China has solidified its position as the world’s largest IoT market, boasting a remarkable 64% share of the 1.5 billion global cellular connections. This achievement extends to the swiftly growing realm of mobile IoT licensed low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies, according to an intelligence report from GSMA, the industry association representing over 750 operators and nearly 400 companies in the global mobile ecosystem.
GSMA’s data is derived from its fourth-quarter 2019 intelligence report, underlining China’s IoT leadership. With an estimated 960 million devices connected via cellular networks, the nation is actively embracing the IoT’s potential to revolutionize society through mass-market applications, including smart homes, smart industries, and smart cities.
China has witnessed a growing number of IoT use cases, including large-scale deployments. Notable examples include Sunsea AIoT’s partnership with China Telecom to install 500,000 NB-IoT sensors in the Jing’an District, monitoring aspects like hydrant water pressure, gas, smoke, and environmental conditions. Even connected manhole covers are being used for monitoring gases and underground assets.
Collaborations between China Telecom, Huawei, Shenzhen Water, and Shenzhen Gas are demonstrating the benefits of NB-IoT-connected smart meters for utility companies. This initiative aims to enhance the delivery of water and gas services while improving infrastructure management.
China Mobile has deployed over 100,000 NB-IoT intelligent fire alarm systems across the country, and China Unicom has reportedly installed over 25,000 gas and water meters using an NB-IoT solution that combines IoT with big data for more intelligent energy management.
China’s state-led approach to IoT, along with its influence on international IoT standards, has positioned the nation as a credible competitor in the IoT industry, according to a report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Moreover, China has laid a solid foundation for the comprehensive rollout of 5G technology, which is expected to make IoT faster and more effective.
In recognition of China’s contributions to the IoT ecosystem, Huawei topped the 2018 World Internet of Things Ranking List (WIOTRL) for the second consecutive year. Seven other Chinese companies joined the top 50, further emphasizing the country’s significant presence in IoT development.
Furthermore, China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the General Administration of Market Supervision, and the Bureau of Statistics introduced a new occupations list that includes IoT professionals, marking the industry’s growing importance in the nation’s economy.