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5G RedCap is a lighter version of 5G for IoT devices that need more speed than LTE-M or NB-IoT, without the cost, size or power draw of a full 5G modem. RedCap works only on 5G Standalone networks, and that one fact shapes how you should plan a UK deployment today.
5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) is a class of 5G device defined in 3GPP Release 17, the set of mobile standards completed in 2022. 3GPP is the body that writes the global standards for cellular networks. A RedCap device uses less radio bandwidth, fewer antennas and simpler signal processing than a standard 5G NR device, so the modem costs less and draws less power while still connecting to a 5G core network. Some vendors call it NR-Light.
RedCap matters for CCTV, industrial monitoring, gateways and connected infrastructure, where LTE-M is too slow and a full 5G router is more than the job needs.
For most UK IoT projects, our advice is to specify RedCap-capable routers with LTE Cat 4 fallback, and pair them with IoT SIMs that keep devices connected wherever 5G Standalone has not yet reached.
What Problem Does 5G RedCap Solve?
5G RedCap fills the gap between low-power IoT technologies that are too slow for video and full 5G hardware that is too expensive and power-hungry for most industrial devices.
Before RedCap, cellular IoT specifiers chose between two ends of a range. NB-IoT and LTE-M offer long battery life and good coverage, but their throughput is measured in kilobits per second. That suits a water meter, not a camera. Standard 5G NR offers multi-gigabit speeds on hardware that is more complex, more costly and more power-hungry than an industrial device needs.
The middle ground has been served by 4G LTE Cat 1 and Cat 4 modems. RedCap gives that middle ground a 5G option. 3GPP achieved this by removing radio features that IoT devices rarely use, which produces smaller, cheaper and lower-power hardware that still runs natively on 5G infrastructure.
5G RedCap Specifications at a Glance
A 5G RedCap device operates within 20 MHz of bandwidth, can use one or two receive antennas, and reaches typical peak downlink rates of 50 to 225 Mbps depending on band type and configuration, according to Ericsson.
| Parameter | 5G RedCap (Release 17) | Standard 5G NR (Sub-6 GHz) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum bandwidth | 20 MHz | Up to 100 MHz |
| Receive antennas | 1 or 2 | Typically 4 |
| Downlink MIMO layers | 1 or 2 | Up to 4 |
| Modulation | 64QAM required, 256QAM optional | 256QAM |
| Duplex | Full-duplex FDD, half-duplex FDD or TDD | Full-duplex FDD or TDD |
| Typical peak downlink (FDD bands) | 85 to 225 Mbps | Multi-gigabit |
| Typical peak downlink (TDD bands) | 50 to 130 Mbps | Multi-gigabit |
| Core network | 5G Standalone only | 5G Standalone or Non-Standalone |
Ericsson gives the RedCap peak rates above in its December 2024 overview of RedCap and eRedCap. Ericsson's RedCap white paper estimates that the simplest RedCap device cuts modem bill-of-materials cost by about 65% in sub-6 GHz bands compared with a standard 5G NR device.
About Headline Speed Figures
RedCap speeds are quoted in many different ways, so compare like with like. Ericsson calculates that the simplest RedCap device, with one receive antenna, reaches about 85 Mbps downlink in FDD bands and about 50 Mbps in TDD bands. Router datasheets often quote a best case: Advantech, for example, quotes up to 223 Mbps downlink for its ICR-2452 RedCap router, which assumes two receive antennas and ideal conditions. Real throughput on site depends on the band, the antennas, signal quality and how busy the cell is.
How Does 5G RedCap Compare With NB-IoT, LTE-M and LTE Cat 4?
5G RedCap offers throughput close to LTE Cat 4 and far higher than NB-IoT or LTE-M, but it is the only one of these technologies that needs a 5G Standalone network.
| Feature | NB-IoT | LTE-M | LTE Cat 4 | 5G RedCap | Standard 5G NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3GPP release | Release 13 | Release 13 | Release 8 | Release 17 | Release 15 onwards |
| Peak downlink | About 26 kbps (Cat NB1) | About 300 kbps (Cat M1) | 150 Mbps | 50 to 225 Mbps | Multi-gigabit |
| Peak uplink | About 66 kbps (Cat NB1) | About 380 kbps (Cat M1) | 50 Mbps | 35 to 120 Mbps | Hundreds of Mbps |
| Channel bandwidth | 200 kHz | 1.4 MHz | Up to 20 MHz | Up to 20 MHz | Up to 100 MHz |
| Network needed | 4G with NB-IoT enabled | 4G with LTE-M enabled | 4G | 5G Standalone | 5G Standalone or Non-Standalone |
| Typical uses | Meters, simple sensors | Asset tracking, telemetry | Routers, CCTV, gateways | CCTV, gateways, industrial sensors, wearables | Smartphones, mobile broadband |
NB-IoT, LTE-M and LTE Cat 4 figures are from the GSMA. RedCap figures are Ericsson's typical peak rates across FDD and TDD bands. Actual throughput depends on the device, antenna configuration and network conditions. Our guide to 4G and 5G LTE categories covers the LTE categories in more detail.
What Does Reduced Capability Mean in 5G RedCap?
Reduced capability in 5G RedCap means four deliberate simplifications to the 5G radio: narrower bandwidth, fewer antennas, simpler modulation and an optional half-duplex mode.
Narrower Bandwidth
A 5G RedCap device operates within 20 MHz of bandwidth in sub-6 GHz bands, compared with up to 100 MHz for a standard 5G NR device. A narrower bandwidth needs simpler radio components and less processing, which reduces both cost and power consumption.
Fewer Antennas
A 5G RedCap device can work with a single receive antenna, while standard 5G NR devices typically use four. RedCap also supports two receive antennas, which Ericsson notes roughly doubles the downlink peak rate. This makes antenna configuration a real design decision: a two-antenna router with suitable external antennas will perform better than a single-antenna device in the same position. MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) is the technique of using several antennas to carry more data at once.
Simpler Modulation
5G RedCap requires only 64QAM, with 256QAM optional. QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is the method a radio uses to pack data bits into the signal, and higher orders carry more bits but need cleaner signal conditions and more complex chips.
Half-Duplex FDD Option
5G RedCap supports an optional half-duplex FDD mode, in which the device does not transmit and receive at the same time. FDD (frequency division duplex) uses separate frequencies for sending and receiving. Half-duplex operation lets a manufacturer use a simple switch instead of a more expensive duplexer, at the cost of lower peak rates.
Why Does 5G RedCap Need 5G Standalone?
5G RedCap needs 5G Standalone because RedCap devices connect only to a 5G core network, and Non-Standalone 5G still relies on a 4G core.
5G Standalone (SA) is a 5G network with its own 5G core. 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) adds 5G radio capacity on top of a 4G network and 4G core. Much UK 5G coverage has been delivered as NSA, and a RedCap device cannot use it.
The RedCap routers in this guide include LTE fallback, so they stay connected on 4G wherever 5G Standalone is not available. When a Standalone cell is in range and the SIM has access to it, the router can move onto 5G RedCap without any hardware change.
Check This Before You Specify
A 5G symbol on a router does not mean RedCap is working. RedCap needs three things at the same time: a 5G Standalone cell in range, a SIM and tariff with Standalone access on that network, and a router that supports the bands the network uses. If any one is missing, the router runs on LTE.
Is 5G RedCap Available on UK Networks?
5G Standalone now covers between 49% and 85% of UK premises outdoors, depending on the network, but UK operators are still testing RedCap rather than offering it as a mainstream IoT service.
The GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) reported in April 2026 that 14 operators worldwide had launched RedCap services, and listed the UK among countries where operators were still testing RedCap alongside their existing 5G networks. 5G Standalone coverage, which RedCap depends on, has grown on all three UK networks over the past year.
What Ofcom Reports on UK 5G Standalone Coverage
Ofcom's Connected Nations update, published on 13 May 2026 with data from January 2026, puts 5G Standalone coverage outside premises at between 49% and 85% across the three UK mobile network operators. Coverage outside premises is Ofcom's measure of predicted signal outdoors at homes and business addresses, not inside buildings. Ofcom does not name which operator sits at each end of the range.
| Ofcom Measure (Outside Premises) | July 2025 | January 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Standalone, range across the three operators | 47% to 65% | 49% to 85% |
| All 5G (Standalone and Non-Standalone), range across the three operators | Not stated | 76% to 94% |
| All 5G, available from all three operators | 47% | 64% |
The gap between the two ranges matters for RedCap. 5G Standalone covers fewer UK premises than 5G as a whole, so a site can show a 5G signal on a Non-Standalone cell and still have no Standalone cell for a RedCap device to use.
Operators' Own 5G Standalone Figures
The UK operators have published more recent 5G Standalone figures than Ofcom's January 2026 data. These are the operators' own claims, not independent measurements, and they count people rather than premises.
| Operator | 5G Standalone Coverage Claim | Date Published |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media O2 | 87% of the UK population and more than 700 towns and cities | March 2026 |
| EE | More than 50 million people across more than 610 towns and cities | April 2026 |
| VodafoneThree | 60% of the UK population | September 2026 |
Outdoor coverage figures are not the same as coverage at your site. Rural locations, basements, plant rooms and steel cabinets can still sit outside 5G Standalone coverage in areas the maps show as covered.
What UK Network Readiness Means for Your Deployment
For UK IoT deployments today, a RedCap router with LTE Cat 4 fallback and a multi-network IoT SIM is the practical foundation. The devices stay connected on 4G through coverage gaps and can use 5G Standalone where it is available and enabled on the SIM. Ask your SIM supplier which networks give 5G Standalone access on your tariff, because Standalone access is enabled per network and per tariff.
Private 5G Networks
Private 5G networks are the place where 5G RedCap is most usable today. Private 5G networks are usually built as Standalone from the start, so RedCap devices can use them without waiting for public network rollout. Check that the router supports the frequency band the private network uses.
Which IoT Applications Suit 5G RedCap?
3GPP designed 5G RedCap around three reference use cases: industrial wireless sensors, video surveillance and wearables.
The requirements below come from the 3GPP study that shaped Release 17 RedCap, as summarised by Ericsson researchers.
| Use Case | Data Rate | Latency | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial wireless sensors | Below 2 Mbps | Below 100 ms | At least a few years |
| Video surveillance | 2 to 4 Mbps (economy video) to 7.5 to 25 Mbps (high-end video) | Below 500 ms | Not specified |
| Wearables | 5 to 50 Mbps downlink, 2 to 5 Mbps uplink | Not specified | A few days to 1 to 2 weeks |
Video Surveillance and CCTV
5G RedCap suits CCTV because IP cameras need steady upload capacity of a few megabits per second, which is far beyond NB-IoT or LTE-M and well within RedCap's range. It is particularly relevant for remote and temporary CCTV and security sites where a fixed line is not available. For multi-camera sites, check the total upload the site needs against the uplink the network delivers at busy times.
Industrial Wireless Sensors
5G RedCap suits industrial sensors and controllers that send frequent, moderate-sized readings and need a quicker response than LTE-M gives. Examples include pressure sensors, motion detectors, environmental monitors and actuators in Industry 4.0 settings.
Wearables and Health Monitors
5G RedCap suits smartwatches, medical monitoring devices and similar products that need always-on cellular connectivity in a small case with a battery that lasts days rather than hours. A single antenna and a simpler modem make that possible on 5G at a sensible cost.
What Is eRedCap?
eRedCap (enhanced RedCap) is a further-simplified version of 5G RedCap, defined in 3GPP Release 18 in 2024, that caps peak throughput at 10 Mbps in both directions.
eRedCap targets the IoT market served today by LTE Cat 1 and its single-antenna variant, Cat 1bis. Ericsson notes that LTE Cat 1 offers a peak rate of 10 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink and successfully serves an important group of low-end IoT uses. In practice, that group includes payment terminals, basic telemetry and vehicle tracking.
eRedCap silicon is at an early stage. Sequans demonstrated its eRedCap technology at MWC 2026, but routers and modules built on eRedCap are not yet widely available. If your devices run on LTE Cat 1 today and you are planning a route to 5G, eRedCap is the technology to watch rather than Release 17 RedCap.
Which 5G RedCap Routers Are Available?
5G RedCap routers and embedded modems are available now from several industrial vendors, most built on RedCap chipsets from Qualcomm or MediaTek.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X35 is the RedCap modem inside modules from manufacturers including Quectel and Telit Cinterion. MediaTek's T300 is another RedCap platform. Router makers build these modules into industrial routers and gateways.
Teltonika RedCap Routers From Millbeck
Millbeck supplies the Teltonika RedCap range as a Teltonika Diamond distributor. Teltonika's RedCap routers connect to 5G Standalone networks and fall back to LTE Cat 4 where Standalone is not available, and they can be managed remotely through Teltonika RMS.
| Device | Type | Key Features | Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teltonika RUT271 | Compact industrial router | 2 × 10/100 Ethernet, single SIM, Wi-Fi 4 for up to 50 devices, 1 digital input and 1 digital output, -40 to +75 °C | CCTV, remote monitoring, simple IoT gateways |
| Teltonika RUT276 | Compact industrial router with serial | 2 × 10/100 Ethernet, RS232 and RS485, Wi-Fi 4, PoE input, dual SIM, Modbus, OPC UA and BACnet support, -40 to +75 °C | SCADA, building management, industrial protocol conversion |
| Teltonika RUT976 | Industrial router with more interfaces | 4 × 10/100 Ethernet, RS232 and RS485, USB 2.0, GNSS, Wi-Fi 4 for up to 100 devices, dual SIM, -40 to +75 °C | Telematics, multi-device sites, complex industrial IoT |
| Teltonika CALYX (EBD070) | Raspberry Pi HAT+ | 5G RedCap modem that mounts on a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5, GPIO modem control | Edge gateways, digital signage, embedded OEM projects |
We can supply these routers configured with IoT SIMs and antennas, ready to install. See our router configuration service for details.
Other 5G RedCap Routers
The Digi IX25 is a rugged industrial router that Digi International launched on 31 March 2026 in LTE, 5G RedCap and 5G eMBB variants. Digi specifies a -40 to +75 °C operating range, C1D2, ATEX, E-Mark and MIL-STD-810H certifications, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, an eSIM that supports zero-touch provisioning, and management through Digi Remote Manager.
The Advantech ICR-2452 RedCap is an industrial cellular router with 5G RedCap on Standalone networks and LTE fallback. Advantech specifies two Ethernet ports, RS232 and RS485, a digital input and output, optional Wi-Fi and GNSS, an open Linux platform that runs custom Python and C/C++ applications, and management through its WebAccess/DMP platform.
How to Choose a 5G RedCap Router
Choosing a 5G RedCap router comes down to three questions:
- Interfaces. How many Ethernet ports you need, and whether you need serial, digital I/O, USB or GNSS.
- Environment. Whether the router sits in an indoor cabinet, a roadside enclosure or a vehicle, and what temperature and certification that demands.
- Management. Which remote management platform your team already uses, or wants to use across the estate.
Our cellular router range covers RedCap, LTE and full 5G models if you want to compare options.
What 5G Features Can RedCap Devices Use?
5G RedCap devices connect to the 5G core, so they can use core network features that LTE devices cannot, such as network slicing, where the operator offers them.
Network slicing is a 5G Standalone feature that reserves a logical portion of network capacity for particular devices, customers or applications. UK slicing products are now appearing: VodafoneThree launched its National Business Slice in September 2026. The 5G core also brings a stronger authentication framework than 4G. Which features a RedCap device can use depends on what the operator enables and what the tariff includes.
RedCap Is Not URLLC
URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communication) is the 5G service class designed for guaranteed millisecond-level response times. 5G RedCap devices benefit from lower latency than LTE, but they are not designed for URLLC performance. RedCap bridges the gap between low-power IoT and high-end 5G rather than matching the high end.
Should You Deploy 5G RedCap Now?
For most UK IoT projects, specify 5G RedCap-capable hardware now, but plan on LTE Cat 4 fallback carrying much of the traffic until 5G Standalone reaches your sites.
Release 17 RedCap hardware is commercially available and technically mature. A dual-mode router works on LTE today and moves onto 5G RedCap as Standalone coverage and SIM access reach each site, with no hardware swap. On private 5G networks, RedCap is ready to use immediately.
The exception is a deployment with a tight power budget that would fit within 10 Mbps. For those devices, it may be worth waiting for eRedCap modules to mature.
Talk to Millbeck About 5G RedCap
Millbeck is a Teltonika Diamond distributor and IoT SIM provider based in Leeds, UK. We can help you choose between RedCap, LTE and full 5G routers, specify the right antennas, and supply IoT SIMs configured and ready to deploy. You will speak directly to people who know the technology.
Speak to us about your project
Millbeck. IoT Connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 5G RedCap Need a Special SIM Card?
5G RedCap does not need a special physical SIM, but it needs a SIM and tariff with 5G Standalone access on the network the router connects to. Standalone access is enabled per network and per tariff, so confirm it with your SIM supplier. Without it, a RedCap router with LTE fallback will still connect on 4G.
Can a Firmware Update Turn an LTE Router Into a 5G RedCap Router?
No. 5G RedCap needs a RedCap modem, so an LTE Cat 4 router cannot gain RedCap through a firmware update. If a new router will stay in the field for several years, specifying a RedCap model with LTE fallback now avoids a second site visit to swap hardware later.
Is 5G RedCap Faster Than LTE Cat 4?
5G RedCap and LTE Cat 4 have similar peak speeds. The GSMA gives LTE Cat 4 a peak of 150 Mbps downlink, and Ericsson puts typical RedCap peaks at 85 to 225 Mbps in FDD bands. The main reason to choose RedCap is access to 5G Standalone networks and their features, not a higher headline speed.
Will a 5G RedCap Router Work Indoors?
A 5G RedCap router works indoors wherever it can reach a 5G Standalone cell, but indoor Standalone coverage in the UK varies widely by building. Plant rooms, basements and metal enclosures often need an external antenna. Where Standalone does not reach, a router with LTE fallback stays connected on 4G.
Is 5G RedCap the Same as NR-Light?
Yes. NR-Light is another name for 5G RedCap, used by some chipset vendors and in early industry discussion. 3GPP's own term is RedCap, short for Reduced Capability, and the standard is part of 3GPP Release 17. Both names describe the same class of simplified 5G device.
Does 5G RedCap Work With an eSIM?
5G RedCap works with an eSIM where the router supports one. An eSIM is a SIM built into the device that can take network profiles remotely instead of using a removable card. Some RedCap routers, such as the Digi IX25, include an eSIM. The profile still needs 5G Standalone access on the network for RedCap to work.
Sources and Further Reading
- Ericsson: RedCap, Expanding the 5G Device Ecosystem (white paper)
- Ericsson: RedCap/eRedCap, Standardizing Simplified 5G IoT Devices (December 2024)
- Ericsson researchers: An Overview of 3GPP Release 17 RedCap
- Ofcom: Connected Nations Update, Spring 2026 (May 2026)
- GSA: 5G RedCap April 2026 Industry Update
- GSMA: Data Throughput of LTE-M, NB-IoT, 3G and 4G
- ISPreview: Virgin Media O2 Mobile Upgrades for 2026 (March 2026)
- EE Newsroom: 5G+ Network Innovations (April 2026)
- VodafoneThree: SuperMobile and 5G+ Coverage (September 2026)
- Teltonika Networks: RUT271 and RUT976 5G RedCap Routers
- Teltonika Networks: RUT276
- Teltonika Networks Wiki: EBD070
- Digi International: Digi IX25 Launch (March 2026)
- Advantech: Introducing the ICR-2452 RedCap
- Telit Cinterion: RedCap Modules on Snapdragon X35
- Sequans: 5G eRedCap at MWC 2026
