AT&T achieved nationwide coverage of its 5G reduced capability (RedCap) network, now serving over 200 million Points of Presence (PoPs) across the country.

Jason Sikes, VP of device technology at AT&T, stated in a blog RedCap supports a new generation of devices including wearables, XR glasses and IoT products by offering lower battery consumption, reduced costs and streamlined 5G capabilities.

He noted RedCap powers a broad range of IoT products for use in healthcare, asset tracking, industrial sensors, fleet management and “other mid-speed computing devices”.

“They offer reduced manufacturing costs and more compact form factors by featuring fewer antennas, lower processing power, less battery consumption and simplified radio frequency components compared to full 5G devices,” Sikes explained.

A representative for AT&T told Mobile World Live RedCap is running on the operator’s standalone (SA) 5G network.

The operator is working with module providers such as Semtech, Telit Cinterion and Rhino Mobility to expand the device ecosystem.

Sikes also announced certification of the Franklin Wireless RG350, the first commercially approved 5G RedCap mobile hotspot on its network. The mobile hotspot, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System, enables connectivity for remote work and travel.

“As we continue expanding the 5G RedCap network and ecosystem, customers can anticipate a growing portfolio of devices,” Sikes stated. “This momentum will drive IoT innovation, transforming how businesses and consumers connect, operate and innovate with 5G technology.”

Sikes cited the operator’s first RedCap data call on a live SA 5G network two years ago as a key milestone ahead of the nationwide deployment.

Standards body 3GPP introduced RedCap, or NR-Light, in its Release-17 standard to enable a wider range of low power devices including IoT sensors on 5G networks.

Rival T-Mobile US enabled RedCap across its entire network near the end of last year.