ABI Research forecasts that the proportion of LTE machine-to-machine (M2M) cellular modules will increase to over 50 per cent of total module shipments by 2021. The research company noted that the recent ratification of the Cat M1 standard and later Cat M2 indicates that LTE will rapidly replace 2G and 3G connections in some of the major M2M markets. However, Europe's LTE M2M module shipment share will be the lowest among the developed world markets. 2G modules are still preferred due to high network coverage and some operators are looking to extend 2G with the EC-GSM standard. Release