Verizon and AT&T lead the way in managing millions of invisible connections you depend on daily

The report describes leaders as companies that actively invest in the future of IoT and cover everything from edge devices to platforms and analytics. These companies don't just keep up – they push the industry forward. Overall, in many cases, they set the standard for innovation and market growth.


Verizon offers a wide range of IoT solutions, including fleet management, utility monitoring and asset tracking. It has recently expanded its 5G, its private networks, edge computing and security features. Reportedly, by mid-2024, Verizon managed nearly 63 million IoT connections, which is up 15% year-over-year. The carrier serves industries like manufacturing, automotive, logistics, and smart cities across the US and Europe.

Meanwhile, AT&T focuses on end-to-end IoT solutions in the US and Mexico, with growing SMB-targeted offerings like connected spaces and video-as-a-sensor. It managed nearly 136 million IoT connections in early 2024, up 16% year-over-year, primarily supporting multinational corporations in North America and Western Europe.

Now, while all this mainly benefits businesses, I think it also impacts us everyday users. With the rise of managed IoT connectivity, smart home devices, security systems and even city infrastructure like traffic lights and utilities will have more reliable connections.

Plus, businesses using IoT for tracking and monitoring can improve delivery times, public transportation and emergency response. And since managed IoT services focus on secure data handling, your personal data from connected devices could be better protected.