AT&T has achieved a key milestone in the evolution of its Internet of Things (IoT) strategy with the nationwide deployment of its 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology, now covering over 200 million points of presence (POPs) across the United States.
This marks a significant leap in extending the technology benefits of 5G to a broader class of IoT devices that demand lower power, reduced bandwidth, and cost-effective connectivity. RedCap is designed to bridge the gap between low-power wide-area technologies like LTE-M and the full capabilities of traditional 5G, providing a scalable platform for the next generation of IoT applications, Jason Sikes, VP Device Technology at AT&T, said in a blog post.
RedCap technology is optimized for devices that require mid-tier data rates and lower energy consumption, making it ideal for use cases such as industrial sensors, healthcare monitors, asset trackers, smart meters, fleet management tools, wearables, and extended reality (XR) devices.
By supporting a streamlined version of 5G — featuring fewer antennas, lower processing complexity, and simplified RF design — RedCap enables manufacturers to build smaller, cheaper, and more power-efficient IoT devices. This helps accelerate time-to-market and makes it economically viable to scale IoT deployments across industries.
AT&T is working closely with module partners like Semtech, Telit Cinterion, and Rhino Mobility to expand the RedCap-enabled device ecosystem. The recent certification of the Franklin Wireless RG350, the first commercially approved RedCap product on AT&T’s network, is a notable development.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System, the RG350 mobile hotspot offers the performance and simplicity of RedCap in a compact form factor, representing how RedCap can bring reliable 5G connectivity to mobile users without the hardware and power demands of traditional 5G devices.
This nationwide RedCap rollout is poised to drive a new wave of IoT innovation. By offering a cost-effective and power-efficient connectivity layer, RedCap will enable enterprises to modernize operations with real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation across logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and other critical sectors. For consumers, RedCap will bring new connected experiences through wearables and smart devices that benefit from enhanced battery life and streamlined 5G performance.
AT&T’s move reinforces its commitment to building an inclusive and forward-looking 5G network, where RedCap plays a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of the IoT ecosystem. As more RedCap devices enter the market, the technology is expected to catalyze broader adoption of 5G across diverse use cases, laying the groundwork for a connected future with smarter infrastructure, improved mobility, and enhanced operational intelligence.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
