Selecting the right connectivity technology means matching your application’s specific requirements — such as power consumption, coverage, throughput, and latency — with the strengths of available networks.
No single technology fits every scenario, but with the right mix of NB-IoT, LTE-M, LTE Cat-1, LTE Cat-4/4+, 5G RedCap, and NTN, you can build robust IoT solutions today and evolve them for the future.
NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) provides satellite-based IoT connectivity, extending coverage beyond terrestrial networks to reach remote or hard-to-access locations.
Different IoT applications have unique connectivity needs — from ultra-low power and long battery life to high throughput and low latency. The table below summarises which technologies are typically best suited for common IoT applications, helping you quickly compare options for your use case.
| Use case | NB-IoT | LTE-M | Cat-1 | Cat-4/4+ | 5G NSA | 5G SA | 5G RedCap | Satellite (NTN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart metering | ||||||||
| Asset tracking | ||||||||
| Industrial automation | ||||||||
| Connected vehicles | ||||||||
| Video surveillance | ||||||||
| Smart agriculture | ||||||||
| Wearables | ||||||||
| Emergency response |
Each IoT application has distinct priorities. The guidance below highlights the most suitable connectivity technologies for typical use cases, including alternatives and emerging options:
Devices in these applications often need to run on a single battery for years while reliably sending small packets of data from deep indoor locations or remote areas.
Since their launch in 2017, the 3GPP-standardised LPWA technologies (that is, NB-IoT and LTE-M) have seen steady growth but uneven global adoption.
Tracking devices must balance coverage, mobility, and moderate throughput for location updates, sensor readings, and occasional commands.
Factory floors and process lines require extremely low latency, minimal jitter, and high reliability.
Connectivity needs range from basic telematics to advanced driver assistance and in-car entertainment.
Basic functions: LTE-M or LTE Cat-1 — suitable for vehicle health monitoring, geofencing, and over-the-air updates.
High-bandwidth, low-latency needs: LTE Cat-4/4+, 5G NSA, 5G SA, or 5G RedCap — for HD map downloads, advanced driver-assist systems, and live video streaming.
Fail-over: NTN — maintains continuity when terrestrial coverage drops, especially in remote or cross-border travel.
5G RedCap, defined in 3GPP Release 17, is designed for mid-range IoT needs but availability is still limited until standalone 5G networks expand.
Continuous video and analytics require consistent throughput and minimal jitter.
Standard-definition: LTE Cat-1 — capable of supporting single-camera, lower-resolution feeds.
High-definition or multi-camera setups: LTE Cat-4/4+ and 5G NSA, 5G SA — handle higher bandwidth requirements.
Mid-range emerging option: 5G RedCap — will bridge the gap between basic and high-end solutions, offering simplified device complexity.
Farms and remote monitoring stations need wide coverage and long battery life.
NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), as defined by 3GPP, extends IoT coverage beyond terrestrial towers via satellite.
From personal health trackers to workforce safety devices, wearables must operate efficiently while maintaining strong coverage.
In disaster recovery or hazardous environments, connectivity must be reliable under all conditions.
For detailed guidance on cellular IoT technologies, refer to our IoT Connectivity Guide and Connectivity Infographics. They provide side-by-side comparisons of NB-IoT, LTE-M, LTE Cat-1, LTE Cat-4/4+, 5G RedCap, and NTN, covering typical use cases, coverage, throughput, and power consumption.
Focusing on what’s already available and matching connectivity to real business needs helps enterprises skip the hype and build IoT solutions that last. Jonas KarlssonProduct Manager Telenor IoT
For more background on cellular IoT adoption, see GSMA’s Mobile IoT resources.
Jonas Karlsson, Product Manager IoT, is a seasoned telecom professional with over 30 years of experience across technical and commercial roles. Having worked as a solution manager, technical product manager, and for the past nine years as a product manager, Jonas brings a unique 360° view of the telecom business. At Telenor IoT, he focuses on integrating new network technologies to meet customer needs and has been instrumental in developing Telenor IoT Test Lab in Karlskrona, Sweden—a facility enabling global IoT device testing and validation.
NB-IoT is best for ultra-long battery life and deep indoor coverage. LTE-M can be used as an alternative when roaming or wider availability is required, and LTE Cat-1 serves as a fallback where LPWA networks are unavailable.
NB-IoT is optimised for low data, low power use, and deep coverage but has higher latency and limited uplink, making it less suited for moving devices. LTE-M supports higher throughput, lower latency, and seamless roaming, making it better for mobile applications such as asset tracking.
5G RedCap is designed for mid-range IoT needs — modest bandwidth, low latency, and simpler devices. However, availability is still limited since it requires 5G standalone (SA) networks, which are only in early rollout stages today. RedCap will become a stronger option toward the end of the decade as 5G SA coverage expands.
NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) refers to satellite-based IoT connectivity. It extends coverage beyond terrestrial networks — useful for remote regions, maritime and aviation routes, and as a fail-over during emergencies.
LTE Cat-1 and LTE-M are strong choices today because they are widely deployed and supported globally. They can be used immediately, while enterprises monitor and prepare for 5G RedCap and NTN as these become more mature and cost-effective.
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.
