The deployment of 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) technology, designed for IoT applications, is gaining momentum – but at a slow speed.
RedCap technology focuses on simplifying 5G devices, particularly small IoT devices such as wearables or health trackers for consumers as well as ruggedized routers, and environmental or other condition-based monitoring sensors.
IoT industry is betting on several advantages. For instance, the cost of RedCap modules (down to $10) is 80 percent lower than that of 5G eMBB modules. RedCap has 10-fold higher network capacity than 4G. RedCap devices consume 20 percent less power than 4G devices. RedCap supports key 5G capabilities such as URLLC, network slicing, edge computing, and 5G LAN.
The latest Omdia report said 5G RedCap will reach 963.5 million connections by 2030, highlighting the increasing influence of 5G in powering IoT use cases and the industry’s readiness to deploy RedCap and eRedCap solutions.
RedCap and its enhanced version, eRedCap (enhanced Reduced Capability), are expected to replace current LTE Cat-1 to Cat-4 devices. eRedCap is poised to offer reduced capabilities and lower data rates, positioning it as an affordable option for IoT applications.
“5G RedCap was designed for IoT applications, and in just a year since the first module launches, we’ve already seen small-scale deployments and trials begin to take shape,” Alexander Thompson, Senior Analyst at Omdia, said.
Investment in 5G-enabled IoT technologies, such as 5G RedCap, will propel IoT subscriptions to reach 5.2 billion from 3.4 billion, according to 5G Americas and Omdia.
Juniper Research analyst Sam Barker said: “The emergence of 5G Advanced and 5G RedCap will enable operators to offer similar network conditions as fixed network service providers.”
No big commercial deployments?
Though there is widespread discussion on the positives of 5G RedCap technology, there are no big announcements on the commercial deployments.
STC Kuwait, in partnership with Huawei, unveiled the commercial deployment of 5G RedCap FWA at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. Module vendors MeiG and Fibocom showcased their latest RedCap modules, and Tozed Kangwei presented a RedCap CPE.
MediaTek announced its 5G RedCap portfolio, the MediaTek T300 platform for IoT applications at MWC 2024.
DU, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has completed 5G-Advanced 5G RedCap trial over a commercial network in partnership with Nokia. The trial showcased the readiness of du’s 5G network for innovative use cases in areas such as IoT, wearables, and Industry 4.0 to address 5G monetization challenges.
Saleem Alblooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, said: “This collaboration with Nokia introduces the revolutionary 5G-Advanced RedCap functionalities, enabling seamless connectivity of RedCap devices to 5G networks.”
Indian telecom operator Airtel tested India’s first RedCap technology on its 5G network in partnership with Ericsson.
UK’s BT has completed trials of 5G RedCap technology with RedCap devices in association with Nokia and chip major MediaTek. The trial, which took place at BT Group’s Adastral Park site, utilized Nokia’s AirScale RAN portfolio, EE’s 5G Standalone (SA) network, and MediaTek’s RedCap testing platform.
BT Group is evaluating RedCap to support new 5G use cases which could benefit both EE’s business and consumer customer bases, Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group said.
AIS has completed Thailand’s first 5G RedCap commercial test in Bangkok on 700MHz and 2600MHz network in association with Huawei. AIS used RedCap terminals, including DTU (Data Transfer Units) and cameras, Wasit Wattanasap, Head of Nationwide Operations and Support Business Unit at AIS, said.
Ericsson has conducted tests on Malaysia’s 5G network deployed by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) for the implementation Ericsson’s RedCap software.
“With Ericsson RedCap, we are preparing DNB’s 5G network to offer enhanced 5G connectivity for everything from consumer wearables to industrial sensors,” Ken Tan, Chief Technology Officer at Digital Nasional Berhad, said.
DNB conducted the RedCap tests on TDD 3500 and FDD 700 layers for both data calls and Voice over New Radio (VoNR), which provides high-definition audio and video for improved user experience.
Huawei, together with China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, has implemented the end-to-end commercial deployment of RedCap in more than 10 cities.
Global carriers, such as e& UAE, STC Saudi Arabia, Zain KSA, STC Kuwait, Zain Kuwait, STC Bahrain, and AIS Thailand have completed the technical verification or commercial pilot for RedCap.
In 2023, China Unicom, together with State Grid Shandong and Huawei, launched the deployment of 5G RedCap+ power in Shandong Province, facilitating easy 5G application.
Global telecom industry is yet to start measuring the impact from the deployment of 5G RedCap in IoT business though there are trials and commercial deals.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
