Operators Unprepared for 560% Global Growth in Low-power IoT Roaming Connections, Juniper Research Finds

Juniper Research announced that in their new study has found there will be over 490 million low-power IoT roaming connections by 2028; growing from 90 million in 2023. Low-power networks, such as NB-IoT (Narrowband-IoT) and LTE-M (Long-term Evolution for Machines), connect devices and sensors over cellular networks to remotely monitor environments in industries including smart cities, agriculture and manufacturing.

This substantial growth of 560% over the next five years will be driven by increased bilateral roaming agreements that cater specifically to these low-power devices. However, the report warns that operators are still underprepared to capitalise on this market shift and the significant roaming revenue arising.

A key technical challenge faced by operators is their inefficiency in detecting low-power devices roaming on their networks; meaning that operators lose potential revenue from these undetected devices. Due to their low data usage and intermittent connectivity, these devices require constant network monitoring to fully maximise roaming revenue. Therefore, the report recommends that operators partner with vendors who can provide AI-based roaming detection services.

These services will automate the continuous assessment of all roaming connections on their network; identifying low-power devices that sporadically roam onto networks.

Research author Alex Webb remarked: “Operators must fully leverage the insights gained from AI‑based detection tools to introduce premium billing of roaming connections to further maximise roaming revenue. This must be done by implementing roaming agreements that price roaming connectivity on network resources used and time connected to the network.”

Source: Juniper Research media announcement