Telefonica Germany Advances in 5G RedCap for IoT

Telefonica Germany is making significant strides in the development and testing of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology. The first trials were conducted in Munich. In addition, these Telefonica Germany advances in 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) for IoT demonstrate a strong commitment to next-generation IoT connectivity. In fact, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the connectivity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These devices include wearables, industrial sensors, and monitoring systems. Furthermore, the continued Telefonica Germany advances in 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) for IoT will support even more innovative solutions for industrial and consumer markets.

RedCap technology, also known as NR-Light, is designed to offer a middle ground in 5G services. It supports data transfer speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to 80 Mbps. It requires less bandwidth than full-scale 5G communications. Therefore, this makes it possible for RedCap to operate efficiently within a 20 MHz channel. In contrast, standard 5G operates within a 100 MHz channel. As Telefonica Germany advances in 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) for IoT, even more use cases are expected to emerge within these bandwidth constraints.

The introduction of RedCap aligns with the 3GPP Release 17, the third iteration of the 5G standard. This standard was functionally frozen in March 2022. Moreover, this specification is particularly tailored to meet the demands of IoT. It does this by allowing thousands of devices to operate over a true 5G standalone (SA) network within a single kilometer. Indeed, Telefonica Germany advances in 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) for IoT will directly benefit deployments requiring high-density device support.

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. These devices are projected to become available around 2025. In the meantime, Telefonica has begun integrating RedCap technology into business services. Additionally, the company has a focus on supporting applications such as wireless industrial routers and surveillance systems. These applications 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 and showcased the potential for industrial applications. Most importantly, Telefonica Germany advances in 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) for IoT underscore the role of practical trials in accelerating market readiness.

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. Additionally, it uses 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. The company is focusing on scalability, efficiency, and the specific needs of the burgeoning IoT sector.