eRedCap: The Natural 5G Successor to LTE Cat 1 Bis
February 10, 2026
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
As Internet of Things (IoT) adoption accelerates and 5G expands, enterprises must prepare for tomorrow’s networks. Many IoT devices today connect using LTE Category (Cat) 1 bis. It uses existing LTE networks to deliver global coverage and extensive roaming capabilities at lower cost and complexity than full LTE.
The shift to 5G introduces new opportunities for IoT devices. However, not all applications require the full complexity and cost of high-performance 5G. 5G enhanced Reduced Capability (eRedCap) is a streamlined 5G solution designed for cost-sensitive IoT deployments.
Prepare for the 5G Era
Table of Contents
What Is Cat 1 Bis?
Cat 1 bis has long served as a reliable option for IoT devices. Introduced by 3GPP Release (Rel) 13, Cat 1 bis evolved from LTE Cat 1. Cat 1 was designed to deliver moderate data speeds (up to 10 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink) within a 20 MHz LTE channel. Cat 1 bis builds on this foundation.
Designed for IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, Cat 1 bis is widely considered a “bridge” technology. It fills the gap between older cellular generations and emerging 5G for IoT devices.
Cat 1 bis offers comparable performance while simplifying the hardware by using one receiver antenna instead of two. This design change makes it well-suited to IoT applications due to:
- Lower device costs
- Smaller form factors
- Improved power efficiency
Operating on existing 4G LTE networks, Cat 1 bis provides broad coverage with moderate throughput. It’s more advanced than ultralow-throughput IoT technologies, such as narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) or LTE-M. It strikes an ideal balance for IoT devices that require moderate data speeds, such as:
What Is eRedCap?
eRedCap is the natural evolution beyond LTE Cat 1 and Cat 1 bis. It delivers similar data rates while leveraging 5G’s advanced features, including lower latency and network slicing.
It falls under the 5G New Radio (NR) RedCap umbrella. It’s part of the 3GPP initiative to define simplified 5G devices for widespread IoT deployments that don’t require full 5G smartphone-level performance. eRedCap supports moderate throughput. It is designed for IoT, built on 5G NR and 5G core infrastructure.
- RedCap (Rel 17): Established specifications for devices with lower complexity compared to full 5G NR user equipment. It offers more capability than ultralow-throughput LPWAN technologies.
- eRedCap (Rel 18): Builds on the Rel 17 foundation for cost-sensitive IoT. It targets peak data rates of around 10 Mbps for both downlink and uplink. It allocates bandwidth to approximately 20 MHz (or fewer PRBs, effectively about 5 MHz in practice). It doesn’t support mmWave frequencies and instead focuses on sub-6 GHz bands.
eRedCap introduces advanced 5G power-saving features. One such feature is enhanced extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), used during the Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state. This extends battery life for devices that must operate unattended for extended periods.
Why eRedCap Matters for Cat 1 Bis Devices
As 2G and 3G networks sunset and LTE spectrum is repurposed, eRedCap provides a roadmap for device and network longevity. It allows manufacturers to adopt 5G-capable hardware with similar data performance and reduced complexity.
This supports smooth migration as networks evolve. Cat 1 bis and eRedCap serve many of the same IoT use cases.
However, eRedCap adds the advantage of 5G features without the cost and complexity of high-end 5G devices. By reducing bandwidth and streamlining signaling, eRedCap enables:
- Future-ready connectivity on 5G networks
- Lower device complexity and cost compared to full 5G
- Enhanced power efficiency for battery-driven IoT
- Support for wearables and industrial sensors requiring compact designs
Cat 1 Bis Today, eRedCap Tomorrow
eRedCap offers a middle ground between ultralow data LPWAN options and full LTE and 5G devices. For those already using Cat 1 bis modules, transitioning to eRedCap is easier than moving to full 5G solutions. It’s ideal for deployments that require:
- Moderate data rates
- Reasonable costs
- Long-term reliability
Manufacturers seeking to future-proof their solutions through the 5G ecosystem should consider eRedCap. As operators shift to 5G core and repurpose older networks, having 5G-ready devices in the moderate-throughput IoT segment ensures investments remain relevant.
eRedCap: Migration Considerations
The eRedCap ecosystem is still developing, and operator support varies. Module availability, chipset integration and global roaming may lag behind Cat 1 bis in some markets.
Network operators must enable eRedCap on their 5G NR networks, and deployment timelines vary by region. In areas where LTE coverage remains essential, LTE fallback may still be necessary, even when targeting eRedCap.
Implementing eRedCap involves migration costs, although the change is less complex than switching to full 5G. Hardware updates and regulatory and carrier certification will be required. Design changes may be necessary.
While 10 Mbps suffices for many IoT applications, it imposes limitations on some use cases. Applications that require higher throughput (e.g., video or real-time analytics) will need full 5G or higher-category technologies.
Cat 1 bis remains a proven, reliable option for a range of deployments. Although eRedCap is promising, it may take time to reach a comparable level of commercial maturity.
For IoT deployments with long life cycles, planning for eRedCap adoption now while leveraging Cat 1 bis makes strategic sense. Dual-mode designs (4G LTE plus 5G NR) further enhance compatibility.
Cat 1 Bis vs. eRedCap
| Feature | Cat 1 Bis | eRedCap (5G) |
| Peak Data Rate | ~10 Mbps | ~10 Mbps |
| Network Type | LTE | 5G NR |
| Hardware Complexity | Low | Low (simplified) |
| Power Efficiency | Good | Excellent (eDRX) |
| Future-Proofing | Limited | High |
Future-Proof Your IoT Devices with Telit Cinterion
Cat 1 bis remains ideal for IoT applications that require moderate data speeds and long operational life. Adopting Cat 1 bis now while planning a transition to eRedCap ensures devices remain flexible and ready for the future.
Telit Cinterion’s cost-optimized Cat 1 bis modules offer global coverage in a small form factor. These certified midspeed LTE modules leverage our “design once, use anywhere” strategy.
Ensure longevity for your applications. Speak with our LTE IoT experts to select the right Cat 1 bis module to meet your current needs and position your solution for the 5G era.
Key Takeaways
- 5G eRedCap supports moderate throughput with advanced 5G features like lower latency, making it ideal for cost-sensitive IoT applications.
- Transitioning from Cat 1 bis to 5G eRedCap is smoother than moving to full 5G, ensuring future-ready connectivity.
- Manufacturers should plan for eRedCap adoption while leveraging Cat 1 bis to ensure long-term relevance in the evolving 5G landscape.
