New analysis from GlobalData suggests the number of IoT device connections in APAC is set to explode, surpassing 1.3 billion by 2030.
According to the data and analytics firm, that’s a steady growth of over nine percent every year from 2025. So, what’s powering this huge shift? It really comes down to the rollout of 5G, better digital infrastructure, and a wave of new ways to use this technology, especially in the region’s more developed countries.
The 5G superhighway accelerates IoT growth
5G is like upgrading the mobile internet’s traffic system from a congested B-road to a multi-lane motorway. It’s not just faster; it can handle a large number of connections at once with almost zero delay, which is absolutely essential for the proliferation of IoT gadgets like we’re seeing in the APAC region.
GlobalData’s forecast shows that 5G phone subscriptions are also climbing fast, growing at over 11 percent each year. It’s no surprise that countries like South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Australia are leading the pack, while Hong Kong and China are smashing records for 5G usage this year.
Kantipudi Pradeepthi, a telecom analyst at GlobalData, said: “The expansion and evolution of 5G networks – which offers ultra-low latency, high-bandwidth connectivity, and the capacity to connect massive number of devices crucial for M2M/IoT ecosystems – will be crucial for the market growth over the forecast period.”
It stands to reason that the countries with the best 5G are the ones seeing the quickest IoT adoption.
“Developed markets in the region – backed by high 5G penetration and mature digital infrastructure – are naturally expected to lead IoT adoption, and see higher M2M connections,” Pradeepthi added.
This isn’t just about smart toasters and fridges. We’re seeing real innovation that changes how industries work. Think of manufacturing, healthcare, transport, and even farming. It’s also the backbone for bigger ideas like smart cities, intelligent buildings, and more efficient power grids.
Telecom companies, naturally, are jumping on this trend.
- Philippines: PLDT is already offering businesses solutions for smart stores and factories.
- New Zealand: Spark is helping the healthcare and farming sectors manage their connected devices securely.
- India: Bharti Airtel now provides a whole range of special M2M SIM cards, from tough, industrial-grade ones to tiny embedded chips for smaller gadgets.
APAC IoT connections growth offers a golden opportunity for telcos
“The increasing demand for high-speed connectivity and enterprise-grade IoT solutions is poised to significantly reshape the mobile landscape across the APAC region,” Pradeepthi says.
“This transformation presents telcos with opportunities for new revenue streams and diversification.”
The challenge for these companies is to move beyond just providing a signal. The winners will be those who can offer the whole package.
“Operators that focus on expanding wireless coverage for IoT devices, enhance network reliability for critical applications, and bundle customised data-centric IoT services such as device management platforms and tailored industry solutions, will be well-positioned to capitalise on the trend and unlock substantial long-term revenue potential,” Pradeepthi concludes.
In other words, the race is on to not just connect these billion new IoT device connections in the APAC region, but to manage them smartly.
See also: Huawei SMART Logistics boosts supply chain digital transformation
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