Industries are intensifying their search for robust, future-ready connectivity solutions as the lifecycle of Internet of Things (IoT) devices extends toward decades in the field. The introduction of Sony Semiconductor Israel’s vision for enhanced Reduced Capability (eRedCap) underlines a transition point: manufacturers, operators, and technology suppliers are each preparing to adapt networks and device platforms for changing throughput requirements and the phase-out of legacy 2G and 4G infrastructures. Observers expect the resulting shift in IoT deployments to spur momentum in broader adoption and facilitate the flow of data necessary for next-generation AI and industrial applications.
Recently, announcements on eRedCap have focused on technical specification advancements and first-phase deployments, but clear product timelines and industry strategies have remained vague. Earlier releases from Sony and other firms outlined the initial development of 5G-based IoT chips intended for proof-of-concept rather than mass adoption, and operators previously leaned on a fragmented mix of LTE Cat-x and LPWA standards. Today’s announcement highlights a maturing roadmap with tangible support for longer device lifecycles and improved network consolidation, suggesting a more definite path forward than earlier reports.
What Role Will eRedCap Play in Global IoT Systems?
eRedCap is being positioned as a middle ground between advanced 5G and low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies. Sony attaches strategic importance to eRedCap’s balance of lower power consumption and higher data rates, seeing the approach as suitable for applications ranging from industrial automation to AI-powered consumer wearables. The vision includes support for real-time connectivity, which is crucial as data-heavy IoT roles expand and the need for consistent, efficient operation increases.
How Does eRedCap Impact Operators and Device Makers?
Operators find themselves weighing the costs and complexities of sustaining parallel 2G, 4G, and 5G networks. Transitioning to eRedCap is expected to simplify this environment. Sony states that, by enabling gradual migration of legacy IoT devices, operators can eventually retire older networks and free up valuable spectrum. CEO Nohik Semel explained:
The future of IoT is clearly converging around eRedCap. It brings the performance needed for tomorrow’s connected devices while preserving the efficiency and longevity that industries count on.
For device makers, eRedCap is described as a strategic engineering target that can ensure product relevance for a decade or more while managing deployment costs.
What Innovations Does Sony’s Altair ALT1550 5G Modem Bring?
As part of the shift, Sony introduced plans for its Altair ALT1550 5G eRedCap modem. This chip features 3GPP Release 18 compliance, HD-FDD optimization tailored for long-lasting, battery-powered IoT devices, and backward compatibility with 4G Cat-1bis/LTE-M. According to Sony Semiconductor Israel’s VP Dima Feldman, the development roadmap pursues long service life and power and cost efficiency:
Our Altair ALT1550 roadmap reflects our belief that 5G IoT must be cost-efficient, power efficient, and built for longevity. This is how we help customers transition smoothly from 4G to a sustainable 5G future.
With HD-FDD favored for its reduced complexity and lower power draw, Sony anticipates eRedCap could reach shipment volumes of 50 million units by 2030. This figure points to market readiness for large-scale transitions, especially where device connectivity and real-time data flow are mission-critical. The company underscores eRedCap’s fit for use cases demanding both scalability and reliable, higher-bandwidth links.
As commercialization ramps up, eRedCap illustrates how mid-tier cellular technology is growing more central to IoT. Unlike high-end 5G or basic low-power solutions, eRedCap’s appeal lies in spanning a wide range of device needs while helping operators manage costs and consolidate radio access technology. For businesses planning deployments that must last a decade or more, evaluating chip-level upgrades like the Altair ALT1550 and actively planning for backward and forward compatibility can mitigate future redesign risks. As more vendors and carriers build out the eRedCap ecosystem, customers will gain clearer options for balancing investment, performance, and lifecycle sustainability.
