T-Mobile US and TCL have introduced a groundbreaking device in North America, a 5G RedCap USB-C dongle dubbed TCL LINKPORT IK511. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry, integrating 5G technology into more devices. Utilizing the Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System, the dongle offers remarkable data speeds of up to 220Mb/s, making it a standout offering in the North American market.
The introduction of RedCap technology, a 5G Standalone (SA) variant, facilitates the inclusion of IoT and lower-performance devices in the 5G network ecosystem. Contrary to its predecessors in the IoT domain, RedCap does not compromise on speed or performance. It matches the advanced capabilities of LTE, especially in terms of speed, antenna design, and battery efficiency, presenting itself as the successor to LTE Cat-4.
This new device promises faster speeds than existing LTE Cat 4 connections, coupled with advanced network features. Users will benefit from enhancements such as network slicing and T-Mobile-specific services, including T-Priority, T-Mobile Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and T-Mobile Security Slice.
John Saw, EVP, and CTO of T-Mobile, emphasized the transformative potential of 5G RedCap, stating, “5G RedCap will transform how consumers and businesses connect, catapulting old Wi-Fi-only devices onto the nation’s leading 5G network.”
Available at an initial price of $96, the TCL Linkport IK511 is offered at a 50% discount to customers enrolling it in an existing 5G plan. Additionally, users will incur a monthly subscription fee of $5. This device’s availability marks a significant evolution in telecommunications, expanding 5G connectivity’s reach to diverse user segments while promoting broader adoption.
