Omdia’s latest analysis indicates that 2025 will be a breakthrough year for 5G Standalone (SA) networks and RedCap devices. The shift promises to unlock significant opportunities for IoT applications across industries.
5G Standalone Networks Gain Speed
After deployment delays in 2024, global 5G SA rollouts are accelerating. These networks deliver ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and massive connectivity, empowering transformative applications in manufacturing, industrial automation, and other IoT-driven sectors.
“With 5G SA deployments increasing, the industry is finally realizing the full potential of 5G,” said Alexander Thompson, Senior Analyst for IoT at Omdia. “2025 marks the first time hardware and networks align on RedCap, highlighted by the Apple Watch launch supporting this technology.”
RedCap Devices Reach Milestones
The 5G device ecosystem achieved a key milestone in October 2024. T-Mobile introduced North America’s first commercial 5G RedCap device, the TCL LINKPORT IK511 dongle. While module costs remain high, prices are expected to fall as adoption expands, particularly in China, where subsidies are likely to drive growth.
Advanced 5G Capabilities Expand
Meanwhile, network slicing has moved beyond trials into commercial use, with offerings like T-Mobile’s T-Priority and Verizon’s FrontLine. Private 5G networks also continue to address enterprise security, cited by 33% of organizations in Omdia’s IoT Enterprise Survey 2025 as their top priority.
In addition, the 5G ecosystem is growing through network API monetization, with several key API families now deployed globally. Together, these advances position 5G Standalone networks and RedCap devices as pivotal drivers of the IoT landscape in 2025.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
