What is RedCap?
RedCap is a new technology in mobile communications. The term stands for Reduced Capability. This sounds complicated and like a limitation – but it is a great advantage. Because RedCap makes 5G lighter and more energy efficient. This allows devices such as smartwatches, sensors, and smart cameras to connect to 5G and perform well—even if they don't have a large battery or multiple antennas.
Why is RedCap important?
Many devices do not send large amounts of data like a mobile phone. But they have to run for a long time with a small battery. Examples include:
- Smartwatches like the Apple Watch 11
- Fitness tracker
- Industrial Sensors
- Medical Devices
Normal 5G is too complex for these devices, which is where RedCap comes in.
How does RedCap work?
RedCap devices can be simpler than cell phones. For example, you can
- have fewer antennas (e.g. 1–2 instead of 4),
- use narrower radio channels
- and thus require less electricity.
The devices remain fully logged into the 5G network. In this way, they benefit from the advantages of 5G – but at a lower cost and in terms of energy efficiency. RedCap works on the basis of 5G standalone technology, i.e. in Deutsche Telekom's 5G+ network.
RedCap in Deutsche Telekom's network
Deutsche Telekom is the first network operator in Germany to offer RedCap commercially in the 5G+ network to customers. The first offer includes the new Apple Watch models (Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3).
This means that 5G will work on a smartwatch for the first time – exclusively in the Telekom network.
Who benefits from RedCap?
RedCap is particularly useful for:
- Everyday life: smartwatches, trackers, smart cameras
- Company: Industrial sensors, logistics, machine monitoring
- Health: mobile medical devices and tele-monitoring
Good to know
- RedCap is part of the global 5G standard (3GPP Releases 17 and 18).
- RedCap is only possible in 5G Standalone (5G+) networks.
- RedCap is constantly evolving. In the future, even more devices will be added.
In short
RedCap makes 5G devices cheaper. And: Deutsche Telekom already has the first products available today.
