In 2023, 5G and IoT roaming traffic will surge

According to data from international communications service provider BICS, the number of non-standalone 5G roaming users for consumer and Internet of Things (IoT) devices on its network increased by 156% year-on-year.

BICS found that while the IoT is still in its infancy, the increase in robot rovers using 5G connections is an encouraging sign that the industry is finally picking up speed.

Data shows that there will be about 176 million 5G roaming users in 2023, up from 68 million in 2022.

Across all mobile technologies analysed, including 3G, 4G and 5G, the number of consumer devices such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches used by roamers grows 37% from 608 million per year to 817 million in 2023.

BICS added that the figures are in line with research from the United Nations Tourism Board, which suggests that international tourism is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

BICS took a deeper look at the differences between consumer and IoT roamers on 5G connectivity, revealing a 15% increase in the number of consumer roamers.

It added that other studies tracking sharp growth in 5G roaming users showed that data roaming activity and momentum for 5G roaming services were "surging".

Citing a study by Kaleido Intelligence, it predicts that by 2024, non-standalone 5G roaming users will exceed 100 million, and overall consumer and IoT roaming data usage will grow 36% to 5,000 PB. BICS data also shows that the number of IoT devices roaming via 5G connections has grown significantly by 277%. Even the variety of 5G devices is growing, with a year-on-year growth of 47% by 2023.

Ann Heyse, telecommunications solutions manager at BICS, said manufacturers face significant challenges in building 5G roaming-compatible IoT devices.

That’s why most roaming devices seen on networks have historically been consumer phones. While the Internet of Things is still in its infancy, the increase in robot roamers using 5G connections is a very encouraging sign that the industry is finally picking up the pace.

Heyse said that from Kaleido research, IoT roaming revenues are expected to grow 79% by 2024 compared to pre-2019 levels. This is largely due to the many good partnerships being formed between players big and small to help proliferate IoT devices for next-generation use cases.

Mikael Schachne, Chief Operating Officer at BICS, said: “While 5G rollouts have been slower, the growth we are seeing on the network shows that the power and momentum behind non-standalone 5G is indeed building.

“These figures make sense given that 5G roaming is now available in over 60 countries around the world, but it’s important to remember that this is non-standalone traffic built on 4G technology. Unlocking the full potential of 5G will come from greater investment in standalone 5G.”