Sequans Communications S.A. has drawn attention at Mobile World Congress 2026 with a showcase focused on the next phase of cellular IoT innovation. As businesses and industries seek longevity and agility in their connectivity solutions, the company’s spotlight on 5G eRedCap semiconductor platforms and licensable radio technologies echoes a clear market demand for scalable and cost-conscious wireless infrastructure. These updates directly address operator and OEM concerns over migrating from maturing 4G networks, ensuring their IoT deployments remain operational and efficient in a changing mobile landscape. The event also provides insight into wider trends influencing edge computing, industrial automation, and connected health applications as the era of 5G matures.
In earlier announcements, Sequans presented incremental updates to its Monarch and Calliope chip lines and participated mainly in collaborative projects with network operators on LTE and early 5G IoT. The new focus, compared to last year’s MWC presentations, leans on wider IP licensing and the adaptability of SDR-based solutions, a response to broader industry conversations emphasizing reusability and future-proofing over single-generation hardware. There has also been a noticeable increase in attention given to defense and industrial applications, which were previously discussed primarily in the context of consumer or low-bandwidth IoT use cases.
How Do Monarch 3 and Calliope 3 Address 4G-to-5G Transition?
Sequans’ newly introduced Monarch 3 and Calliope 3 chips were designed to extend product lifespans and facilitate a seamless move from 4G networks to 5G eRedCap. Both silicon solutions support fallback to existing LTE networks, reducing the risk for device manufacturers concerned about LTE discontinuation. Monarch 3 is tailored for low-data-rate, energy-sensitive environments such as smart metering and asset tracking, whereas Calliope 3 targets higher-end industrial uses, addressing the differing connectivity demands across sectors.
What Role Does Iris RF Transceiver Play in SDR Adoption?
The Iris RF transceiver, highlighted at the event, underpins a push toward software-defined radio technology in both conventional and emerging verticals. By allowing customizable radio frequency architectures, Iris enables device makers to adapt more rapidly to shifting wireless standards without broad hardware changes. This opens possibilities for broader SDR deployment in sectors from industrial IoT to defense systems, a reflection of growing interest in customizable wireless platforms.
How Will Sequans’ IP Licensing Strategy Impact the Industry?
Licensing of Sequans’ radio frequency, modem, and protocol stack intellectual property offers semiconductor and device manufacturers flexibility in developing tailored connectivity solutions. By granting access to carrier-grade technology, Sequans responds to the market need for accelerated solution development while supporting differentiated products for industrial, enterprise, and mission-critical applications. This IP-centric strategy complements the transition to heterogeneous network architectures and aligns with the persistent demand for robust wireless connectivity.
“MWC 2026 is the perfect stage to showcase how the IoT industry is accelerating toward 5G, and our new Monarch 3 and Calliope 3 eRedCap platforms are built precisely for this next phase.”
Sequans CEO Georges Karam emphasized the company’s intention to equip industries with sustained and adaptable wireless solutions.
“With our latest RF transceiver, and our expanding IP portfolio, we are giving customers a clear, innovative, and future-proof roadmap that makes advanced wireless connectivity accessible to every application and every industry – extending well beyond cellular IoT.”
The focus on eRedCap and RF technologies by Sequans underscores the continued expansion of 5G applications beyond high-data-rate consumer use to industrial and enterprise needs. Businesses evaluating the longevity of their IoT deployments may find greater stability and flexibility by prioritizing solutions based on licensable IP and software-defined capabilities. For industry participants, keeping track of device lifecycle requirements, fallback needs, and platform adaptability remains crucial as networks transition. Those seeking to extend device viability while planning for next-generation wireless connectivity can leverage such modular and licensable approaches to reduce risk and tailor performance.
