Telenor IoT, in collaboration with research firm Analysys Mason, has released an updated version of its whitepaper Connectivity Technologies for IoT, offering businesses a practical resource to help navigate the increasingly complex landscape of IoT connectivity. The publication arrives at a pivotal time as legacy networks such as 2G and 3G are being decommissioned worldwide, forcing companies to reevaluate their current and future connectivity strategies.
The updated guide examines the present state of cellular IoT technologies, including 4G, 5G, and the emerging category of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), which rely on satellite links. It aims to support decision-makers in sectors such as utilities, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation — industries where continuous, reliable connectivity is mission-critical.
IoT deployments are expected to grow steadily over the next decade, but the underlying infrastructure is far from static. In particular, the shutdown of legacy networks poses both an operational challenge and an opportunity to transition to more advanced, efficient systems. This whitepaper provides a comparative view of the available and upcoming options, supported by market analysis and performance indicators such as latency, energy consumption, coverage, and availability.
One of the key findings of the report is the continued dominance of 4G as the most widespread and stable IoT platform. While newer technologies such as 5G offer performance advantages, Telenor IoT stresses that 4G is likely to remain the backbone of global IoT connectivity for the foreseeable future. Its broad geographic coverage and maturity make it suitable for most current IoT use cases.
The whitepaper also explores the emerging 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) standard, designed to fill the gap between high-performance 5G and low-power wide-area technologies. RedCap could unlock new IoT applications by offering a balance of energy efficiency and throughput. However, its success is largely dependent on the broader rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) networks, which is still in early phases across most markets. Telenor forecasts wider RedCap deployment closer to the end of this decade.
Another area of growing interest is the use of satellite-based networks — collectively referred to as Non-Terrestrial Networks — to address connectivity challenges in remote or hard-to-reach locations. The report discusses various implementations, from those reusing terrestrial 4G spectrum via operator agreements to NB-IoT solutions running over dedicated satellite bands. Yet, the whitepaper also notes that NTN adoption will likely be incremental, as it is constrained by regulatory, spectrum, and technical readiness challenges.
Martin Whitlock, CTO at Telenor IoT, stated: “In an increasingly connected world, making informed decisions about IoT connectivity is more critical than ever. This updated whitepaper helps businesses to navigate the complexities of current and emerging technologies, ensuring their IoT strategies are aligned with realistic market developments and built for long-term success.”
Telenor IoT positions itself as a key enabler of cross-border and multi-technology deployments, and the guide reflects the company’s ongoing effort to demystify IoT infrastructure choices. The collaboration with Analysys Mason lends credibility to the market forecasting and performance benchmarks included in the whitepaper.
The full whitepaper is available to download from Telenor’s website and is targeted at CIOs, technology leaders, and operations managers responsible for long-term connectivity decisions. As businesses across Europe and beyond adapt to a new generation of digital infrastructure, resources like this can play a significant role in ensuring continuity, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
To download the full guide “Connectivity Technologies for IoT” and gain critical insights into IoT connectivity strategy, please visit https://iot.telenor.com/iot-insights/connectivity-technologies-for-iot/.