5G RedCap set to dominate cellular IoT growth

Cellular IoT is set for robust growth over the next decade, with 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) becoming the dominant connectivity technology for low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs).

According to ReTHINK Research, the 5G RedCap standard and extended variants (RedCap and eRedCap) will account for almost one third (30.17%) of all cellular IoT connections by 2030. The growth will come largely at the expense of retiring 2G networks and slowly declining 4G IoT...

13 February 2024 | 5G

Vodafone, Ericsson and Qualcomm achieve first RedCap RAN data sessions

Vodafone, Ericsson, and Qualcomm have demonstrated a new 5G technology optimised for connecting IoT devices in a simpler, more efficient way.

In trials on September 21 using Vodafone's live 5G test network CREATE in Spain, the companies achieved the first data sessions leveraging Reduced Capability (RedCap) RAN. Unlike 5G smartphones, RedCap provides basic connectivity tailored for less complex, low-power IoT gadgets.

The successful use of RedCap is a significant step...

23 November 2023 | 5G

Eclipse Foundation’s Sparkplug IIoT spec becomes ISO standard

The Eclipse Foundation announced Tuesday that its Sparkplug specification for industrial IoT (IIoT) connectivity has been published as an ISO/IEC international standard, a move that should accelerate its adoption.

Sparkplug, which enables different industrial systems to seamlessly share data, is now known as ISO/IEC 20237. It passed through the ISO fast-track process for standards developed externally. The Eclipse Foundation will continue to maintain Sparkplug.

“The...

7 November 2023 | Connectivity

SESIP embraced as European IoT security evaluation standard

GlobalPlatform’s Security Evaluation Standard for IoT Platforms (SESIP) has been embraced as the foundation for a European Standard (EN). 

This milestone decision aims to streamline the IoT ecosystem’s approach to regulatory challenges and facilitate a comprehensive understanding, deployment, and explanation of security measures.

“This is all about raising the bar for IoT security,” commented Eve Atallah, the chair of GlobalPlatform’s SESIP sub-task...

30 October 2023 | IoT

Matter 1.2 supports new device types alongside other enhancements

The Connectivity Standards Alliance has announced the release of Matter 1.2, the second update to the Matter standard.

Matter 1.2 – now available for device manufacturers and platforms – brings a slew of enhancements, including nine new device types, core specification improvements, and robust certification and testing tools.

New device types

Matter 1.2 introduces support for a range of new devices, enhancing interoperability and security. These...

24 October 2023 | Connectivity

Nokia, BT and MediaTek partner on RedCap trials

Nokia, BT, and MediaTek have successfully concluded trials of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology. The trials, conducted at BT Group’s Adastral Park site, are a step forward in simplifying and advancing connectivity for IoT devices.

RedCap was introduced in 3GPP Release 17 and addresses a critical challenge faced by IoT devices – the complexity and power consumption of current 5G devices.

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT, said:

“This trial...

16 October 2023 | 5G

IoT Tech Expo: The role of satellites in enabling a global IoT

Amine El Ammari, VP of Global Business Development at Thuraya, presented an informative session at IoT Tech Expo Europe on how satellites enable truly global connectivity.

Thuraya is a leading player in the satellite industry, ranking among the top 10 operators worldwide. The company provides satellite services spanning the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Australia and over 150 countries.

The company is vertically integrated, handling everything from satellite connectivity...

6 October 2023 | Connectivity

Beecham: LoRaWAN surpasses rivals in IoT connectivity

A report from analyst firm Beecham Research, a specialist in the IoT market, highlights the success of LoRaWAN.

LoRaWAN has surpassed its competitors by a considerable margin, with shipments of LoRa chipsets outpacing others by more than two to one. In fact, the report boldly declares: "LoRaWAN is already the leading low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technology for IoT applications."

A related report by Beecham underscores the pivotal role of end-users collaborating...

14 September 2023 | Connectivity

Signify illuminates when Philips Hue will finally support Matter

Philips Hue maker Signify announced during the IFA tech show that compatibility with the Matter smart home standard will rollout this month.

The significance of this update cannot be overstated. Smart home owners have long grappled with the compatibility issues that arise when their devices cannot communicate effectively with each other.

Matter, introduced in the autumn of 2022, was designed to address this challenge by offering seamless compatibility across major smart...

1 September 2023 | Applications

Kaleido Intelligence forecasts eSIM adoption surge for IoT

A report by Kaleido Intelligence projects a surge in the adoption of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology for IoT applications.

The study predicts that over 1.4 billion eSIMs will be shipped by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 21 percent between 2023 and 2028. Over 1.4 billion eSIMs (including eUICC and iUICC form factors) are forecast to be shipped in 2028

As MNOs adapt to the changing landscape, Kaleido's report anticipates a notable shift in their...

21 August 2023 | Connectivity