T-Mobile has paired with Chinese electronics company TCL to launch a 5G reduced capability (RedCap) device.
The device, TCL Linkport IK511, is a 5G RedCap USB-C dongle that connects devices such as laptops and tablets to T-Mobile's 5G Standalone network.
T-Mobile claims the device is the first commercial device of its kind in the US market.
"5G RedCap will transform how consumers and businesses connect, catapulting old Wi-Fi-only devices onto the nation’s leading 5G network,” said John Saw, EVP and chief technology officer of T-Mobile.
“Linkport — on T-Mobile’s network — provides instant, flexible 5G access, whether for first responders, educators, or everyday users.”
The product went on sale at T-Mobile stores earlier this week (October 17) and features the Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System.
T-Mobile notes that the dongle provides enhanced power efficiency, extended battery life, improved 5G coverage over LTE, and offers high uplink speeds with low latency.
According to T-Mobile, the 5G RedCap device provides a more affordable entry point into 5G with a "more reliable, more secure, and faster experience compared to Wi-Fi and 4G LTE."
A recent report from ABI Research estimates that cumulative revenues from the sale of RedCap-based IoT modules will reach $1.2 billion over the next five years.
