RedCap Rolls Forward The ongoing shift to 5G presents a challenge for IoT connectivity: the capabilities of 5G eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) often exceed what IoT devices require, adding unnecessary cost and complexity. Things are opening up, however, with the emergence of 5G RedCap (NR-Light), a leaner 5G variant designed for mid-tier devices including industrial routers and gateways, video surveillance cameras and industrial monitoring systems. These applications often require more bandwidth and performance than low-power widearea (LPWA) technologies typically provide but don’t need the full capabilities of 5G eMBB. 5G RedCap fills this gap, providing a cost-effective, power-efficient middle tier. The transition to 5G RedCap has been in motion for several years. It was first standardized in 2022 as part of 3GPP Release 17, with initial commercial network solutions following in 2023. Momentum is building heading into 2027, with demand accelerating and manufacturers rolling out 5G RedCap-compatible devices. At the same time, mobile operators worldwide are beginning to introduce commercial support for 5G RedCap. Earlier this year, the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) identified at least 42 operators in 27 countries investing in RedCap, with many still in the trial phase. GSA expects commercial deployments to accelerate as more RedCapcompatible devices become available and the ecosystem matures. This comes as the industry prepares for the eventual sunset of LTE, which is expected to unfold during the next decade. As Digi noted in a recent post, “2026 marks the first year where infrastructure and devices are aligned, and production-ready solutions are commercially available.” “As customers begin planning their next moves beyond existing 4G LTE deployments, RedCap offers a practical path to 5G with lower costs and better power efficiency than traditional 5G,” explained Dane Surkamer, vice president of global channel sales at Digi International. “More modules and chipsets are also available, which provide integrators with additional choices for customer projects. Major U.S. carriers now support RedCap devices, so partners can deploy on networks their customers already use.” 5G RedCap offers several potential benefits across utilities, industrial By Gerald Baldino 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) gains momentum, bringing affordable 5G connectivity to mid-tier IoT devices MOBILE & WIRELESS 26 CHANNELVISION | FALL 2026
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