There are multiple reasons why cellular connectivity (2G, 3G, 4G, NB-IoT, Cat-M1) is the best choice for device manufacturers.
Coverage: Cellular networks are available globally, and the current infrastructure offers good connectivity capability and quality of service. A cellular subscription doesn’t limit your device to a specific area, city, or country, but the possibility to roam and eSIM has opened the borders.
Security: Cellular technology has been maturing for 50+ years now. All the solutions are GSMA-certified and accepted by all global telecoms. As a comparison, the alternative options haven’t been around half as long, and thus can’t match cellular connectivity's trustworthiness.
Range: WiFi and Bluetooth could be useful for high bandwidth applications but don't reach far enough for long-distance communications. With cellular networks, your IoT or M2M devices can be connected whether they’re deployed in a populated or rural area.
Cost: Telecoms have made heavy investments in cellular networks to provide secure, reliable service to as many customers as possible.
If you’re not sure which cellular network would work the best for your use case, we recommend you read our blog article on the topic.