5g growth — 5G growth is poised to bring about significant transformation in the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape by 2025, as new deployments of 5G Standalone (SA) networks and the adoption of RedCap devices accelerate globally. According to market intelligence firm Omdia, this year is expected to mark a pivotal moment for 5G technology, following previous delays that pushed back the rollout timeline.
g growth: Accelerating 5G Deployments and Innovations
The recent advancements in 5G SA rollouts are set to fulfill the promises of enhanced connectivity that 5G technology offers, including ultra-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and the ability to connect vast numbers of devices simultaneously. As highlighted in Omdia’s report, the industry is now on the verge of realising the full potential of next-generation connectivity.
Insights from Industry Experts
Alexander Thompson, Senior Analyst for IoT at Omdia, remarked on the current state of the industry, stating, “With 5G SA deployments picking up pace, the industry is finally realising the true potential of 5G.” He emphasised that 2025 will be notable as it marks the first instance where hardware and network ecosystems are aligned on RedCap technology, which was notably demonstrated by the recent launch of the Apple Watch that supports this innovation.
Milestones in 5G Device Ecosystem
In October 2024, the 5G device ecosystem reached a significant milestone when T-Mobile introduced the first commercial 5G RedCap device in North America—the TCL LINKPORT IK511 dongle. Despite the currently high costs of modules, Omdia predicts that prices will decrease as adoption increases, particularly in China, where government initiatives are expected to spur market growth.
Emerging Network Capabilities
Alongside the expansion of 5G SA, advanced network capabilities are gaining traction on a global scale. Omdia noted that network slicing has progressed beyond initial pilot phases, with commercial services such as T-Mobile’s T-Priority and Verizon’s FrontLine already available to customers. This development allows for more efficient use of network resources, catering to specific needs of various sectors.
Demand for Enhanced Security in IoT
The expansion of private 5G networks is largely driven by a growing demand for enhanced security and control among enterprises. According to Omdia’s IoT Enterprise Survey 2025, 33 per cent of organisations cited security as their primary concern in IoT initiatives. This indicates a shift in priorities as companies increasingly recognise the importance of safeguarding their data and operations.
New Revenue Opportunities through API Monetisation
The broader 5G ecosystem is also evolving through the monetisation of network APIs. Omdia’s report outlines how several key API families are being rolled out globally, creating new revenue channels for operators. This development enables developers and enterprises to seamlessly integrate advanced 5G capabilities into their applications and services, fostering innovation across industries.
Real-World Applications and Case Studies
Omdia’s 5G in IoT report delves into market trends, exploring network slicing, private 5G implementations, and API monetisation strategies, alongside an analysis of the comparative evolution of 5G Standalone and Non-Standalone architectures. The report also showcases ten real-world use cases, supported by case studies that illustrate how 5G SA and RedCap technologies are reshaping enterprise connectivity and enhancing industrial operations.
Future Directions for 5G and IoT Integration
As we approach 2025, the integration of 5G technology within the IoT sector is expected to unlock new opportunities across various industries. The synergy between 5G SA deployments and RedCap device adoption will pave the way for innovative applications in manufacturing, industrial automation, and beyond, fundamentally altering how businesses operate and interact with technology.
Ultimately, the anticipated growth of 5G and its implications for IoT present a landscape full of potential, characterised by enhanced connectivity, improved security measures, and unprecedented opportunities for innovation.
