While the lights are going out in 2G and 3G networks worldwide, technologies such as LTE-M, NB-IoT and 5G RedCap are taking center stage. At the same time, eUICC SGP.32, 901-IMSI and satellite connectivity are creating completely new opportunities to think globally and flexibly about IoT projects.
M2M & IoT trends 2026: What we can expect
Old networks are disappearing, new standards are maturing and requirements are changing with them. So it's time to take a look at the technologies that are really driving the IoT forward.
LTE-M and NB-IoT / LPWAN: Energy-efficient IoT connectivity
For a long time, 2G and 3G were considered reliable IoT standards. However, with increasing device density and the requirement for efficient energy use, they are reaching their limits. This is precisely where LTE-M and NB-IoT come in - two LPWAN technologies that have brought the IoT to a wider area.
LTE-M and NB-IoT are two LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies that have been specially developed for IoT applications that require minimal energy consumption and high reliability.
- NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) is designed for stationary applications, such as smart metering or underground sensor technology. The technology scores highly in terms of building penetration, low costs and battery life of up to ten years.
- LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines), on the other hand, is suitable for mobile applications such as asset tracking or payment systems. The technology offers lower latency, higher data rates and supports seamless cell handover.
In contrast to Lorawan and Sigfox, both standards use licensed frequencies and benefit from the security of existing LTE infrastructures. They therefore form a stable basis for billions of networked devices worldwide and are also pioneers for 5G-based IoT generations.
WhichLPWAN technology is right for my IoT project? We get to the bottom of this question in this article.
5G RedCap: The bridge between LPWAN and 5G
4G currently fills the gap between the low-power LPWAN technologies NB-IoT and LTE-M and the high-performance 5G. However, this would arise again with a possible 4G shutdown. This is where 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) comes in. The new standard was developed to serve applications that require more data than LPWAN but do not need the full 5G bandwidth.
For many IoT device manufacturers, RedCap marks the next technological leap: from "4G with 2G fallback" to "5G RedCap with 4G fallback". Initial network tests are currently underway; in Germany and Spain, for example, the first networks are expected from 2026. A broad roaming footprint should then be available from 2027.
In short, 5G RedCap closes the gap between low-power IoT and high-speed 5G and paves the way for a new generation of efficient IoT devices.
Satellite connectivity: the expansion of the mobile network
Mobile phone reception is not available everywhere where data is generated. Satellite connectivity is becoming a game changer for offshore wind farms, pipelines and container ships, closing the connection gap between terrestrial networks.
New LEO and MEO (Low and Medium Earth Orbit) constellations are creating networks that offer lower latencies and higher data rates than traditional geostationary satellites. With the 5G NTN standard ("Non-Terrestrial Networks"), satellites are also increasingly being integrated as an extension of existing IoT infrastructures. NTN is becoming particularly relevant in regions with large areas without mobile phone masts, such as the USA. "Global always-on" is thus becoming a reality for the first time.
SGP.32 & eUICC: Flexible SIM profiles
The embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) is revolutionizing the way IoT devices stay connected. Instead of having to replace a physical SIM card, SIM profiles can be uploaded, changed or deleted remotely on eUICC-enabled devices. However, for many IoT managers, remote SIM provisioning with the existing SGP.02 and SGP.22 standards has so far been more of a vision than a reality.
With the new SGP.32 standard, a technical basis has been created for the first time that is specifically tailored to the broad mass of IoT projects. This means that remote SIM provisioning in a real IoT context is finally practical.
This is a huge advantage for global IoT projects with very high data consumption: operators can use the best network operator in each country without having to intervene manually. Regulatory requirements such as national profiles in China or Brazil can also be easily implemented.
In our article on the new eSIM IoT standard SGP.32, we show in detail what the technical changes are and how companies can benefit from them.
901 IMSI: The global identity for global IoT projects
Traditionally, each SIM card is assigned to a country and network operator. The 901-IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) now puts an end to national borders in IoT connectivity. It gives devices a global identity that is not tied to a single network operator. This means that without a home network, the SIM can be based on the strongest available mobile network. In addition, the roaming contracts were concluded explicitly for IoT end devices, which is associated with regulatory advantages and a lower risk of network outages in some countries. This simplifies international rollouts, reduces roaming complexity and ensures consistently stable connections.
Cyber security: a basic requirement for IoT projects
The more networked the IoT becomes, the larger its attack surface. Security is therefore no longer an add-on, but the foundation of successful IoT projects. Topics such as encryption, authentication, firmware updates and network segmentation are key components of modern IoT connectivity. Standards such as Dora, the EU Cyber Resilience Act as well as ISO 27001 and NIS2 are increasingly defining binding security requirements. Anyone planning IoT connectivity should think about security not at the end, but at the beginning - from the SIM profile to the hardware to the cloud interface.
Reality instead of hype: the right technology is crucial
The Internet of Things is growing, but not every technology grows with it. The coming years will therefore be characterized less by "What's new?" and more by "What works permanently and where?". Future-proof IoT connectivity means combining the right technologies. Those who take this into account today will remain connected tomorrow. No matter how the market moves.
