UAE First in MEA to Successfully Introduce 5G SA RedCap with Ericsson, Expanding IoT Device Ecosystem
UAE has become the first in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region to successfully complete the introduction of Ericsson's Reduced Capability (RedCap) software solution on its 5G Standalone (5G SA) network. This significant milestone marks a key step towards the evolution of e& UAE’s network into 5G Advanced, broadening the ecosystem for new types of 5G-connected devices.
Ericsson's RedCap solution, a radio access network (RAN) software, enables e& UAE to expand beyond enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services on its 5G SA architecture. The solution opens up new monetization opportunities by catering to a diverse range of devices, including wearables and industrial sensors, offering lower complexity, reduced size, and extended battery life without compromising on data speeds.
The successful end-to-end verification of RedCap was conducted on e& UAE's live 5G SA network, utilizing both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) spectrum. The collaboration between e& UAE and Ericsson also included the development of a testing framework to certify new RedCap devices for integration into the 5G SA network. The next phase involves scaling the RedCap implementation across e& UAE's commercial network as part of the ongoing progression towards 5G Advanced.
Marwan Bin Shakar, Senior Vice President of Access Network Development at e& UAE, commented, "e& UAE is committed to leveraging the latest technologies in the telecommunications industry to build a flagship network. As a global technology leader, Ericsson is our trusted partner in achieving our objectives. The company’s RedCap solution opens the door to a new world of possibilities, allowing us to extend our current diverse 5G connectivity options to new segments for consumers, enterprises, and industrial users."
Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, added, "The capabilities offered by RedCap represent the next wave of evolution in seamless connectivity and interaction enabled by 5G. RedCap supports devices such as wearables and industrial sensors with adequate speeds and improved spectral efficiency in more cost and energy-efficient ways. Our partnership with e& UAE in this implementation is a step in their journey towards 5G Advanced and to unlock connectivity features that will make it possible to automate, innovate, and monetize 5G in entirely new ways."
Ericsson has a long-standing partnership with e& UAE, working closely to deliver a state-of-the-art 5G network that benefits consumers, enterprises, and industries with enriched connectivity and enhanced mobility
