Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market
By Component;
Network and ModuleBy End User;
Automotive, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, Agriculture and OthersBy Application;
Smart Meters, Smart Parking, Trackers, Alarms & Detectors and Wearable DevicesBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market Overview
Narrowband-Iot (Nb-Iot) Market (USD Million)
Narrowband-Iot (Nb-Iot) Market was valued at USD 2,856.19 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 22,861.40 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 34.6%.
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 34.6 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 34.6 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 2,856.19 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 22,861.40 Million |
| Market Concentration | Low |
| Report Pages | 333 |
Major Players
- Qualcomm Technologies, Inc
- AT&T
- Cellco Partnership
- T-Mobile US, Inc
- Vodafone Group PLC
- Nokia
- MediaTek Inc
- Intel Corporation
- Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
- Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd
- Sequans
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market is witnessing strong growth as industries prioritize low-power wide-area networks for reliable connectivity. Over 55% of IoT deployments now adopt NB-IoT technology, underlining its ability to provide cost-efficient communication for large-scale applications. Its advantages in power savings and coverage depth make it a preferred IoT standard.
Boosting Smart Device Integration
NB-IoT is accelerating the adoption of connected devices by enabling seamless machine-to-machine communication. Close to 60% of smart systems currently deploy NB-IoT modules, ensuring reliable and energy-conscious data transfer. This trend is strengthening smart utilities, logistics, and industrial operations through enhanced connectivity.
Transforming Healthcare and Consumer Applications
In healthcare, NB-IoT is proving crucial for remote monitoring and smart wearables. Nearly 50% of connected healthcare devices now utilize NB-IoT networks for transmitting accurate data with minimal power use. Its adoption in consumer electronics is also expanding, supporting the demand for always-connected lifestyles.
Advancing Smart Infrastructure Projects
NB-IoT is becoming central to smart city initiatives and infrastructure modernization. More than 45% of urban IoT deployments incorporate NB-IoT solutions for utilities, traffic systems, and environmental monitoring. Its ability to manage vast device networks with low latency and strong coverage is reinforcing its role in digital transformation.
Positive Market Outlook
With over 40% of IoT-related investments directed toward NB-IoT technologies, the NB-IoT market is poised for significant expansion. Its integration across healthcare, utilities, and infrastructure highlights its transformative impact. As connected ecosystems continue to scale, NB-IoT is set to drive the foundation of next-generation smart networks.
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market Key Takeaways
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The growth of the smart city infrastructure is driving the adoption of Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT), as it enables cost-effective, low-power connectivity for a wide range of devices, including sensors and meters.
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Industrial automation is boosting demand for NB-IoT solutions, as it facilitates the efficient operation of connected devices in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management.
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The demand for low-latency, high-efficiency communication networks is fueling the deployment of NB-IoT, particularly for applications requiring constant, real-time data transmission over extended ranges.
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The rapid development of 5G networks is enhancing the performance of NB-IoT, enabling faster data transfer and broader coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas.
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Governments and enterprises are investing in NB-IoT to support environmental monitoring, particularly in areas like agriculture, water quality, and air pollution, where real-time monitoring is critical.
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The increasing focus on smart agriculture and remote monitoring of crops and livestock is driving the demand for NB-IoT devices and sensors that offer long-range, low-power connectivity.
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With the adoption of NB-IoT solutions in various sectors, there is a growing focus on enhancing security protocols to protect sensitive data transmitted through IoT networks.
Narrowband-Iot (Nb-Iot) Market Recent Developments
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In 2023, the narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) market sustained strong growth, driven largely by advancements in the Asia-Pacific region. Major telecom operators, including China Mobile, expanded large-scale NB-IoT deployments to connect millions of devices. Backed by government initiatives and support from key players like Quectel and ZTE, the market saw accelerated adoption across diverse industries.
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In 2022, the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program provided significant funding to advance energy-efficient NB-IoT network projects. This initiative supported the EU’s vision for smart cities and intelligent utilities, promoting applications such as smart metering, environmental monitoring and sustainable infrastructure development.
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market has been segmented by Component, End User, Application and Geography.
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, Segmentation by Component
The NB-IoT Market by Component is divided into Network and Module, both playing pivotal roles in enabling low-power wide-area connectivity. The ecosystem continues to evolve as industries adopt IoT-enabled automation and real-time monitoring systems. Rapid deployment of 5G infrastructure and cost optimization of modules are expected to significantly boost market scalability over the next decade.
Network
The Network segment forms the backbone of NB-IoT deployment, encompassing cellular base stations, gateways, and connectivity management platforms. Growth is fueled by telecom operators upgrading existing LTE infrastructure to support massive IoT device connections. With coverage expansion exceeding 90% in developed markets, the network ecosystem underpins smart city and industrial IoT growth.
Module
NB-IoT modules enable device-level connectivity and low-power data transmission. Their demand has surged in metering, asset tracking, and wearables applications, where energy efficiency and long battery life are critical. Continuous price reductions and standardization efforts are driving over 20% annual growth in module shipments worldwide.
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, Segmentation by End User
The End User segmentation underscores how NB-IoT technology is penetrating various industries to enhance operational efficiency and asset visibility. Widespread integration in automotive, utilities, and healthcare highlights its expanding role in digital transformation and predictive maintenance systems.
Automotive
In the automotive industry, NB-IoT supports vehicle tracking, telematics, and fleet management with low latency and high reliability. The segment benefits from integration in connected cars and EV charging infrastructure, with adoption rates crossing 35% in commercial fleets.
Energy & Utilities
The energy and utilities sector leverages NB-IoT for smart metering, grid automation, and infrastructure monitoring. Its wide coverage and low energy consumption make it ideal for large-scale networked devices, improving operational efficiency and real-time data collection.
Healthcare
Healthcare applications utilize NB-IoT for remote patient monitoring, asset tracking, and medical device management. Its secure, low-power connectivity supports continuous data transmission, enhancing patient safety and reducing system downtime.
Agriculture
Agriculture is rapidly adopting NB-IoT technology for soil monitoring, irrigation control, and livestock tracking. These solutions enable farmers to improve yield efficiency and resource management, contributing to smart farming growth across emerging economies.
Others
The others segment includes industrial and logistics applications utilizing NB-IoT for asset visibility, predictive maintenance, and environmental monitoring. These use cases are increasingly relevant in smart factory ecosystems.
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, Segmentation by Application
By Application, the market reveals how NB-IoT is driving innovation in connected infrastructure and consumer electronics. Each segment demonstrates unique value propositions centered on low-cost, low-power communication and wide coverage, key to scaling IoT deployments globally.
Smart Meters
Smart meters account for a significant share of NB-IoT applications, supporting real-time energy consumption tracking and remote billing. With deployment rates exceeding 60% in Europe, this segment is a key catalyst for smart grid modernization.
Smart Parking
Smart parking systems use NB-IoT to transmit vehicle occupancy and space availability data. Cities adopting these solutions are reducing congestion by up to 30% while improving urban traffic management.
Trackers
NB-IoT trackers enable real-time asset tracking across logistics and retail sectors. Their low-power operation and deep indoor coverage make them ideal for supply chain transparency and inventory management.
Alarms & Detectors
Alarms and detectors utilize NB-IoT connectivity to ensure timely alerts for fire, gas leaks, and environmental hazards. The technology’s reliable low-bandwidth transmission enhances public safety infrastructure.
Wearable Devices
Wearable devices powered by NB-IoT deliver continuous health and activity monitoring with minimal power consumption. Integration into remote healthcare systems and personal safety applications continues to expand rapidly.
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
North America
North America leads in NB-IoT deployment with extensive operator-led rollouts across the U.S. and Canada. Growth is driven by smart city investments, utility digitization, and automotive telematics integration, backed by strong regulatory support for spectrum efficiency.
Europe
Europe is a mature NB-IoT market characterized by government-backed IoT infrastructure initiatives and strong presence of telecom leaders. High deployment in energy and utility sectors continues to strengthen its market position.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific dominates the global NB-IoT ecosystem, accounting for nearly 55% of total connections. Rapid expansion in China, India, and South Korea is driven by nationwide IoT strategies and smart infrastructure projects.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region is increasingly investing in smart grid and industrial automation projects. Government-led digital transformation programs are enhancing NB-IoT adoption across energy and utilities.
Latin America
Latin America is experiencing steady NB-IoT deployment in smart metering and logistics. Countries such as Brazil and Mexico are prioritizing urban connectivity and sustainability through nationwide IoT frameworks.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Narrowband-Iot (Nb-Iot) Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Advancements in NB-IoT Technology
- Regulatory Support and Standardization
- Increased Investment in IoT Infrastructure
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Emergence of Smart Cities and Industrial IoT: The emergence of smart cities and the widespread adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies have significantly propelled the growth of the Global Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) market. Smart cities leverage NB-IoT technology to enable efficient management of resources, improve public services, and enhance overall urban living standards. These cities deploy NB-IoT-enabled sensors and devices for various applications such as smart parking, waste management, environmental monitoring, and intelligent transportation systems. By integrating NB-IoT networks into urban infrastructure, cities can collect real-time data, optimize resource utilization, and make data-driven decisions to address the evolving needs of their citizens.
The industrial sector has embraced NB-IoT as a foundational technology for advancing the concept of Industry 4.0. Industrial IoT solutions powered by NB-IoT enable remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and asset tracking across manufacturing facilities, utilities, and logistics operations. With NB-IoT connectivity, industrial enterprises can enhance operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and improve overall productivity. The deployment of NB-IoT in industrial environments not only streamlines processes but also enables the development of innovative business models, such as equipment-as-a-service and pay-per-use models, driving further market expansion.
The convergence of smart city initiatives and industrial IoT applications has created a symbiotic relationship that fuels the growth of the global NB-IoT market. As smart cities continue to evolve, the demand for NB-IoT solutions in urban infrastructure projects is expected to surge. Industries across sectors are increasingly adopting NB-IoT technology to gain a competitive edge in the digital economy. With ongoing advancements in NB-IoT standards, improved network coverage, and the development of scalable IoT platforms, the market is poised for substantial growth, offering lucrative opportunities for stakeholders ranging from technology providers to service integrators.
Restraints:
- Regulatory Hurdles
- Spectrum Limitations
- Interference Challenges
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Infrastructure Constraints: The Global Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) market, while promising in its potential, faces several infrastructure constraints that hinder its widespread adoption and scalability. One of the primary challenges lies in the deployment of NB-IoT networks, particularly in remote or underdeveloped regions. Establishing the necessary infrastructure, including base stations and coverage areas, demands significant investment and logistical planning. In areas where traditional cellular networks might already be sparse, expanding the NB-IoT infrastructure becomes even more complex, requiring partnerships between governments, telecommunications companies, and other stakeholders to address these gaps.
Interoperability remains a crucial constraint for the NB-IoT market. As the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem expands, various devices and applications emerge from different manufacturers, each potentially operating on different standards or protocols. Ensuring seamless communication and compatibility among these diverse devices and platforms is essential for the success of NB-IoT deployments on a global scale. Standardization efforts, therefore, become imperative to mitigate interoperability challenges and foster a cohesive IoT ecosystem where NB-IoT devices can operate reliably across different networks and environments.
Power consumption and battery life pose significant constraints for NB-IoT devices, especially in applications requiring long-term deployment or operation in remote areas. Many IoT devices are designed to operate with minimal power consumption to prolong battery life, but optimizing NB-IoT devices for ultra-low power consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity remains a technical challenge. Addressing this constraint involves advancements in hardware design, energy-efficient communication protocols, and optimization of network configurations to ensure that NB-IoT devices can operate effectively for extended periods without frequent battery replacements or recharging, particularly in scenarios where accessibility or maintenance is limited. Overcoming these infrastructure constraints requires collaborative efforts from industry players, policymakers, and technology innovators to unlock the full potential of NB-IoT and enable its seamless integration into various IoT applications worldwide.
Opportunities:
- Standards Fragmentation
- Power Consumption Issues
- Limited Coverage and Penetration
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Device and Module Fragmentation: Device and module fragmentation poses a significant challenge in the global Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) market, impacting interoperability and hindering widespread adoption. With a multitude of vendors offering NB-IoT devices and modules, there exists a lack of standardization in hardware specifications, communication protocols, and software interfaces. This fragmentation leads to compatibility issues between different devices and modules, complicating integration efforts for IoT solutions across various industries.
The diverse requirements of different IoT applications exacerbate the problem of fragmentation. Industries such as agriculture, logistics, healthcare, and smart cities demand specialized features and functionalities from NB-IoT devices and modules. As a result, manufacturers develop bespoke solutions tailored to specific verticals, further fragmenting the market and increasing the complexity of ecosystem management for businesses deploying IoT solutions.
Addressing device and module fragmentation requires concerted efforts from industry stakeholders, including standardization bodies, manufacturers, and network operators. Establishing common standards for NB-IoT hardware and software interfaces can streamline interoperability and promote compatibility across devices and modules from different vendors. Fostering collaboration among stakeholders to develop modular and flexible solutions that can adapt to diverse application requirements can mitigate fragmentation challenges and accelerate the growth of the global NB-IoT market.
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market
The Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market is experiencing rapid growth driven by the increasing demand for efficient and scalable connectivity solutions in various industries, including agriculture, healthcare, and smart cities. Companies in this market are focusing on innovation, low-power connectivity, and cost-effectiveness to develop NB-IoT solutions that enhance device connectivity and support the growing number of IoT applications. The market is projected to grow at a rate of 18% annually over the next few years.
Market Structure and Concentration
The NB-IoT market is moderately concentrated, with a few key players leading the industry. These companies are adopting strategies such as acquisitions, partnerships, and expansion of network infrastructure to increase their market presence and improve NB-IoT connectivity solutions. The market is expected to see a 20-22% increase in share from regional players offering specialized connectivity solutions.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Leading companies in the NB-IoT market are focusing on strengthening their branding and expanding their distribution channels through both direct sales and partnerships with telecom providers, device manufacturers, and system integrators. These companies are also concentrating on educating end-users about the benefits of NB-IoT for enhancing connectivity in a wide range of applications. These strategies are expected to contribute to a 19-21% annual increase in market penetration.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
The market is driven by continuous innovation in low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies and 5G integration with NB-IoT. Companies are investing in R&D to enhance NB-IoT’s data transmission rates, reduce latency, and improve energy efficiency for IoT devices. These technological advancements are expected to contribute to a market growth rate of 18% annually.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
The NB-IoT market is witnessing strong regional growth, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, where the demand for smart cities and industrial IoT solutions is high. Companies are focusing on expanding their regional presence through local partnerships and enhancing their network coverage to meet the growing demand for connected devices. Regional growth is expected to increase by 20-22% annually, driven by rising investments in IoT infrastructure.
Future Outlook
The future of the NB-IoT market looks promising, with continued growth expected as demand for efficient, scalable, and secure connectivity solutions rises across industries. Companies will continue to focus on innovation, 5G integration, and regional expansion to strengthen their position. The market is expected to grow at a rate of 18% annually, supported by the increasing adoption of NB-IoT in industrial and consumer applications.
Key players in Narrowband-Iot (Nb-Iot) Market include:
- Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
- Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
- Ericsson AB
- Nokia Corporation
- Verizon Communications Inc.
- AT&T Inc.
- Vodafone Group Plc
- ZTE Corporation
- Sierra Wireless, Inc.
- Intel Corporation
- Northern Semiconductor ASA
- Sequans Communications S.A.
- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- MediaTek Inc.
- China Mobile Ltd.
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market Share Analysis
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Component
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Narrowband-Iot (Nb-Iot) Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Advancements in NB-IoT Technology
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Regulatory Support and Standardization
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Increased Investment in IoT Infrastructure
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Emergence of Smart Cities and Industrial IoT
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- Restraints
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Regulatory Hurdles
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Spectrum Limitations
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Interference Challenges
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Infrastructure Constraints
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- Opportunities
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Standards Fragmentation
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Power Consumption Issues
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Limited Coverage and Penetration
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Device and Module Fragmentation
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, By Component, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Network
- Module
- Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Automotive
- Energy & Utilities
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Others
- Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Smart Meters
- Smart Parking
- Trackers
- Alarms & Detectors
- Wearable Devices
- Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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North America
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United States
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Canada
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Europe
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Germany
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United Kingdom
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France
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Italy
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Spain
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Nordic
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Benelux
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Rest of Europe
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Asia Pacific
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Japan
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China
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India
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Australia & New Zealand
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South Korea
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ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
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Rest of Asia Pacific
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Middle East & Africa
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GCC
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Israel
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South Africa
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Rest of Middle East & Africa
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Latin America
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Brazil
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Mexico
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Argentina
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Rest of Latin America
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- Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Market, By Component, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
- Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
- Ericsson AB
- Nokia Corporation
- Verizon Communications Inc.
- AT&T Inc.
- Vodafone Group Plc
- ZTE Corporation
- Sierra Wireless, Inc.
- Intel Corporation
- Northern Semiconductor ASA
- Sequans Communications S.A.
- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- MediaTek Inc.
- China Mobile Ltd.
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market

