by James E. Carroll, Editor
Verizon, Ericsson, and MediaTek successfully completed data and voice (VoNR) sessions over Verizon’s 5G network using Ericsson’s new RedCap compatible software (NR light functionality) and MediaTek’s RedCap testing platform.
RedCap offers similar data rates to LTE enabled devices with improved latency, device energy efficiency and spectrum efficiency. This technology also has the potential to support 5G NR features such as enhanced positioning and network slicing.
Both voice and data sessions were completed using 5G technology over C-band TDD spectrum as well as 5G technology over 850 MHz FDD spectrum, in Verizon’s production network employing Verizon’s 5G standalone core. Once this technology is deployed in the commercial network, Verizon will continue to work with consumer and business solution developers to accelerate 5G device development driving the entire ecosystem forward.
“The network transformation we have undergone the past few years has brought us to this place of having a highly sophisticated and customizable network able to provide a range of capabilities needed for a variety of devices,” said Adam Koeppe, SVP of Network and Technology Planning at Verizon. “The evolution of this new light software coupled with the technologies deployed throughout our 5G network will allow us to provide the best possible experience for our customers in an efficient manner and will drive the 5G ecosystem with low-cost, energy-efficient devices.”
- Earlier in August, Optus, Ericsson and MediaTek announced Australia’s first over-the-air data-call using Ericsson’s pre-commercial Reduced Capability (RedCap) software on Optus’ 5G network. The small device size, long battery life, and substantial throughput of RedCap devices would make it ideal with many mobile consumer applications such as wearables (eg. smartwatches), health monitors, augmented reality (AR) devices (eg glasses) as well as industrial applications such as video surveillance, and industrial sensors. For instance, Ericsson’s RedCap software can power the smart city of the future with applications in smart grids, environmental sensors, predictive maintenance, utility meters, and more. This milestone has been made possible through Ericsson’s advanced Reduced Capability (RedCap) software using any available 5G spectrum, with both time division duplex (TDD) and frequency division duplex (FDD), in low and mid frequency bands. With RedCap’s broader applicability, Optus can further innovate various use cases such as new applications for consumers, industries and enterprises.
