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As the global telecoms industry continues its shift from 4G to 5G, eRedCap (enhanced Reduced Capability) is emerging as a key technology shaping the future of long-life Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Sony Semiconductor Israel has outlined its long-term vision for 5G IoT connectivity, positioning eRedCap as the foundation for the next generation of globally connected Altair devices designed to operate reliably for 10 to 20 years.
This transition is taking place as industries increasingly adopt artificial intelligence and mobile network operators prepare to phase out legacy networks. Together, these trends are redefining what large-scale IoT deployments can achieve.
Traditional low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies have long supported applications such as gas and water meters, asset tracking, and safety infrastructure. These devices typically transmit small amounts of data and are built to last for decades with minimal power usage.
However, newer use cases are emerging that require higher data speeds, voice capabilities, and richer data streams. These include industrial automation systems, next-generation safety solutions, wearables, and a growing class of AI-enabled consumer devices. For these applications, eRedCap offers a more suitable alternative.
Unlike LPWA technologies that prioritise ultra-low power and minimal data transfer, eRedCap is designed to support real-time communication, higher throughput, and efficient power usage. This makes it well-suited for modern IoT devices that need more intelligence and responsiveness, without the complexity and cost of full 5G implementations.
“The future of IoT is clearly converging around eRedCap,” said Nohik Semel, CEO of Sony Semiconductor Israel. “It delivers the performance required for next-generation connected devices while maintaining the efficiency and long operational life that industries depend on. For companies designing products expected to last 10 to 20 years, eRedCap is the most practical path from 4G to a fully 5G world.”
A fully 5G environment also brings major benefits for mobile network operators. Today, many operators must continue supporting older 2G and 4G networks because large numbers of legacy IoT devices are still in use. This creates operational complexity and strains limited radio spectrum resources.
eRedCap allows for a gradual and practical migration of IoT devices to 5G. As more devices adopt eRedCap, operators can simplify their networks, free up spectrum, and eventually retire 4G infrastructure altogether.
Built on 3GPP Release 18, eRedCap bridges the gap between advanced 5G networks and narrowband IoT. It offers significantly higher data throughput than LPWA technologies, while remaining more cost-effective and energy-efficient than traditional high-performance 5G New Radio (NR) solutions. This balance makes it ideal for battery-powered IoT devices that need to remain in the field for many years.
As the ecosystem evolves, HD-FDD (Half-Duplex Frequency Division Duplex) is emerging as the preferred deployment approach for eRedCap devices. HD-FDD supports simpler radio designs, lower hardware costs, and improved power efficiency—key factors for scaling long-lasting, low-power 5G IoT solutions.
With eRedCap, Sony is helping define a future where IoT devices are more capable, more efficient, and fully aligned with the next phase of global 5G connectivity.
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