The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to surpass mobile phones as the largest category of connected devices in 2018, according to a new report released by Ericsson. Between 2015 and 2021, the company has IoT increasing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23 percent, making up close to 16 billion of the total forecast 28 billion connected devices by 2021.
Mobile phones continue to be the largest category of connected devices, according to the company. However, in 2018 they are expected to be surpassed by IoT, which includes connected cars, machines, utility meters, remote metering and consumer electronics.
Between 2015 and 2021, Western Europe is expected to add the most connections, led by growth within the connected car segment. A connected car is counted as one device, though it may have hundreds of sensors.
The study also highlights that viewing is gradually switching from traditional TV to streaming video on smartphones. Although most streaming is over WiFi, high growth rates can be seen especially for teen data usage over cellular networks, as they stream video throughout the day indicating a major shift in behavior.
“This is a change that can be observed across age groups, although it is most clearly seen in teen behavior. Between 2011 and 2015, teens increased their TV/video viewing at home on smartphones by 85 percent and nearly halved their time spent watching on a traditional TV screen,” the report says. “Older generations are slower to change. For example, 30-35 year-olds spent four hours more than teens in front of the traditional TV in 2011 and still did so in 2015.”
You can download the “Ericsson Mobility Report” here.