Roaming IoT connections will generate 1100 petabytes of data globally by 2027, as operator network strategies disrupt the market, according to market watcher Juniper Research.

The study has found that the global amount of data generated by roaming IoT connections will increase from 86 petabytes in 2022 to 1100 petabytes by 2027, representing enough data to stream 165 million hours of 4K video from platforms such as Netflix.

This 1140% growth will be driven by the termination of 3G networks, necessitating the adoption of low-power cellular networks. The research found low-power wide-area networks provide a low-cost alternative to established operator-led cellular networks, such as 4G and 5G, driving the growth of IoT roaming connections through low-power, high-penetration coverage.

Roaming IoT connections use wireless services outside of their registered operator’s network, accessing connectivity from other cellular providers.

The report found that roaming IoT connections from the USA will generate 277 petabytes of data by 2027, accounting for 26% of the global total. With AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon terminating 3G networks during 2022, it anticipated that roaming IoT connections will be redistributed to low-power wide-area 4G or 5G networks depending on the use case.

“US operators must adopt the billing and charging evolution protocol to accurately identify IoT traffic based on network technologies,” said research author Scarlett Woodford. “Failure to do so will risk revenue leakage, if lucrative 5G roaming IoT traffic is misidentified as lower-value connectivity.”

The research noted that only two per cent of total IoT roaming connections would rely on 5G networks by 2027, due to the low-power consumption and infrequent data transmission exhibited by the majority of devices. It found that only use cases dependent on low-latency and high-speed data downloads, such as autonomous vehicles and connected factories, would justify enterprise investment in 5G connectivity.

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.