5G RedCap, 5G Designed for IoT — Low Power, High Impact 

The evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) has historically been defined by a compromise between performance, efficiency, and cost. For years, technologies like LTE-M and NB-IoT have powered massive IoT deployments, providing the low-cost, low-power connectivity required for simple sensors and meters. However, as industries move toward real-time intelligence and digital transformation, these legacy technologies often hit a performance ceiling. 

Enter 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability). Standardized in 3GPP Release 17, RedCap is not a "stripped-down" version of 5G—it is a right-sized one. It bridges the strategic gap between the low-data LTE-M/NB-IoT standards and the high-complexity, high-cost requirements of full 5G (eMBB). According to Ericsson, 5G RedCap is expected to play a crucial role in expanding the 5G ecosystem, enabling a broader range of use cases that require higher data rates than current Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies can provide, but at a lower cost and complexity than traditional 5G. 

The 5G Evolution That Puts IoT First 

5G was never meant to be one-size-fits-all. Early deployments focused on ultra-high bandwidth and ultra-reliable low latency (URLLC)—perfect for smartphones or autonomous vehicles, but impractical for a warehouse sensor or a wearable medical device. 

RedCap brings 5G’s advanced architecture to IoT without the energy and hardware overhead. It is effectively a low power 5G mode engineered for devices that don’t need gigabit throughput but demand 5G’s reliability and scalability. By reducing modem complexity and narrowing bandwidths, RedCap makes 5G practical for the "middle ground" of IoT. 

Where RedCap Fits in the Connectivity Landscape 

To understand why RedCap is a catalyst for growth, we must look at how it fits into the existing connectivity hierarchy. 

Strategic Advantages for OEMs and Enterprises 

For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and solution providers, RedCap unlocks three critical advantages: 

• Low Power and High Efficiency RedCap devices are optimized for energy savings, extending battery life for industrial controllers and remote sensors where frequent charging is impossible. 

• Reduced Complexity and Cost With fewer antennas and simpler RF designs, RedCap modules are more affordable than full 5G modems, allowing for faster time-to-market and better margins. 

• Future-Ready Architecture Because RedCap operates on Standalone (SA) 5G networks, it inherits modern features like Network Slicing and enhanced security frameworks. This ensures that IoT deployments are not just connected, but enterprise-grade. 

Use Cases Where RedCap Excels 

We are seeing RedCap emerge as the natural successor to LTE Cat-1 and Cat-4 in several high-impact sectors: 

1. Smart Manufacturing Robotics and sensors that require near-real-time responsiveness without the heavy power draw of a full 5G modem. 

1. Connected Health Continuous monitoring wearables where battery efficiency determines whether a patient will actually wear the device. 

1. Smart Cities Video surveillance and traffic controllers that need more bandwidth than LTE-M can provide but must be deployed at a massive scale 

The Commercial Reality 

The industry is reaching a major inflection point. GSMA Intelligence reports that the number of 5G Standalone networks—the essential foundation for RedCap—is growing globally, with most major operators integrating RedCap into their 2025–2026 roadmaps. 

At Velos IoT, we view RedCap as a fundamental shift. Our Nomad Connectivity Management Platform and UltimateSIM portfolio are built to support this evolution, providing unified management for RedCap alongside LTE-M and full 5G. With over 700+ roaming networks and eSIM integration, we ensure that as you transition your device roadmap to RedCap, your global reach remains uninterrupted. 

RedCap is 5G’s true IoT moment. It is the technology that finally makes 5G accessible for IoT at scale—cost-effective like LTE-M, yet secure and high-performing like 5G. For organizations mapping their digital strategy, the time to test and align with RedCap-ready partners is now. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is 5G RedCap the same as 5G NR-Light? Yes, RedCap is often referred to as "NR-Light" within the industry. Both terms describe the same 3GPP Release 17 standard designed to lower the complexity and cost of 5G for IoT devices. 

Can RedCap devices work on 4G networks? RedCap is natively designed for 5G Standalone (SA) networks. While some modules may offer multi-mode capabilities, the primary benefits of RedCap—such as network slicing and 5G core integration—require a 5G network. 

How does RedCap improve battery life compared to regular 5G? RedCap reduces the number of receiver antennas (usually one or two) and simplifies the duplexing process. This significantly lowers the power consumed during signal processing, allowing for multi-year battery life in many applications. 

When will 5G RedCap be available for commercial use? Field trials are currently underway through 2025. Broad commercial availability of modules and network support is expected to peak between late 2025 and 2026 as more operators flip the switch on 5G Standalone cores.