Originally referred to as “NR-Light,” Release 17 RedCap simplifies the 5G device transceiver by limiting bandwidth (up to 20 MHz), removing support for carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, and supporting single-antenna configurations. These design choices significantly reduce device complexity, size and power consumption while maintaining a peak data rate of up to 226 Mbps in downlink and up to 120 Mbps in uplink. In Release 18, eRedCap takes this further, targeting applications with even more modest data rate requirements by capping the peak data rate to 10 Mbps in both downlink and uplink, contributing to  further reduce the device cost compared to RedCap.

In addition, Release 17 introduces some features for lowering the device power consumption that can be implemented by RedCap devices, eRedCap devices, and other 5G NR devices. The introduction in Release 13 of extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) cycles for battery endurance stretching into years for industrial sensors and wearables is further improved in Release 18 to provide even better battery life by enabling even longer cycles.

Crucially, RedCap is based on the 5G Standalone (SA) architecture, unlocking features such as network slicing, URLLC, API-based network services and cloud-native orchestration. This provides mobile network operators with the flexibility to serve a broader spectrum of IoT use cases without relying on legacy LTE infrastructure.

Early RedCap ecosystem momentum

As of April 2025, GSA has identified 30 operators across 21 countries investing in RedCap, including commercial launches by China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Dito (Philippines), STC (Kuwait) and T-Mobile US. Commercial tests and pilot deployments are underway globally, spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

This early operator deployment momentum is being mirrored in the device ecosystem where leading chipset vendors such as Qualcomm, MediaTek, ASR and Sequans are providing RedCap-ready platforms. Module makers including Fibocom, Quectel, Telit Cinterion, Smawave and MeiG Smart have introduced RedCap-enabled products targeting gateways, wearables and CPEs. GCF-certified RedCap modules and devices are now emerging, with further growth expected throughout 2025 and 2026.

RedCap’s relevance spans both IoT and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) domains and both consumer and industrial products. In IoT, RedCap enables scalable deployments across verticals such as industrial automation, smart energy and logistics, in retail with Point of Sales devices, and through consumer wearables such as smart watches and connected health devices. For instance, wireless industrial sensors can now benefit from enhanced uplink performance and energy efficiency, while wearables can offer voice over NR (VoNR) support without sacrificing form factor or battery life. Smart grid applications, such as substation telemetry and distribution automation, stand to benefit from RedCap’s latency and throughput profile, particularly in uplink-dominant traffic scenarios.

In parallel, RedCap is emerging as a viable alternative for FWA in markets transitioning away from LTE. GSA data shows that, as of late 2024, 494 operators in 176 countries had launched LTE or 5G FWA services. With 5G SA networks expanding and spectrum refarming on the agenda, RedCap-capable FWA CPEs present a compelling opportunity to deliver broadband to underserved regions, while freeing up LTE assets and simplifying operators’ RAN portfolios.

RedCap future

However, while RedCap is an abbreviation of Reduced Capability, the name can be misleading. New RedCap-based AI-enhanced devices are now being brought to market by vendors, combining local compute with smart networking. Supporting intelligent features such as adaptive roaming and power optimization modes using embedded AI models, RedCap devices can extend beyond connectivity to become an intelligent platform for service delivery.

Nevertheless, deployment is not without challenges. RedCap requires a functioning 5G SA core and while momentum is building, with GSA data reporting 154 operators investing in SA as of Q1 2025, coverage remains uneven. Roaming support is similarly nascent, requiring dedicated inter-PLMN agreements and the introduction of RedCap RAT types in core policy frameworks. Furthermore, network policies must be carefully managed to prevent low-complexity RedCap devices from adversely affecting cell-level resource efficiency, particularly in high-density scenarios.

For mobile ecosystem vendors, encompassing chipset suppliers, module manufacturers, device OEMs and infrastructure providers, RedCap represents both a commercial opportunity and a strategic lever for the deployment of new 5G use cases. By enabling cost-effective, future-proof connectivity across a diverse device landscape, RedCap supports the industry’s transition to scalable 5G SA infrastructure, while preparing the ground for future 6G use cases.

As RedCap matures, it will place a central role in the mid-tier device segment, replacing LTE Cat-3 / Cat-4 in IoT, and supporting mass-market 5G FWA deployments in parallel. Looking forward to the replacement of LTE Cat-1/Cat-1bis, eRedCap will further extend this value proposition into constrained device categories starting in 2026 and beyond.

This article previously appeared in 3GPP Highlights Issue 10 (June 2025)

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Sponsored by Fibocom
Fixed Wireless Access has grown from a niche solution into a mainstream connectivity option. With its ability to rapidly deliver high-speed internet to underserved areas FWA has emerged as a compelling alternative and complement to traditional broadband. Now, propelled by the capabilities of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI), FWA is entering an exciting new phase promising not only faster connections but also smarter and more personalised network experiences.

The Rise of FWA in the 5G Era
The global momentum behind FWA is clear. According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), as of late 2024, 494 operators in 176 countries and territories had launched FWA services using LTE or 5G technologies. Among them, 169 were offering residential or business 5G FWA broadband services – up more than 300% since 2021. Europe leads the way with 72 commercially launched 5G FWA networks, followed closely by the Middle East and Africa​.

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How the fusion of AI and 5G Fixed Wireless Access will deliver a new era of intelligent connectivity

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The Rise of FWA in the 5G Era

The global momentum behind FWA is clear. According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), as of late 2024, 494 operators in 176 countries and territories had launched FWA services using LTE or 5G technologies. Among them, 169 were offering residential or business 5G FWA broadband services – up more than 300% since 2021. Europe leads the way with 72 commercially launched 5G FWA networks, followed closely by the Middle East and Africa​.

This rapid growth is not only due to FWA’s ability to circumvent the limitations of fixed-line broadband infrastructure, especially in rural and remote regions, but also because of the increasing availability and affordability of 5G FWA Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). According to the GSA 4G-5G FWA Forum’s annual CPE vendor survey, 5G-enabled FWA shipments are now mainstream, reaching 10.2 million in 2023 and expected to accelerate further, accounting for 42% of shipments in 2024 compared with 34% in 2023.

But these stats only tell part of the story. As FWA becomes a core component of broadband strategy globally, the industry is shifting from a pure race for bandwidth toward delivering intelligent, adaptive services. This is ushering in the era of 5G+AI.

What AI Brings to the FWA Experience

Traditionally, FWA’s evolution focused on improvements in hardware, including better CPUs, more memory and faster modems. But the integration of AI redefines the value proposition of FWA by infusing intelligence at the edge, specifically into the CPE itself. This creates new opportunities for personalisation, automation and responsiveness that were not previously possible.

1. Smarter Network Performance

With AI integrated into 5G modem chips, FWA devices can perform real-time network optimisation. This includes dynamic spectrum management, throughput optimisation, and AI-assisted fault diagnosis. Modem and chipset vendors are collaborating to embed deep learning models into modem firmware, enabling self-healing capabilities and scenario-based customisation. Features such as “AI airport mode” to boost international roaming efficiency by 50%, and “AI outdoor hiking mode” to improve power efficiency by 10% in low-signal areas are bringing intelligence to FWA network performance.

2. Personalised Smart Home Integration

AI-powered 5G FWA CPE can serve as the control centre for increasingly complex smart home ecosystems. Leveraging the latest platforms and rich sensor arrays, AI-enhanced CPE can analyse environmental inputs and user behaviour to deliver personalised experiences. Covering areas such as health, security and automation, AI can transform FWA from a connectivity tool into a lifestyle enabler.

3. Enhanced Privacy and Security

Privacy is paramount in a world where connected devices collect vast amounts of personal data. AI enables local data processing, minimising the need to send sensitive information to the cloud. With on-device intelligence, FWA CPEs can enforce privacy protocols and enhance cybersecurity, utilising pattern recognition to detect threats or anomalies in real-time.

Generative AI: The Next Frontier

Beyond embedded intelligence, generative AI (Gen-AI) is now entering the FWA landscape. By integrating cloud-based models from providers like OpenAI and Deepseek, operators and users can now gain access to powerful subscription services and productivity tools through GenAI SDKs. For telecom operators, this opens up monetizable value-added services, while for end-users, it unlocks new creative and functional capabilities ranging from voice assistants to AI-driven content creation.

The business implications are profound. FWA devices are evolving into “computing power terminals,” which are not just gateways for data, but platforms for digital productivity and engagement.

Transformative Use Cases

At MWC 2025, Fibocom and Luxshare demonstrated how AI can redefine the role of FWA CPE in the home. By integrating Luxshare’s AI detection algorithms into the 5G CPE hardware, the solution eliminated the need for costly external high-definition cameras for home security. The AI-enhanced CPE became a multifunctional smart hub, combining connectivity, security, and intelligence in a single device​.

This is just one of many use cases where AI transforms CPE from a passive conduit into an active digital assistant. Whether in the context of remote healthcare, immersive entertainment, or industrial IoT, the possibilities are rapidly expanding.

The Road Ahead: Toward 5G+AI Ecosystems

The next step in the FWA journey is building interoperable, AI-driven ecosystems that seamlessly blend connectivity, computing and content. This requires collaboration across device makers, chipset vendors, software developers and telecom operators.

This holistic approach to the AI stack combines hardware modularity, multi-platform software compatibility (OpenLinux, RDK-B, Yocto, OpenSync) and robust SDKs, to lay the groundwork for rapid deployment and customisation of AI-powered services. The result is a flexible, scalable foundation for the intelligent homes and businesses of tomorrow.

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Introduction

Fibocom – 5G mmWave Whitepaper

With the advent of 5G technology comes the promise of ubiquitous connectivity, low latency and high capacity across a wide range of use cases. As the Internet of Things (IoT) ushers in an era of up to a million connected devices per square kilometre, existing network architectures such as 4G, won’t be able to keep up with increased data usage needs.

Enter 5G, primed to provide the capacity and speed required to power the IoT world but, to meet its full potential, providers must access new frequency bands beyond the Sub-6 GHz frequencies currently used. A promising step towards that goal is the use of New Radio (NR) mmWave frequencies. mmWave opens the door for the massive IoT connectivity vital for future industry and automation. At the same time, it enables ultra-fast broadband across Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks, providing rich new data services to meet demands in both business and residential settings

Unlocking Massive Data Capabilities With 5G and mmWave

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Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from Devices, Chipsets and Technology, to Networks, Features and Spectrum.

The GSA Research Team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA web site.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA Members and Associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA Associate, to gain access to GSA databases and Member Reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

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According to Machina Research, the number of global loT conections will reach 27 billion by 2025. Among them, the total size of cellular loT connections is expected to exceed 5 billion. Technologically, as the world is moving towards the 5G era, and 4G has become the mainstream mobile communication system, shortcomings of 2G/ 3G become increasingly obvious either regarding spectrum allocation efficiency, wireless peformance, or operation and maintenance costs. The worldwide 2G/3G sunset is in progress with many countries giving their own timelines based on their needs for telecommunications networks.

The retirement of 2G/ 3G requires mature alternative technologies to meet the development needs of low and mid-speed loT applications (within lO Mbps on the downlink and 5Mbps uplink) that account for 90% of the overall cellular loT connections.

This white paper is to help you through the 2G/3G sunset to find the right, replacing cellular technologies for your loT applications. We will compare the characteristics of the alternative technologies and their applicable loT scenarios respectively, analyze the factors in decision-making, and list the successful loT cases using the substitute technologies.

LPWA (Low Power Wide Area}, including NB-loT and LTE Cat M, as well as LTE Catl, have become the main choices for wireless connectivity for low and mid-speed loT applications after 2G/3G has started to withdraw from the stage.

According to GSMA, as of September 2020, the total number of deployed NB-loT and Cat M-based low and medium-speed loT networks worldwide reached 112, of which 96 support NB-loT, 46 support Cat M and 30 support both NB-loT and Cat M. In China, the three major operators are deploying LTE Cat 1 technology for the mid-speed loT businesses. Up to now, the scale of domestic LTE Cat 1 commercial chips in China has reached 10 million.

NB-loT, featuring wide network coverage and ultra-low power consumption, is suitable for low-speed loT applications that needs long-distance, small amount of communication data transmission with mere latency demand. LTE Cat 1 and Cat M technologies are more suitable for loT applications that require relatively high mobility, high data rate and volume, as well as voice capabilities (see Figure 4, Figure 5).

2G-3G Shutdowns: A Comprehensive Guide

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The emergence of 5G networks is based on the vision of providing very high data rates, wider coverage area, enhanced throughput, delay-less services, and signicantly better Quality-of-Services (QoS). It is not just an upper version of 4G systems but is much more beyond that in terms of technological capabilities and service provision. Current wireless network systems have become insufcient to manage user requirements, which are tremendously increasing on daily basis, due to their limited resources. 5G wireless network is expected to accommodate several times larger customers and their increasing data trafc efciently. Some of the characteristics of 5G are:

• 1-10Gbps connection, which is almost 10 times higher than the traditional LTE network’s theoretical peak data rate of 150 Mbps
• 10-100x devices interconnected all the time via the Internet.
• Availability of 99.999%
• Round trip latency of 1 ms, which is a reduction of almost 10 times from 4G’s round trip latency of 10 ms.
• 90% reduced power consumption of network, and 10 years long battery life for low power consumption devices.
• ‘Anytime Anywhere’ connectivity coverage of almost 100%
• Reduction in energy consumption by 90%.

Moreover, some crucial new techniques will also become part of 5G networks such as New Radio on Unlicensed band (NR-U), NR Vehicle-to-X (V2X), software-dened network (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), with new features including diversied terminals, large number of nodes, ultra-high density node deployment, the coexistence of multiple wireless technologies and security schemes, and Network Slicing.

The idea of network slicing is a signicant part of 5G networks. 5G provides the connection of multiple devices to communicate with each other over the Internet, allowing it to support IoT. The main technology behind 5G, which is allowing it to support multiple and diverse devices and services simultaneously is the network slicing technology.

Network slicing originates from the concept of network virtualization techniques to deploy multiple logical/virtual systems that run on top of a single shared physical network architecture. The main objective behind using network slicing is to divide the physical network resources to optimally group different trafc and congure the network resources at a macro level. There is a separation between each slice in terms of case/eld with specic necessary operations. The network slicing divides a single common physical network into various virtual end-to-end (E2E) networks. While performing the division, the target is to customize and optimize each network with respect to resources, QoS, and security.

5G Network Slicing: Empowering Vertical Industries

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5G is bringing new rich streaming services to the cell phone market, catering for massive increases in broadband use. At the same time, it is set to transform the IoT market, bringing both rich new data services as well as enabling huge new volumes of connected devices. While there is a natural limit to the number of smartphones one person needs, there are no such limits for IoT devices. IoT will be everywhere and 5G is set to make it happen. Pretty soon, there will be more connected cellular IoT devices than cell phones – and that’s just the beginning.

IoT’s mix of computing and communications technologies transforms data into real-time and historical information that can be disseminated throughout businesses and their ecosystem of partners and customers. 5G extends the reach of IoT functionality and enables devices to be deployed where they add the most value, including in high-risk environments. In addition, 5G further extends IoT’s promise of higher levels of automation and worker safety in the workplace, thereby increasing productivity and overall performance. 5G is the first mobile network generation that delivers wireline performance. It features a combination of three generic services: eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broad Band), uRLLC (ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications), and mMTC (massive Machine Type Communications).

Having three different services enables performance and functionality to align with the different communications requirements of IoT’s broad application portfolio. eMBB matches the high data rates, wide area coverage of data-driven use cases. mMTC supports high IoT device densities, the target being up to a million devices in one square kilometre. URLLC supports use cases that require ultra-reliable low latency communications such as industrial automation, remote driving and real-time control.

5G to Turbocharge IoT Growth – Fibocom 2021

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