The future of 5G networks is characterised by the arrival 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 devices of the Internet of Things and wearables.
The name RedCap (which stands for Reduced Capacity) may not ring a bell for you. But the truth is that it will be very important in the future. Telefónica itself was already testing it a few months ago and other operators are also accelerating the adoption of this type of network. Once it comes on the scene, it will mean a major change in the way some of our devices connect and communicate.
A low-bandwidth 5G
There are many ways to define RedCap technology, but perhaps 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 sought a way to separate them and let them operate smoothly within a network system that will be different from the one used by 5G.
The reason for developing this 5G network is that, as it is a network with lower performance and lower requirements, it will also entail 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 the costs or performance. This network will use much weaker antennas and will encourage less demanding use, which at the same time will also help devices to better manage their energy consumption.
When will we start to see it in action?
Operators are still in the testing phase and checking both the performance and the possibilities offered by this type of network. Based on the impressions we have of the current situation, 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 because of what it will mean for the future of the adoption of this type of network.
But, obviously, it is not only important to see how it develops in Spain, but also 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 RedCap-compatible device at the end of this year 2024, while AT&T intends to do the same at the beginning of next year 2025.
When talking about devices, the operators are probably referring to some kind 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 , above all, they will be very cheap. And there is talk of how they could be powered by the presence of a Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 processor.
Everything indicates that this new 5G network will take a while to be implemented and that, most likely, 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 see 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.
