5G Seen as Key to IoT

Among the critical elements required to support expanding Internet of Things deployments are wider wireless pipes that consume less power. That's the promise of IoT networks supported by emerging fifth-generation, or 5G, wireless network rollouts that go well beyond mobile phones to support networks of connected devices. As wireless carriers jockey for position--including a proposed merger between T-Mobile and Sprint--emerging IoT applications such as low-power, wide area connections are forecast to grow at a more than 200-percent annual rate through 2021. Industry tracker IHS Markit predicts in an updated forecast released this week that emerging 5G-based connections will help boost machine-to-machine connections as well new IoT platforms and services. "In order to scale up IoT revenues, operators will need to pursue a broader IoT strategy that goes beyond connectivity into IoT platforms, vertical offerings and ecosystem orchestration," notes Julian Watson, senior IoT analyst at IHS. "By pre-integrating partner platforms, hardware and sensors into their IoT offerings, operators can make it easier for enterprises to plan and budget for IoT projects."