For over 14 years, COMPRION and Rohde & Schwarz have been working closely together in the field of USIM/USAT conformance testing for mobile devices. Rohde & Schwarz is considered one of the leading experts in network technologies, so we are particularly excited to hear the insights of Thomas Eyring, Senior Director Device Certification at Rohde & Schwarz, on the topic of 5G RedCap.

1. How does Rohde & Schwarz assess the relevance of 5G RedCap for mobile devices?

RedCap is best compared to LTE CAT-1. The market it targets is not premium smartphones but rather mid-range to entry-level models or entirely different IoT devices that require higher performance, such as for voice or video services or even surveillance cameras. These devices need increased bandwidth, which RedCap provides.
One key advantage of RedCap is that the technology utilizes a fully 5G-based protocol. Unlike the NSA (Non-Standalone) standard, where LTE still serves as an anchor and brings corresponding limitations, RedCap is based on the so-called SA (Standalone) standard. Network expansion is increasingly moving towards SA, which means that central 5G features such as network slicing are becoming more significant. We are already seeing initial implementations in the U.S., where major network operators are requesting test sequences for network slicing.
 

2. How quickly does Rohde & Schwarz expect RedCap to gain market adoption? When and where will RedCap impact conformance testing?

In the medium to long term, RedCap will replace comparable LTE technologies such as CAT-1 or CAT-1bis. Whether this happens in two years or only in six to seven years is hard to predict, but market trends clearly indicate this direction. Developments at the GCF also show that the number of devices with SA support is now as high as those with NSA support. This demonstrates that the technology is already present in many devices and, in theory, can also support RedCap.

Network expansion and the availability of suitable end devices must go hand in hand. In some regions like North America and Europe, the rollout of 5G SA is already progressing, while it will take more time in other regions. Therefore, we expect RedCap to develop regionally first and then gradually expand more broadly.

The speed of adoption also heavily depends on the business strategies of network operators, which are not always fully defined. However, it is foreseeable that 5G will eventually replace LTE, and RedCap will establish itself accordingly in the market.

Currently, RedCap devices are still rare on the market, which makes development and validation more challenging. However, we expect availability to gradually increase. There will be no sudden "hockey-stick" growth curve, but rather a steady market penetration alongside the general adoption of 5G. The demand for RedCap test solutions will continue to rise as 5G SA expands and more corresponding devices emerge.
 

3. What synergies does Rohde & Schwarz see in the partnership with COMPRION for the RedCap test solution?

The long-standing partnership between COMPRION and Rohde & Schwarz in the field of USIM/USAT conformance test solutions is a testament to our shared commitment to quality and innovation. COMPRION is an expert in SIM/eSIM, providing card simulation and test cases, while Rohde & Schwarz brings its strengths in network technology. This combination creates a highly powerful solution for our customers and enables us to support the development of new technologies such as RedCap efficiently.

For Rohde & Schwarz, USIM/USAT testing represents a niche market that we cannot serve directly ourselves. Therefore, we are very pleased to collaborate with COMPRION as a technology leader in this field. Conformance testing for mobile devices goes far beyond radio technology. While radio technology is a central component, other testing areas such as protocol, security, and especially USIM/USAT testing play a crucial role. To obtain GCF and PTCRB certification, all required tests must be passed. By integrating COMPRION's tests, our customers can ensure that their device is fully compliant.
 

4. Which conformance topics for mobile devices will be particularly relevant in the future?

By 2030, 6G conformance test solutions will be required on the market. Standardization is already starting this year with the 3GPP kickoff for 6G, and we are seeing initial companies positioning themselves. However, for the next two to three years, the focus will still be on the evolution of 5G. 3GPP Release 18 has been completed, and new developments are being driven forward with Release 19.

• Network Architecture: The focus here is on the evolution from a two-dimensional network with base stations to a three-dimensional network through the integration of satellites. These already enable the sending of short messages in areas without network coverage. Some operators are already offering such services, especially in the IoT sector, for example, in agriculture or remote regions. This trend is supported by falling costs for satellite projects. More and more companies are interested in certifying such solutions, as we also observe at GCF. In 6G, this technology will be fully integrated into the standard.
   
• AI and ML Technologies: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) make testing and measurement technology smarter – from automated signal processing to optimizing complex network analyses. Initial implementations are already included in 3GPP Release 18. A key topic is AI-powered receivers (AI-ML receivers). Currently, 3GPP is discussing what test requirements need to be established for these new technologies.
   
• New Frequency Ranges (FR3): FR3 refers to the third frequency range (7.125 to 24.25 GHz), which is being investigated for future 5G-Advanced and 6G networks. It is particularly relevant for higher data rates and improved network capacity. FR3 bridges the gap between existing sub-6 GHz (FR1) and millimeter-wave frequencies (FR2), offering a good balance between range and speed.

Another important topic for us is the mission-critical community – the professional radio communications used by police, fire departments, and other critical infrastructure sectors, which is currently undergoing a transformation. Licensed bands are expiring, and LTE is becoming the global standard. In the future, 5G will also play a significant role here, particularly through network slicing, which enables more robust services.
 

Conclusion: The development is clearly moving towards a combination of high-performance 5G- and eventually 6G- technologies, providing extremely high bandwidths for very high-performance applications in limited areas, as well as satellite communication for hard-to-reach regions. This will elevate connectivity worldwide to a new level.

--

Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated a net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 14,400 employees worldwide.

 

 

---

• RedCap
• 5G
• 5G SA
• Combined (U)SIM/(U)SAT Handset Testing
• COMPRION SIMfony
• Rohde & Schwarz
• Mobile device testing
• USIM
• USAT