5G standalone core: enabling edge deployments and unleashing massive IoT at scale

Digital transformation of enterprises is accelerating across all vertical sectors, with next-generation connectivity being an important driver and enabler and a top area of investment. GSMA Intelligence surveyed 5,320 enterprises across 32 countries and 10 vertical sectors to gain relevant insights into their digital transformation across a range of technologies. This report analyses the key findings and implications for 5G and/or private networks technologies.

Updated in March 2026, this report presents the latest forecasts and views on the evolution of the IoT market, the key changes between the new and previous forecasts, and forecasts up to 2035. The global IoT market will reach 40.8 billion connections by 2030 and 52.9 billion by 2035. Enterprise applications are the primary growth driver, expanding from 65% of total connections in 2030 to 69% by 2035, led by smart buildings, manufacturing, and utilities.

The global IoT market will reach 40.8 billion connections by 2030, growing at 8% CAGR during 2023-2030, and is forecast to expand further to 52.9 billion connections by 2035 at a moderated CAGR of 5% during 2030–2035. Enterprise IoT will drive the market, with the share of enterprise IoT connections expanding from 65% in 2030 to 69% by 2035, led by smart buildings (15% CAGR to 2030), smart manufacturing (12%) and smart utilities (10%). The forecast includes annual connections data through to 2035, with regional and vertical breakdowns.