Telefonica Germany is making significant strides in the development and testing of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology, with the first trials conducted in Munich. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the connectivity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which include wearables, industrial sensors, and monitoring systems.
RedCap technology, also known as NR-Light, is designed to offer a middle ground in 5G services, supporting data transfer speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to 80 Mbps while requiring less bandwidth than full-scale 5G communications. This makes it possible for RedCap to operate efficiently within a 20 MHz channel, as opposed to the 100 MHz channel used for standard 5G.
The introduction of RedCap aligns with the 3GPP Release 17, the third iteration of the 5G standard, which was functionally frozen in March 2022. This specification is particularly tailored to meet the demands of IoT by allowing thousands of devices to operate over a true 5G standalone (SA) network within a single kilometer.
As part of its commitment to deploying RedCap, Telefonica Germany has partnered with device manufacturers to optimize network connections for IoT devices. The company expects to support RedCap IoT services as devices compatible with the specification become available, projected around 2025. In the meantime, Telefonica has begun integrating RedCap technology into business services, with a focus on supporting applications such as wireless industrial routers and surveillance systems that require robust, high-speed connectivity.
In a demonstration of its technological capabilities, Telefonica’s network technicians have successfully tested an industrial router equipped with a 5G RedCap module in an indoor scenario in Munich. This test was connected to a mobile radio site, showcasing the potential for industrial applications.
Telefonica’s 5G SA network, which already covers 95 percent of the population in Germany, is essential for the effective implementation of RedCap. The network utilizes frequencies at 3.6 GHz and 700 MHz for New Radio, along with 1800 MHz through Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS).
In conclusion, Telefonica Germany’s efforts in developing and testing 5G RedCap technology mark a significant step forward in the evolution of 5G services, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and the specific needs of the burgeoning IoT sector.
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