Berg Insight Says Cellular Connections Reach 53% of Point-of-Sale Terminals Shipped Globally in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Cellular connectivity in 53% of POS units shipped 2025.
• Installed base reached 184 million cellular POS terminals worldwide.
• Forecast CAGR 7.6% through 2029, hitting 247 million units.
• Mobile POS growth driven by telecom constraints in fixed locations.

Pulse Analysis

The latest Berg Insight data shows cellular connectivity now powers 53 percent of point‑of‑sale terminals shipped in 2025, pushing the global installed base to 184 million units. This surge is fueled by the proliferation of omnichannel retail strategies, the need for rapid deployment in pop‑up stores, and the persistent gaps in fixed broadband coverage across emerging markets. Mobile‑first merchants are opting for built‑in LTE/5G modules to guarantee uninterrupted transaction processing, while hardware OEMs bundle connectivity as a standard feature to stay competitive.

For retailers, the migration to cellular POS translates into greater geographic flexibility and lower total cost of ownership. Without dependence on wired Ethernet or legacy dial‑up lines, merchants can open temporary locations, service vans, or rural outlets with the same payment reliability as flagship stores. Telecom operators, in turn, gain a recurring revenue stream from data plans tied to millions of devices, prompting partnerships with POS manufacturers to offer bundled pricing. Security‑focused firms also benefit, as cellular networks often provide more frequent firmware updates and remote monitoring capabilities.

Looking ahead, Berg Insight projects a 7.6 percent CAGR through 2029, culminating in 247 million cellular POS terminals worldwide. The trajectory suggests that 5G rollout and edge‑computing integration will further enhance transaction speed and enable value‑added services such as real‑time inventory analytics. However, challenges remain, including spectrum licensing costs and the need for robust encryption standards to protect cardholder data over wireless links. Investors should watch for consolidation among hardware vendors and telecoms, as well as emerging fintech platforms that leverage cellular POS as a gateway to new revenue models.