São Paulo, March 2, 2026 — Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with Ericsson, has successfully completed a series of trials with RedCap devices on the 5G Advanced Standalone (SA) network of a Brazilian mobile operator in São Paulo. The tests used Ericsson's 5G base stations, known as gNodeB (Next Generation Node B), and the RHINO H1 hotspot device, demonstrating the feasibility and consistent performance within the scope of controlled trial conditions of the technology in real-world environments.
Rel-17 RedCap (Reduced Capability) is an evolution of 5G SA aimed at devices that require efficient connectivity with less complexity and cost. This technology supports the development of a new generation of applications in IoT, wearables, and FWA Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs), enabling solutions with low power consumption, high reliability, and affordability.
The tests used the RHINO H1 device and the RHINO M3501 module, both developed by Rhino Mobility (a NEXA company), both featuring the Snapdragon® X35 5G Modem-RF System chipset. These projects highlight RedCap’s potential to expand access to quality connectivity, especially in underserved and rural regions, supporting efforts to reduce the digital divide.
In addition to reducing costs and complexity for manufacturers and operators, the implementation of 5G Advanced SA RedCap may positively impact sectors such as health, education, and agriculture, allowing wearable health monitors to connect to the 5G Advanced SA network, distance learning, and intelligent crop monitoring, potentially accelerating digital transformation in a broader and more inclusive way.
"5G Advanced SA RedCap is already a reality around the world, representing a key technology for enabling and expanding new use cases. According to the GSMA, the RedCap device ecosystem continues to grow rapidly," comments Fransergio Vieira, Staff Manager, Product Marketing, QUALCOMM Servicos de Telecomunicacoes Ltda. Brazil has the opportunity to massify 5G connectivity, contributing to the digital transformation of the country's economy, through this technology."
"The tests with 5G Advanced SA RedCap reinforce Ericsson's commitment to supporting the evolution of telecommunications infrastructure in Brazil. This technology will allow expanding access to differentiated and quality connectivity, with more affordable and efficient solutions, accelerating digital transformation in essential sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. We are proud to collaborate with Qualcomm to make 5G increasingly inclusive and democratic in our country," says Ericsson's Vice President of Business, Murilo Barbosa.
“At NEXA, our mission is to deliver enterprise‑grade mobility solutions that scale globally,” says Jai Rao, Chief Product Officer. “The successful testing of the RHINO H1 and RHINO M3501 module on a 5G RedCap network marks a major milestone not only for NEXA, but for the entire RedCap ecosystem. A certified module opens up the possibility of developing cost‑efficient, high‑performance devices for IoT and other applications in the market.”
According to a report by Omdia, the number of 5G RedCap connections is expected to reach around 963 million globally by 2030, with accelerated growth in Latin America, driven by falling device prices and innovative bundling strategies. The 5G FWA segment, which includes RedCap CPEs, is expected to exceed 150 million connections by 2030, with emphasis on emerging markets.
The tests described above were conducted in a controlled environment and do not constitute, by themselves, commercial availability or regulatory certification (including ANATEL certification). 5G Advanced SA RedCap represents an opportunity to support digital transformation in Latin America, expanding access to mobile broadband and enabling new business models for operators and ecosystem partners.
Qualcomm Technologies and Ericsson work together to bring technological innovations that contribute to improving Brazil's telecommunications infrastructure.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm relentlessly innovates to deliver intelligent computing everywhere, helping the world address some of its most important challenges. Building on our 40 years of technology leadership in era-defining breakthroughs, we offer a broad portfolio of solutions built with our cutting-edge AI, high-performance, low-power computing, and unmatched connectivity. Our Snapdragon® platforms deliver extraordinary consumer experiences, and our Qualcomm Dragonwing™ products empower businesses and industries to reach new heights. Together with our ecosystem partners, we enable next-generation digital transformation to enrich lives, improve businesses, and advance societies. At Qualcomm, we're designing human progress.
Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, together with its subsidiaries, virtually all of our engineering and research and development functions, as well as the majority of our product and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business. Products under the Snapdragon and Qualcomm brands are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patents are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.
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About Ericsson
Ericsson's high-performance networks provide connectivity to billions of people every day. For almost 150 years, and for 100 years operating in Brazil, we have been pioneers in the creation of technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. With Ericsson, Brazil is the only country in the Southern Hemisphere to produce 5G radios and antennas directly from our factory in São José dos Campos, which has been operating uninterruptedly since 1955. In R&D, we are a major contributor to the development of global mobile standards for the benefit of consumers and businesses everywhere. We have more than 60,000 patents granted, which reinforces our leading position as a 5G supplier. Our investment in Brazil's R&D ecosystem creates cutting-edge technologies, generates skilled jobs, stimulates research and provides opportunities for entrepreneurs, academics and innovators in the country. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. Access the website.
About NEXA
NEXA® is a global innovator of enterprise mobility, specializing in private label solutions that empower organizations to work smarter and scale faster. Our diversified portfolio spans handhelds, tablets, wearables, and IoT devices, each designed in the USA, fully certified, and built to meet the highest industry standards.
Established in 2011 and with more than 15 million devices deployed globally, NEXA has a proven track record of delivering secure, scalable mobility solutions that integrate seamlessly into enterprise ecosystems. From healthcare and transportation to the public sector and defense, our solutions are engineered for performance, durability, and long-term deployment. U.S.-based design expertise combined with global reach ensures solutions that meet the exact requirements of our myriad and varied client base.
At NEXA, we believe the future of enterprise mobility is purpose-built, compliant, and globally ready, and we’re standing behind that belief by building the next generation of enterprise innovation.
To learn more about NEXA, visit: www.nexamobility.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
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