TechPression

Tag: T-Mobile

  • RedCap, the IoT and wearable 5G will get its initial set of devices soon

    RedCap, the IoT and wearable 5G will get its initial set of devices soon

    As AT&T and T-Mobile gear up to release their first devices utilising RedCap, also known as “Reduced Capability” or NR-Light, a new chapter in the 5G landscape unfolds. RedCap addresses the growing demand for low-power, low-bandwidth Internet of Things (IoT) devices. 

    Let’s break down what this technology is and how it might shape the future of connectivity.

    Read also: Samsung Magic Frame speaker: Fusion of sound, art, and furniture

    What is RedCap?

    RedCap (Reduced Capability), sometimes called NR-Light, is a lighter version of the 5G specification. Unlike traditional 5G networks designed to handle high-speed, high-bandwidth connections, RedCap is tailored for IoT devices that don’t require massive data throughput.

    These devices include wearables, sensors, and surveillance cameras, where efficiency and longevity are prioritised over speed.

    The role of RedCap in IoT

    RedCap aims to simplify the design and operation of IoT devices by minimising power consumption. This could result in more affordable cellular-connected devices like smartwatches, augmented reality (XR) glasses, and other portable gadgets.

    These devices would no longer need high-powered antennas, allowing them to last longer on a single charge while remaining connected to cellular networks.

    AT&T and T-Mobile’s plans for RedCap devices

    AT&T and T-Mobile are leading the charge in deploying devices that exploit RedCap’s capabilities. AT&T has been testing the specification since early 2024, with plans to release its first NR-Light devices in 2025. 

    According to AT&T AVP of device Architecture Jason Silkes, these early products will likely include affordable mobile hotspots and dongles.

    On the other hand, T-Mobile plans to launch its first RedCap-enabled device before the end of 2024. 

    Although the specific details of this device remain unclear, there is speculation that T-Mobile may introduce a dongle or other similar products.

    Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35 modem chipset, launched in 2023, is providing a major boost to the development of RedCap devices. Several companies, including T-Mobile and AT&T, plan to use this chipset in their future products. The Snapdragon X35 is designed to support the reduced power and bandwidth needs of RedCap devices, making it ideal for IoT applications.

    Read also: Huawei’s triple-folding Mate XT smartphone unveiled in Nigeria

    The future of RedCap in 5G

    RedCap is, however, at an early stage, and its potential can help create a 5G ecosystem. RedCap could help advance the introduction of connected devices in different fields due to the availability of affordable and efficient devices.

    Hence, the rivalry between AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as innovations like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35, can quicken the deployment of fresh RedCap devices in the next years.

    In this regard, major technology exhibitions such as CES, expected in the next two years, will lead to more new product launches with RedCap capabilities, thus promoting new innovation in IoT areas.

  • SpaceX and T-Mobile to provide satellite connectivity for smartphones

    SpaceX and T-Mobile to provide satellite connectivity for smartphones

    T-Mobile and SpaceX have announced that they will deliver a new service over T-Mobile networks. This service will provide access to Starlink satellites for most smartphones. The initiative’s theme is “Coverage Above and Beyond,” and it will be implemented starting next year.

    They also organized the live event, which was broadcast live on SpaceX’s official YouTube page. Mike Sievert, the CEO of T-Mobile, and Elon Musk, the chief engineer of SpaceX, participated in this event.

     Starlink Satellites in Mobile

    The new technology will utilize SpaceX’s Starlink satellites of the second generation, which are located in low Earth orbit, in conjunction with T-Mobile’s mid-band 5G spectrum to provide “near complete coverage” in most areas across the United States, in addition to territorial waters.

     If the technology were to be implemented successfully, it would do away with the concept of “mobile dead zones” and enable consumers to remain connected even when they are out of the range of cell towers. This would be particularly useful in times of crisis, implying that even in areas without nearby earthbound cell towers, your 5G phone will be able to access the internet.

    Read Also: SpaceX Announces Lower Priced Starlink service

    Both T-Mobile and SpaceX have said that they want to offer this service to people worldwide in the future. They are working toward this goal by establishing roaming agreements with other international carriers.

    SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said, “The important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones anywhere in the world for your cell phone,” announcing the plan. “We’re incredibly excited to do this with T-Mobile.”

    How will it work

    The companies will build a new network to provide this service that will use T-countrywide Mobile’s mid-band spectrum while being transmitted from Starlink satellites. Nearly anywhere a user can see this real satellite-to-cellular service will cover the sky.

    By the end of next year, following SpaceX’s anticipated satellite launches, T-Mobile hopes to offer customers text coverage virtually everywhere in the continental US, Hawaii, some areas of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and territorial waters. This service will also be available outside the signal of T-Mobile. Mobile customers will be able to remain in touch and share experiences almost anywhere via text messaging, including SMS, MMS, and participating messaging applications. The corporations want to pursue the expansion of voice and data coverage after that.

    “Today’s news is the next step in T-Mobile’s quest to deliver Coverage Beyond. Earlier this year, the Un-carrier gave customers enhanced connectivity beyond the reach of its network – in the air and abroad. Today’s move is the next step on the path to provide the ultimate coverage experience.”

    The satellite connectivity speed 

    According to Elon Musk, the second generation of Starlink satellites could transmit data rates of up to 2-4 Mbps to each cell zone. Such speeds would be sufficient for sending and receiving text messages and phone calls in the future when the latter feature is implemented.

    The exact speeds would be determined by the number of T-Mobile users using the service simultaneously inside a particular cell zone. Musk has said that there is a possibility that users would be able to play “a little bit” of video in the future, provided that a cell is not particularly busy. Nevertheless, the service is not meant for this kind of use but is built for basic communication purposes.

    “Today’s news is the next step in T-Mobile’s quest to deliver Coverage Beyond. Earlier this year, the Un-carrier gave customers enhanced connectivity beyond the reach of its network – in the air and abroad. Today’s move is the next step to providing the ultimate coverage experience.”