Revolutionization Of Edge Computing By Top 10 Cellular IoT Companies

Connected devices have become an indispensable aspect of this fast-paced urban lifestyle. In this regard, technologies such as cellular IoT, Bluetooth, and others that provide smooth operation and greater efficiency of these devices have come into the picture. Specifically, cellular IoT, which uses cellular technologies into interconnecting systems and devices, offering data exchange between objects and remote communication, is playing a vital role in the smooth functioning of connected devices.

The rising growth of 5G networks is set to bolster the demand for telematics and connected vehicles, augmenting market expansion. The increase in the incorporation of 5G networks is intertwined with the mounting demand for telematics and connected vehicles. The deployment into connected vehicles aids in getting real-time over-the-air updates and robust tracking, which is enabled by 5G networks.

As per a report by Fortune Business Insights™, the market for cellular IoT reached USD 5.27 billion in 2023 and is set to reach USD 22.95 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 23.4% during the 2023-2030 forecast period. The market also reached USD 4.40 billion in 2022.

The top cellular IoT companies in the market are considerably boosting their support for IoT solutions by deploying 5G networks and satellites, intending to surge adoption rates. This coordinated effort entails improving network coverage, optimization of technology, and growing infrastructure for the accommodation of varied IoT applications. With these moves, top cellular IoT companies are trying to address connectivity issues in problematic or remote terrains by using satellite-enabled IoT solutions. 

Fortune Business Insights™ Profiles Top 10 Cellular IoT Companies in the Market

1. Qualcomm Incorporated

Qualcomm Incorporated is a U.S.-based semiconductor firm that offers cellular IoT solutions, providing a multitude of technologies and products customized for the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Its platform provides system-on-chips and cellular modem chipsets made for IoT applications. In April 2024, Qualcomm Technologies launched breakthrough Wi-fi technology and released innovative embedded and industrial AI platforms and intelligent computing everywhere. This new platform offers critical upgrades to allow on-device AI, low-power processing, connectivity, and high performance for the latest IoT products.

2. Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless is a Canada-based multinational designer of wireless communication equipment. The company has expertise in offering IoT connectivity solutions. It provides a comprehensive portfolio of gateways, connectivity services, and cellular modules customized for different IoT applications. This firm is popular for its security attributes, scalability, and dependability and serves varied requirements of industries, such as industrial automation, smart cities, and automotive. In January 2023, the company was acquired by Semtech Corporation in an all-cash transaction, which depicted a total enterprise value of nearly USD 1.2 billion.

3. Telit Communications

Telit Communications is a U.K.-based communication device company that offers cellular IoT solutions and modules. Its technology facilitates connecting the devices to cellular networks, aiding communication between backend systems and IoT devices. In addition, its modules assist different cellular technologies, including 5G, 3G, 4G, and 2G, providing dependable connectivity for IoT incorporation across the globe. In April 2024, Taoglas and Telit Cinterion announced the release of antenna tuning reference design for fast development of small form factor IoT devices.

4. Nordic Semiconductor ASA

Nordic Semiconductor ASA is a Norway-based company with expertise in wireless communication solutions, specifically in the space of Bluetooth Low Energy and other wireless technologies. It is also a provider of software, modules, and chips for many applications, such as IoT devices, industrial applications, and consumer electronics. In June 2023, the company announced the release of end-to-end cellular IoT solutions across hardware, software, tools, support, and nRF Cloud Services. Customers can significantly save time, engineering resources, and money using this solution.

5. AT&T Corporation

AT&T Corporation, one of the top cellular IoT companies is an U.S.-based firm, provides a multitude of solutions and services for connection of devices while offering data transmission over cellular networks. It offers connectivity alternatives, which include NB-IoT and LTE-M customized for the particular requirements of IoT applications, from smart meters to tracking of assets. In August 2021, the company announced the acquisition of Kingen to provide enterprises flexibility and security while sourcing from chipset, module, and contract manufacturers. This deployment provides simple integration by easing the implementation of the solution in devices quickly.

6. Nokia Corporation

Nokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational telecommunications company that offers cellular IoT solutions. It offers a diverse array of services and products customized to the requirements of different industries. The company also provides scalable and dependable solutions for the connection of devices and data transmission over cellular networks. In February 2024, it announced the launch of Multi-Access Edge Slicing innovation with e& UAE at the Mobile World Congress. This release offers the same subscriber experience through all entrée network technologies.

7. Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson is a Sweden-based multinational networking and telecommunications company that offers a diverse array of services and solutions for cellular IoT applications, deploying its expertise in software and services and network infrastructure. It provides connectivity management solutions, application enablement platforms, IoT device management, and IoT platforms. In November 2022, the company completed the acquisition of Vonage Holdings Corp. for USD 21 per share. This move provides operators a platform to assist their clients in monetization of their investments in the network.

8. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. is a China-based multinational digital communications technology conglomerate corporation that offers cellular IoT solutions and infrastructure for using IoT devices over cellular networks. It provides a diverse array of services and products customized for different IoT applications such as industrial automation, agriculture, smart cities, and others. In February 2024, the company announced the launch of Medical Technology Digitalization Solution, which is a part of its intelligent and digital advancement of the healthcare industry.

9. Zhongxing New Telecommunications Equipment Co., Ltd.

Zhongxing New Telecommunications Equipment Co., Ltd., also called ZTE, is a China-based, partially state-owned technology firm with expertise in telecommunication. It offers a wide array of products and solutions for cellular IoT applications, such as end-to-end solutions, platforms, gateways, and modules. In February 2024, the firm unveiled the hosting of the 5G-Advanced Modernization and New Product Release Conference at MWC Barcelona 2024. The company also stated that it would work with all sectors of the industry to cooperatively encourage commercial practice and consistent iteration of 5G-A technology.

10. China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd.

China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd. is a provider of comprehensive IoT services and solutions, deploying its massive cellular network infrastructure, such as 5G and 4G LTE networks. It offers IoT connectivity solutions, including modules, platforms, and SIM cards, allowing for seamless data exchange between IoT devices and their cloud platforms and communications. It is the controlling shareholder of China Mobile Limited.

Is Edge Computing Going to be a Game Changer in the Deployment of the Cellular IoT?

Technological advancements in the deployment of the solution have come to the forefront to offer enhanced data security. Thus, the industry is witnessing the utilization of high-end computing models, including edge computing, to offer ease in mission-critical applications. The integration of edge computing with the solution depicts a transformative move in data processing algorithms, providing real-time analysis and decision formulation at the network edge. This deployment is specifically impactful since it is in line with the rising trend of extensive IoT networks, where a huge number of interconnected devices produce huge chunks of data. These kinds of extensive IoT utilization, edge computing, and IoT modules have led to the optimization of network resources, decreased latency, and improved the efficiency of processing data in close proximity to the source. Thus, edge computing is generating a plethora of opportunities amongst the top cellular IoT companies.