Picking the right connectivity technology is critical for any IoT deployment. It determines coverage, performance, and how easily your solution can scale.
This page compares the main IoT connectivity options across coverage, throughput, latency, energy use, and global availability. You’ll see the key insights our experts rely on, learn which technologies work reliably today, and find practical recommendations for migration, testing, and future-proofing your deployments.
The comparison table shows the key IoT connectivity technologies — NB-IoT, LTE-M, LTE Cat-1, LTE Cat-1 bis, 5G NSA, 5G SA, 5G RedCap, Satellite IoT (NTN) — across coverage, throughput, latency, energy efficiency, and global availability, helping you see which options fit your deployment.
| Technology | Coverage | Throughput | Latency | Energy efficiency | Global availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB-IoT | Very good (deep, indoor) | ~20 kbit/s | Poor | Very good | Available in most regions, adoption mostly in China |
| LTE-M | Very good | ~200 kbit/s+ | Good | Very good | Most EU & American markets; Australia |
| LTE Cat-1 / Cat-1 bis | Good | ~3 Mbit/s+ | Good | Good | Nearly universal |
| LTE Cat-4/4+ | Good | ~100 Mbit/s+ | Good | Poor | Nearly universal |
| 5G NSA | Good | ~300 Mbit/s+ | Very good | Poor | In most developed markets |
| 5G SA | Good | ~300 Mbit/s+ | Very good | Poor | Scaling in major APAC & US carriers |
| 5G RedCap | Good | ~10 Mbit/s+ | Very good | Very good | Early stages (US, China, Kuwait, Philippines) |
| Satellite (NTN) | Good in remote outdoor | ~10 kbit/s–1 Mbit/s+ | Poor | Solution dependent | Limited / trial markets |
For detailed guidance on cellular IoT technologies, refer to our IoT Connectivity Technologies Guide and Connectivity Infographics. They provide side-by-side comparisons of IoT connectivity technologies, covering typical use cases, coverage, throughput, and power consumption.
To ensure smooth migrations, we track each operator’s timeline, test devices on backup networks, and plan phased roll-outs with clear checkpoints. At Telenor IoT, our Test Lab facilities let you validate these scenarios before full deployment. Jonas KarlssonProduct Manager Telenor IoT
Deploying and managing IoT solutions at scale requires balancing innovation with real-world constraints. Drawing on Telenor IoT’s experience, we recommend:
Focusing on available networks and aligning connectivity with business needs helps enterprises avoid chasing trends, enabling robust, future-ready IoT deployments.
Choosing the right connectivity technology is critical — but you don’t have to do it alone. Telenor IoT supports enterprises with expert guidance, test lab validation, and practical recommendations for migrations, deployments, and future-proofing your IoT solutions. See how other companies have solved connectivity challenges in our IoT case studies to understand how these solutions work in practice.
LTE Cat-1 or Cat-1 bis is the default choice when you need reliable coverage without requiring special spectrum or roaming setups. LTE-M is more suitable if your devices need deep-indoor penetration and energy-efficient operation for low-power applications.
5G RedCap is only available commercially in a few markets, and NTN is still emerging. For most deployments, LTE Cat-1 or LTE-M ensures reliable coverage today. You can plan for upgrades to 5G RedCap or NTN when they become widely available.
Multi-mode devices that support LTE Cat-1/Cat-1 bis and LTE-M provide flexibility and global reach, ensuring continuity when moving between regions with varying LPWA coverage.
Use modular hardware and SIM management that support over-the-air updates and fallback options. Test new technologies in controlled environments before scaling and plan phased migrations to handle legacy network shutdowns.
LTE Cat‑1 (including Cat‑1 bis) is suited for devices needing reliable coverage, moderate data use, and low energy consumption. LTE Cat‑4 (and Cat‑4+) handles data-heavy use cases like video or bulk telemetry, offering 100 Mbit/s+ throughput (300 Mbit/s with Cat‑4+) but with higher energy use. Cat‑1 is best for efficiency and global reach; Cat‑4 for high-speed data needs.
Our IoT experts can help you evaluate options like NB-IoT, LTE-M, LTE Cat-1, 5G RedCap, or NTN and recommend the best match for your application.
