Telecommunication firms AT&T and T-Mobile are set to release the first 5G IoT RedCap devices very soon. The first devices could be a wearable and a mini router. T-Mobile and AT&T will introduce their first devices using RedCap, the new carrier-supported 5G specification tailored for IoT deployments. This technology is meant to give a new meaning to wearables and sensors, making them more cost-effective and efficient.

What is RedCap?

T-Mobile, AT&T Ready to Launch 5G RedCap Devices

Thus, RedCap is essentially termed as "Reduced Capability" or "NR-Light," a toned-down version of 5G that was specially designed for devices requiring less-normal strength and speedy speed of 5G.

According to Oracle, RedCap is set to make smartwatches, sensors, and surveillance cameras, among others, more power-friendly and budget-friendly. The outcomes will have a longer charge and be cheaper with fewer portions of the parts, including miniature-sized antennas and lower bandwidths.

This new trend could then bring forth the next wave of 5G-enabled, mass-market consumer devices, such as low-cost cellular-enabled smartwatches, extended reality glasses, and portable devices that do not necessarily require high-speed data connectivity but would still appreciate the increased reliability of 5G.

AT&T and T-Mobile's RedCap Plans

AT&T and T-Mobile will waste no time in bringing RedCap to market. According to Fierce Wireless, AT&T started its testing of this technology as far back as 2023. But the first NR-Light devices will only be delivered to the shelves later next year, in 2025. T-Mobile is not so dawdling, expecting its first RedCap device to surface by the end of 2024.

What the devices are beyond this level is of course unknown, although Jason Silkes, AT&T's AVP of device architecture, hazarded a guess that the first products under the NR-Light brand would be discounted mobile hotspots and dongles. This as TCL has recently announced a 5G USB dongle called the TCL Linkport IK511.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 Chipset Role

Most early RedCap devices will probably still use Qualcomm's Snapdragon X35 modem, which has just launched. Qualcomm already announced collaborations with T-Mobile and AT&T in the products that are soon going to be launched and clearly seems to have more work and more visibility in the near term for NR-Light technologies.

More about this may be heard at CES 2024 when more details about RedCap-powered devices may be announced, according to The Verge.

What Does RedCap Mean for the Future?

RedCap technology is a turning point in the 5G landscape, especially for IoT devices. That's because it offers 5G at a lower price and with higher power efficiency, which would open up 5G connectivity for much more products. Therefore, for the first time, very affordable gadgets that are durable and long-lasting such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, XR devices, and many more will be possible.