Omdia predicted standalone (SA) 5G network deployments would recover from a delay-ridden 2024, tipping 2025 to deliver breakthroughs for the technology along with uptake of reduced capability (RedCap) devices.

The research company believes the trends are set to fuel opportunities for IoT services across industries, noting SA 5G lies at the heart of transformations underway in manufacturing and industrial automation, among others.

Omdia stated deployments are accelerating this year, a trajectory which leaves analysts confident the benefits of traits including ultra-low latency, speedy data rates and massive connectivity are now being realised.

Senior analyst Alexander Thompson noted 2025 is the “first time hardware and network ecosystems are aligned on RedCap”, highlighting the inclusion of the technology in Apple’s latest Watch as evidence.

Operators including T-Mobile US are credited with seeding the grounds of growth: Omdia noted the company launched the first commercial 5G RedCap device in North America in late 2024, a “significant milestone” for the sector.

RedCap device pricing remains high, though Omdia tipped the figures to reduce as adoption rises. It noted China could be a key driver of this trend because of government subsidies.

Bar chart titled “5G RedCap connections by region, 2023–30,” showing rising connections each year. Asia & Oceania lead (orange bars), followed by Europe, North America, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America & Caribbean in smaller amounts. Source: Omdia.

Omdia expects Asia-Pacific and Oceana to dominate RedCap connections from now until 2030, though all regions are tipped to be on the up over the forecast period (see chart, right, click to enlarge).

The company is also optimistic on network slicing, explaining the SA 5G feature is now entering a commercial phase through operators including T-Mobile and counterpart Verizon.

It noted recent research indicated 33 per cent of IoT enterprises see private 5G as a crucial element in addressing security concerns.