Qualcomm, the largest supplier of modem chips used in smartphones, introduced the X50 modem to give them the ability to communicate over 5G networks, which are expected to operate 10 to 100 times faster than current LTE technology. But as it attempts to move everything from wearable devices to factory equipment onto cellular networks, Qualcomm has had to start focusing less on speed and more on power usage.

The company's latest 9205 LTE modem is designed for Internet of Things devices that send small amounts of information infrequently over long distances without depleting battery power too quickly. The modem supports LTE-M and NB-IoT networks, which are capable of tapping into the same LTE technology used by current 4G networks. It also allows electronic devices to connect to second generation, or 2G, cellular networks.

The company said that the modem is around 50 percent smaller - approximately the size of a dime - and 40 percent lower cost than its current wireless Internet of Things chip, the MDM9206. The idle power consumption has also been lowered by 70 percent. Qualcomm is targeting tiny battery-powered devices that have to remain functional for years without recharging, according to Vieri Vanghi, Qualcomm Europe's VP of product management.