What Is 5G RedCap, and How Is It Used in IoT?
By Safi Khan
June 3, 2025
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
5G reduced capability (RedCap) is a reduced-capability version of 5G and the next-generation standard for mid-speed connectivity. Unlike regular 5G, a 5G RedCap device has a simpler radio design and modem and operates on narrower bandwidths. Its unique capabilities make it a key enabler of mid-speed Internet of Things (IoT) use cases.
Meet the Demands of the 5G Era
The 5G RedCap Timeline
The initial 5G ITU services focused on the following:
- Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)
- Ultrareliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and
- Massive machine-type communication (mMTC)
However, these services left a mid-speed gap, which the industry knew needed rectifying. From this, 5G RedCap emerged as part of 3GPP Release (Rel) 17. This release also included the introduction of New Radio (NR) RedCap and narrow band NB-IoT non-terrestrial networks (NB-IoT NTNs).
Considering the 3GPP standards timeline, RedCap has been in the works since 2019. In 2022, the industry officially froze it as a standard. The leading mobile network operators launched RedCap networks in 2025, mainly in the North American market. IoT solution enablers like Telit Cinterion introduced 5G RedCap products in 2024 to prepare for these launches.
How Does RedCap Support IoT?
The initial release of 5G RedCap brought significant benefits to IoT applications. It offers a throughput of over 200 Mbps downlink and over 120 Mbps uplink, surpassing 4G LTE:
- Cat 1
- Cat 1 bis
- Cat 4
- LPWA NB-IoT
- LPWA Cat M1
Latency is lower because of 5G stand-alone (SA). RedCap also offers improved bandwidth: FR1 is 20 MHz, and FR2 is 100 MHz.
5G RedCap supports longer battery life for IoT devices as it is more power efficient than standard 5G. It is also more affordable and allows businesses to enjoy several 5G benefits without paying for high-end devices.
With Rel 18 and enhanced RedCap (eRedCap), enterprises can expect further throughput enhancements and extended power-saving options for IoT deployments.
5G RedCap IoT Use Cases
Although 5G RedCap can support IoT use cases in eMBB, mMTC and URLLC categories, its core use cases include:
- Video surveillance (especially body cameras)
- Agriculture machinery
- Telematics
- Industrial machines
- Gateways
5G RedCap is valuable for machine and agricultural telematics use cases because it offers longevity. It enables IoT devices to remain in the field for 10 to 15 years. The greater uplink possible is also key for supporting video applications and gateways.
Moreover, 5G RedCap has certain features, such as wake-up signaling and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX). When combined with the latest chipsets and improvements in the protocol layer, eDRX gives battery-operated IoT use cases (e.g., body cameras) longer charge life and enhanced operational efficiency.
5G RedCap products support the full sub-6 spectrum range, which was not available in 4G LTE products. This expanded frequency range enables new bands for new use cases. RedCap products can support private 5G and 4G by using the CBRS band n48/B48 and the new C-band spectrum with wider 20 MHz bandwidth.
IoT Enablement Solutions to Streamline Your 5G Transition
Telit Cinterion can prepare your products for the 5G revolution with our RedCap modules and form factors, such as the FE910C04 and the M.2 FN920C04. Our modules are an ideal platform for all Telit Cinterion services, including:
- IoT AppZone, powered by Telit Cinterion
- OneEdge™
- NExT™ connectivity plans and services
Speak with our IoT experts to learn more about our modules and how we can simplify your 5G journey.
