The IoT Roaming market is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the surge in connected devices, global 5G rollout, and the integration of advanced technologies like eSIM, LPWAN, and satellite connectivity.

The IoT Roaming Market Report and Competitor Leaderboard 2024–2029 offers comprehensive insight into the strategic opportunities emerging in this space—empowering mobile operators, IoT MVNOs, device manufacturers, and enterprise leaders to navigate an increasingly complex global connectivity landscape.

Market Insights and Key Drivers

The report highlights the pivotal role of IoT roaming in scaling the cellular IoT ecosystem, especially in industries like logistics, automotive, agriculture, smart cities, and manufacturing. Among the most important developments is the integration of 5G-enhanced connectivity solutions tailored to specific IoT use cases.

The forms of 5G-enhanced connectivity include:

• eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband)
• eRedCap (Enhanced RedCap)
• mMTC (Massive Machine-type Communications)
• RedCap (Reduced Capability)
• URLLC (Ultra-reliable Low Latency Communications)

Equally transformative is the rising adoption of LPWA/LPWAN technologies and the shift toward eSIM-based deployments, offering flexibility in connectivity and compliance with roaming regulations. The report notes that eSIM technology, especially through standards like SGP.32, is helping providers overcome challenges like permanent roaming restrictions, enabling seamless local provisioning.

The inclusion of satellite connectivity is also a game-changer. It provides coverage in remote or underserved regions where terrestrial networks fall short—supporting industries that require resilient, uninterrupted global communication.

Strategic Recommendations and Monetisation

To monetise IoT roaming effectively, the report recommends that operators adopt the GSMA’s Billing and Charging Evolution (BCE) framework, allowing real-time and usage-based pricing models. It also calls for the integration of AI and roaming analytics tools to improve network steering, performance monitoring, and SLA enforcement.

The development of value-added services (VAS) is another growth area. These services include secure onboarding, policy enforcement, traffic prioritisation, and analytics—all crucial for enterprises managing vast fleets of IoT devices across borders.

Security remains a top priority, with recommendations to implement frameworks like IoT SAFE and explore quantum-resistant cryptography for future-proofing infrastructure.

Forecasts and Country-Level Analysis

The forecast suite includes over 22,000 data points across 51 tables, covering metrics such as:

• Total number of cellular IoT connections
• Roaming-specific IoT connections
• Operator revenue from IoT roaming
• Data generated by IoT roaming connections

All metrics are broken down by network technology: 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and LPWA. The report also introduces a Country Readiness Index that assesses 60 global markets to identify where IoT roaming adoption will accelerate, helping stakeholders target regions with the highest revenue potential.

Market Strategy, Trends, and Ecosystem Leadership

The strategic analysis portion of the research explores how operators and IoT connectivity providers can optimise their global roaming strategies. This includes leveraging BCE, expanding eSIM localisation services, and adopting satellite connectivity to close coverage gaps. It also covers how enterprises can future-proof their operations in light of the global sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks.

The report is further enriched by two Competitor Leaderboards that map out the current leaders in the global IoT roaming space. The IoT Roaming Value-Added Services (VAS) leaderboard features companies such as A1 International Business, BICS, Cellusys, Comfone, Mobileum, Syniverse, Tata Communications, Telna, Tele2, Telefonica Global Solutions, TNS, and TOMIA—each recognized for offering solutions like roaming analytics, traffic steering, and clearing services.

Meanwhile, the Global IoT Connectivity Leaderboard highlights providers with robust enterprise-facing portfolios, including AT&T, A1 Digital, BICS, Deutsche Telekom, emnify, Eseye, iBasis, Kore Wireless, Onomondo, Orange Business Services, Soracom, Tata Communications, Tele2 IoT, Telefonica Tech, Telenor Connexion, Telit Cinterion, Velos IoT, Verizon, Vodafone Business, and Wireless Logic. These companies lead in offering cross-border cellular IoT solutions and platform scalability to enterprise clients around the world.

Conclusion: Charting the Future of IoT Roaming

As enterprises deploy more devices across borders, IoT roaming has become mission-critical. From high-speed 5G applications to low-power LPWAN deployments and satellite-enabled resiliency, the connectivity needs of the future demand a layered, flexible approach.

The IoT Roaming Market Report and Competitor Leaderboard 2024–2029 serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders looking to expand, optimise, and monetise their global IoT offerings. With detailed forecasts, competitive benchmarking, and actionable recommendations, this report is an indispensable tool for anyone shaping the future of connected global infrastructure.