Assessing the Future of NB-IoT Across Global Markets
NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) has long been a cornerstone for low-power, wide-area connectivity. But with major operators like AT&T discontinuing their NB-IoT network in 2025* and others reassessing their investments, businesses relying on this technology need to start thinking about the future.
This shift raises critical questions: Why are some networks shutting down NB-IoT while others continue to invest? What does this mean for companies using it today? And what alternatives should be on the radar?
To break it all down, we spoke with David Lindblad, Senior Product Manager at Velos IoT, about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Why Are Some Operators Moving Away from NB-IoT?
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) constantly evaluate the cost versus demand of their network technologies. While NB-IoT was designed for low-power, low-data use cases, some operators have struggled to justify its long-term viability.
"NB-IoT devices typically consume just a fraction of the data that modern networks are optimized for," explains David. "When you compare that to the growing demand for high-speed 5G applications, it’s easy to see why some operators are reallocating resources."
The reality is that adoption rates have varied significantly by region. In China, NB-IoT remains strong, supported by government-backed initiatives and widespread industry adoption. But in North America and parts of Europe, it hasn’t gained the same traction . As a result, some mobile network operators are planning to phase out their NB-IoT networks, while others continue to provide support—for now.
For businesses deploying IoT solutions, this uncertainty makes it crucial to evaluate network availability on a regional basis.
NB-IoT’s Future: A Global Shutdown or Selective Survival?
Despite these shutdowns, NB-IoT isn’t disappearing overnight. In certain regions, it will likely remain a viable option for years. The key is understanding where it makes sense to invest—and where it might be time to pivot.
In China and parts of Asia, where smart city infrastructure and industrial IoT heavily depend on NB-IoT, mobile operators are committed to keeping it active (GSMA)*. Meanwhile, in regions where LTE-M has become the preferred low-power solution, NB-IoT’s days may be numbered.
"It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation," David explains. "Businesses need to monitor the networks they rely on and have a contingency plan if support begins to fade."
If your IoT deployment is tied to NB-IoT, now is the time to assess your long-term connectivity needs and explore transition strategies.
Where NB-IoT Still Makes Sense
Even as some operators phase it out, NB-IoT remains an excellent choice for specific applications—especially where power efficiency and deep coverage matter more than speed.
- Smart metering benefits greatly from NB-IoT. Water and gas meters transmit tiny amounts of data infrequently, making low-power consumption a key requirement.
- Smart city solutions like connected streetlights, waste management systems, and environmental sensors operate efficiently on NB-IoT networks.
However, for mobile applications, NB-IoT has significant limitations. Unlike LTE-M, it doesn’t support seamless handovers between base stations, meaning it’s not well-suited for tracking moving assets like vehicles, drones, or wearables.
For businesses still relying on NB-IoT, the key question is whether its benefits outweigh the risks of potential shutdowns in your deployment regions.
What’s Next? Exploring NB-IoT Alternatives
With uncertainty surrounding NB-IoT’s longevity, companies should start evaluating alternative technologies to future-proof their deployments.
- LTE-M (CAT-M1) has emerged as a strong contender, offering similar low-power benefits but with added mobility support—making it ideal for asset tracking, fleet management, and wearable technology.*.
- 5G RedCap is a developing standard that aims to balance power efficiency with enhanced performance, providing a potential upgrade path for IoT applications in the coming years.
Of course, transitioning from NB-IoT isn’t always seamless. Not all devices are cross-compatible, and network availability varies by country.
"Switching from NB-IoT to LTE-M isn’t as simple as flipping a switch," David warns. "Businesses need to assess hardware compatibility and ensure that alternative networks provide the coverage and performance they require."
That’s why proactive planning is essential. If your company is currently using NB-IoT, now is the time to map out your long-term strategy.
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Sources
- Light Reading – AT&T to Shut Down NB-IoT Network by 2025.
- Counterpoint Research – AT&T to Decommission NB-IoT Network by 2025 Due to Limited Adoption, Market Shifts.
- Machina Research – Analysis of NB-IoT’s limitations in mobile applications.
- GSMA Intelligence – Insights on LTE-M and 5G RedCap developments.
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