The future of 5G networks is characterized by the entry onto the scene of a new technology that aims to change many things. This is the RedCap network, a version of 5G that is aimed at connecting smart Internet of Things devices and wearables.
The name RedCap (which means Reduced Capacity) may not sound familiar to you. But the truth is that it will have great relevance in the future. Telefónica itself was already testing a few months ago and other operators are also accelerating the adoption of this type of network. Once it enters the scene, it will mean a major change to the way some of our devices connect and communicate.
Low bandwidth 5G
There are many ways to define RedCap technology, but possibly one of the simplest is to say that it is a fork of the 5G network that operates at low bandwidth. And it makes use of this type of network because the devices that connect to it do not have the same demands as mobile phones, tablets, computers or consoles. They play in a different league and have different requirements, so experts have looked for a way to separate them and let them work fluidly within a network system that will be different from the one occupied by 5G.
The reason for the development of this 5G network is that, as it is a network with lower features and lower requirements, it will also imply lower costs. Therefore, you could be guaranteed to connect your smartwatch, your surveillance cameras, sensors, washing machine and any other type of Internet of Things element without having to worry about costs or performance. This network will use much weaker antennas and encourage less demanding use which, at the same time, will also help devices better manage their energy consumption.
When will we start seeing it in action?
The operators are still in the testing phase and checking both the performance and the possibilities that this type of network provides. From the impressions that the current situation gives us, it seems that it will end up becoming a standard within a not too distant period of time. In Spain, in addition to Telefónica, Vodafone has also carried out tests. Months ago, this operator made a call through RedCap, which was an important turning point for what it will mean for the future of the adoption of this type of networks.
But, obviously, it is not only important to see how it develops in Spain, but we also have to understand the type of progression it is having in other markets. In the United States, which always serves as ground zero for the introduction of new technology, we know that two of the main operators are already finalizing the launch of this network. T-Mobile will launch a device compatible with RedCap at the end of this year 2024, while AT&T’s intention is to do the same at the beginning of next 2025.
When talking about devices, operators are possibly referring to some type of unit, an access point, a dongle that provides the connection or similar. All of this has not yet been specified and, for the moment, remains up in the air. It is to be imagined that they will be, above all, very economical. And there is talk about how they could be enhanced by the presence of a Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 processor.
Everything indicates that this new 5G network will take time to be implemented and that, very possibly, it will not be something that we will see begin to spread until the middle of next year 2025. At the beginning of the year we should begin to find the first news of its implementation and, from there, it is to be imagined that everything will go smoothly. It will be a good time for operators to bring out their best proposals and thus help users revolutionize their home and their Internet of Things devices.
