Key insights (AI-powered):
Sony’s positioning of eRedCap as an anchor for long-lasting 5G IoT signals that mid-range cellular performance is becoming strategically more important than ultra-low power or full 5G NR. This sets the stage for a likely consolidation of today’s fragmented LTE Cat-x and LPWA landscape into a smaller set of 5G-based profiles, simplifying operator roadmaps and module portfolios. It also suggests that device life cycles and frequency conversion plans will tighten in relation to Release 18+ features. Overall, it accelerates the shift from best-effort connectivity to a deterministic, 5G-native IoT infrastructure.
As the industry transitions from 4G to 5G, eRedCap is becoming the foundation for the next generation of long-lasting IoT
Sony Semiconductor Israel (Sony) today announced its long-term vision for 5G IoT connectivitypositioning eRedCap (enhanced Reduced Capability) as the foundation for the next generation of global, long-lasting connected Altair devices. As the industry accelerates the AI revolution and mobile operators plan to decommission aging networks, the transition from 4G to 5G is changing the possibilities for large-scale IoT deployments.
LPWA technologies, from gas and water meters to asset trackers and security infrastructure, have varying throughput requirements and are expected to be deployed in the field over the next 10 to 20 years. However, applications that rely on higher throughput, voice capability or larger data streams – such as industrial automation, next-generation security systems, wearables and a new category of AI-centric consumer devices – are shifting to eRedCap. The focus of these applications is on real-time, low-power, higher-throughput communications, while traditional LPWA devices continue to support ultra-low-power, deep-indoor use cases where only small amounts of data are sent.
Nohik Semel, CEO of Sony Semiconductor Israel, said:
The future of IoT is clearly focused on eRedCap. It delivers the performance needed for tomorrow’s connected devices while maintaining the efficiency and durability the industry relies on. For device manufacturers planning for the next 10 to 20 years, eRedCap is the technology that will ease the transition from 4G to a full 5G world.
A fully 5G world means operators can finally phase out 4G and unify their networks. Today, they need to keep the 2G and 4G networks alive because many older devices are still in use and spectrum is a scarce, shared resource. eRedCap enables the gradual migration of IoT devices to 5G, allowing operators to free up spectrum, stop maintaining parallel networks, and eventually retire 4G.
Built 3GPP version 18eRedCap creates a new middle ground between advanced 5G and narrowband IoT. Compared to LPWA technology, eRedCap offers higher data throughput for data-intensive applications while maintaining lower complexity and cost compared to high-throughput 5G NR implementations, all optimized for long-lasting, battery-powered devices.
As IoT networks and devices evolve and transition to eRedCap, Half-Duplex Frequency Division Duplex (HD-FDD) is becoming the preferred deployment option for eRedCap devices. HD-FDD better meets the design requirements for low-cost, low-power, and long-lasting 5G IoT devices due to lower cost, simpler RF design, and better power consumption.
“The market is actively seeking competitive 5G NR solutions that can enable the transition of LTE Cat 1bis and higher category devices to native 5G networks. As commercially viable eRedCap solutions become available, we expect wireless carriers and market demand to drive rapid adoption for existing use cases and device categories. We appreciate this.” eRedCap Market 50 million units could be delivered by 2030. HD-FDD’s technical advantages in reduced RF complexity align perfectly with eRedCap’s design goals and make it the logical duplex choice for large-scale, cost-sensitive, battery-powered devices. As enterprises worldwide accelerate their shift to AI-based decision making and analytics, real-time connectivity of edge devices is more important than ever, positioning eRedCap as essential infrastructure for the intelligent AI-based IoT ecosystem.” said Mohit Agrawal, research director at Counterpoint Research.
As part of this long-term vision, Sony has outlined the roadmap for its upcoming Altair ALT1550 5G eRedCap modemdeveloped to meet the changing needs of the industry. The chip is currently undergoing advanced real-silicon testing and offers 3GPP Release 18 compliance with eRedCap and HD-FDD optimization as well as 4G Cat-1bis/LTE-M support for reliable deployment on existing networks and seamless backward and forward compatibility.
“Our Altair ALT1550 roadmap reflects our belief that 5G IoT must be cost-effective, energy-efficient and built to last.” added Dima Feldman, VP Product Management and Marketing at Sony Semiconductor Israel. “This is how we support customers in the smooth transition from 4G to a sustainable 5G future.”
