom operators must go beyond simply providing signal coverage. The most successful companies will be those that enhance wireless coverage for IoT devices, ensure network reliability for essential applications, and offer customized IoT services, including device management and tailored industry solutions. This strategy will position them favorably in a competitive market, opening avenues for significant long-term revenue growth.
Ultimately, as the APAC region prepares for a future of over one billion IoT connections, the focus will not only be on connectivity but also on effectively managing this connected ecosystem. Businesses and consumers alike stand to benefit from a more integrated and smarter world driven by IoT advancements.
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