In a significant stride towards enhancing the capabilities of 5G technology, Verizon, Ericsson, and MediaTek have successfully conducted data and voice sessions over Verizon’s 5G network. This achievement was made possible through the utilization of Ericsson’s innovative RedCap software, featuring NR light functionality, and MediaTek’s advanced RedCap testing platform. The successful trials not only mark a milestone for these tech giants but also pave the way for a new era of cost-effective wearables and efficient Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
Advancing 5G Connectivity
The collaborative effort between Verizon, Ericsson, and MediaTek has resulted in the successful completion of data and voice (Voice over New Radio or VoNR) sessions over Verizon’s 5G network. The integration of Ericsson’s RedCap software, designed for lower complexity and cost, and MediaTek’s RedCap testing platform has yielded promising outcomes for the future of 5G technology.
Unlocking Opportunities
The significance of this achievement lies in its potential to drive the development of lower-complexity and cost-effective 5G devices. This includes a wide array of products such as consumer wearables, fitness trackers, mobile medical devices, and enterprise IoT solutions. These devices, although transmitting and receiving smaller amounts of data compared to smartphones, routers, or enterprise solutions, are set to benefit from enhanced connectivity and operational efficiency.
Efficiency and Battery Life
The introduction of Ericsson’s RedCap software and MediaTek’s chipset technology promises to provide more efficient pathways for low-cost, low-power devices to operate seamlessly on Verizon’s 5G network. This technological enhancement has the potential to extend battery life and significantly improve the overall efficiency of these devices.
Verizon’s Network Transformation
Verizon’s transformation over the past few years has culminated in a sophisticated and customizable network capable of accommodating a diverse range of capabilities required for various devices. The integration of Ericsson’s new light software, combined with the deployed 5G network technologies, holds the promise of delivering an unparalleled customer experience. Moreover, this collaboration is poised to drive the proliferation of low-cost, energy-efficient devices within the 5G ecosystem.
Enabling New Use Cases
The successful trials of data and VoNR calls using different spectrum bands in Verizon’s standalone 5G core network demonstrate the prowess of Ericsson’s RedCap software in enabling a broad spectrum of use cases for both consumers and enterprises. This advancement lays the foundation for the efficient operation of wearables, IoT devices, AR glasses, and more within the 5G landscape.
Expansion of the Ecosystem
The introduction of New Radio (NR) RedCap devices is expected to catalyze the expansion of the 5G ecosystem. This technology holds the potential to enhance data rates, reduce latency, improve energy efficiency, and optimize spectrum utilization compared to existing LTE technology.
A Glimpse into the Future
As this technology integrates into commercial networks, Verizon aims to collaborate with developers to expedite the evolution of 5G devices and foster ecosystem growth. The collective efforts of Verizon, Ericsson, and MediaTek represent a significant stride towards enabling a wider array of affordable and power-efficient 5G devices. This accomplishment not only contributes to the advancement of the technology but also supports the growth and evolution of the 5G ecosystem at large.
