Methods and apparatus for selecting a network route for data communications for IoT devices

In some implementations, a message indicating a request for delivery of data to user equipment (UE) (e.g. an IoT device) operative for communications in a mobile network may be received from an application server. One or more first loading or congestion indication values indicative of a first loading or congestion at one or more first network nodes along a first mobile network route may be obtained. In addition, one or more second loading or congestion indication values indicative of a second loading or congestion at one or more second network nodes along a second mobile network route may be obtained. The first or the second mobile network route may be selected based on at least one of the one or more first and the second loading or congestion indication values. The data may be delivered to the UE over the selected mobile network route.