IoT is entering a new strategic era. Market conditions are shifting, AI is accelerating, and enterprises are re-evaluating what reliable, scalable connectivity really requires. Eseye’s 2026 IoT Predictions Report cuts through the noise with five expert perspectives that highlight where IoT leaders should focus next. These insights matter because the decisions made over the next two years will determine whether organizations build competitive advantage or face operational risk.
This is not a year of small adjustments. It is a year of structural change. Device design, connectivity models, and global deployment strategies must adapt to a more fragmented world.
A more divided global cellular landscape
Adam Hayes, COO at Eseye, highlights a long-term shift now crystallizing into a pressing challenge. Regional differences in network maturity are widening, and this creates a more complex environment for long life devices. The US and APAC markets are advancing rapidly into next generation cellular ecosystems, while Europe faces constraints that slow harmonization.
For IoT leaders, this means global device strategies must account for both backward compatibility and forward readiness. Multi-RAT designs, eUICC capability, and flexible connectivity management become essential safeguards.
A clearer commercial path for 5G FWA
Tony Byrne, CEO at Eseye, focuses on the rise of Fixed Wireless Access as a practical and scalable connectivity choice for enterprises. 5G FWA is gaining traction because it supports use cases that demand high performance connectivity without the availability or consistency of fixed lines.
What is changing in 2026 is the service model around FWA. Operators looking to grow enterprise revenue will need to offer more than basic connectivity. They will need managed services that integrate hardware, global coverage, and support into a single, cohesive solution.
For readers evaluating FWA, this guide provides helpful background.
Operators face a decisive strategic moment
Ian Marsden, Co-Founder and CTO at Eseye, identifies a clear turning point for Mobile Network Operators. Traditional IoT economics no longer align with legacy platforms and cost structures. As a result, operators must choose whether to scale IoT through specialist partnerships or withdraw from the segment to concentrate fully on core consumer services.
Enterprise buyers will feel the impact of these choices. Some operators will strengthen their IoT offerings while others reduce emphasis on the category. Understanding the direction of travel within the operator ecosystem becomes an important part of risk mitigation for global deployments.
The real meaning of SGP.32 for enterprises
Paul Marshall, Co-Founder and CCO at Eseye, examines the operational implications of the new SGP.32 standard. Many organizations see SGP.32 as a pathway to greater autonomy, yet the reality reveals far more complexity. Managing multiple operator profiles, testing global performance, and maintaining consistent service levels requires resources that extend beyond most in house teams. The report outlines why SGP.32 will accelerate demand for managed IoT services that simplify integration and create a single point of accountability.
For a practical introduction to SGP.32, start here.
Preparing for the rise of sentient AIoT
Nick Earle, Executive Chairman at Eseye, explores how enterprises are beginning to rely on autonomous AI systems that act on real time physical world data. This shift requires dependable IoT information streams that AI agents can trust. As these systems scale, high quality IoT data becomes central to business performance.
This is the start of a new AIoT paradigm. IoT is no longer only a source of telemetry. It becomes a strategic driver that underpins intelligent automation, operational efficiency, and predictive decision making. The organizations preparing for this shift today will gain a measurable competitive edge.
Take the next step
These five 2026 IoT Predictions offer a clear view of the strategic forces reshaping IoT. They also serve as a practical guide for leaders navigating global deployments, regulatory variability, new standards, and rising AI requirements.
If you want deeper analysis and actionable recommendations, download the full report.