Number of IoT connected devices worldwide 2019-2030, by communications technology

Short-range technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, will dominate the number of Internet of Things (IoT) connections in 2030 compared with other communications technologies, with over 21 billion connections.

Massive machine-type communication tech

These short-range technologies are projected to account for the most sizable portion of communications technologies from 2021 to 2030. Massive machine-type communication (mMTC) using 5G technology - which is needed for the growing deployment of autonomous vehicles - is projected to grow strongly over the next few years. At the same time, the non-mMTC connected devices would depend on low power wide area (LPWA) network.

Future of IoT

In the following decade, IoT will track individuals, cities, crops, and everything else you can imagine. The possibilities for IoT in the future are endless. Increased network agility, integrated artificial intelligence (AI), has increased the ability to deploy, automate, manage, and secure various use cases at hyper-scale. This development will expedite IoT advancements in the coming years.