T-Mobile Launches First 5G “RedCap” Device – The TCL Linkport IK511 USB Modem

T-Mobile has launched an interesting new 5G data-only device, the TCL Linkport IK511. First announced on October 16th, the Linkport IK511 is now available online and in some T-Mobile stores. What makes this new device unique is that it's the first commercially available device in the US that supports the 5G Reduced Capability or "RedCap" standard—and it's also the first consumer-available 5G USB modem we've seen come to market.

So, what is RedCap, and is this new USB modem worth consideration in a mobile connectivity arsenal? Read on for all the details.

5G RedCap Explained

The TCL Linkport IK511 is the first commercially available device to use the little-known 5G RedCap standard. RedCap stands for "Reduced Capability" and provides less expensive and lower-performance options for devices that don't need high-performance 5G. RedCap is also sometimes called "5G NR-Lite."

RedCap is a feature introduced in the 3GPP Release 17 (aka "5G Phase 2 Part 1") standard to support devices that need moderate data rates, lower power consumption, and reduced complexity compared to full 5G. RedCap is primarily designed for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, wearables, and devices for basic connectivity, such as this new TCL USB modem. RedCap also provides a middle ground between high-performance 5G and the very low-power and very low data-rate IoT-focused standards such as LTE-M or NB-IoT.

Here are some of the differences between RedCap compared to standard 5G:

• Simplified Hardware: RedCap uses fewer antennas, narrower bandwidths, and other changes that reduce modem costs and power requirements at the cost of performance.
• Lower Data Performance: The simplified hardware means lower peak potential speeds - generally up to a couple hundred Mbps max theoretical speeds.
• Power Savings: Uses less power than standard 5G devices.
• Smaller Size: The less complex hardware and processing needs result in a smaller modem that can fit smaller devices.

5G RedCap does maintain many of the benefits of 5G technology, including lower latency and more reliability.

X35 Modem & TCL Linkport IK511 Specs

The Linkport IK511 is functionally a USB modem, the first 5G USB modem available from a major US carrier. These devices have no Wi-Fi capability and have a simple, no-frills interface and firmware. They are plug-and-play and designed to get a single device online via a USB connection.

T-Mobile says the Linkport can provide an internet connection to almost any device with a USB-C port, but it's primarily designed for laptops and tablets. Although the Linkport will likely work with many routers that support USB tethering, that has not been confirmed.

The IK511 utilizes the Snapdragon X35 5G modem—Qualcomm's first 5G RedCap modem. Here are some of the relevant specifications for this modem:

• Supports either 5G Standalone (SA) mode or LTE. 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) mode is not supported.
• Peak Speeds:
  • 220 Mbps down and 120 Mbps up on 5G
  • 200 Mbps down and 105 Mbps up on LTE
• 2x2 MIMO for downloads; uploads use a single antenna (no MIMO)

Here are the cellular bands the Linkport IK511 supports:

• Sub-6GHz 5G: n25, n66, n71
• mmWave 5G: None
• 4G/LTE: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 38, 66, 71

Notably, the Linkport IK511 does not support all T-Mobile 5G cellular bands. n41, in particular, is one of the core T-Mobile 5G bands and is widely deployed, so its absence is especially curious and will negatively impact this device's coverage and performance.

The Linkport has no external antenna ports, so there is no opportunity to utilize an external antenna.

Getting The TCL Linkport IK511

This device is exclusively available from T-Mobile for $96 on either postpaid or prepaid. It can be purchased standalone or as an add-on line to a Go5G plan.

T-Mobile is currently offering a promotion for customers of the premium Go5G Next and Go5G Next Business plans. This promo includes 30GB of data for only $5/month. When purchased standalone or as an add-on line to a lower-tier Go5G plan, this plan is $45/month.

If purchased standalone, the device can also be activated on T-Mobile's 50GB mobile internet plan for $50/month (one of our Top Pick plans). Low-data cap options (2/5/10 GB per month) are also available.

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Concluding Thoughts

While we have monitored the 5G RedCap standard's development, we were surprised to see the first device come to the consumer market, considering it is primarily intended for smart devices, IoT, and wearables.

But it does fill a niche of providing a basic, low-cost, low-performance device that has, until now, been filled with 4G/LTE-only devices. As cellular networks transition from 4G to 5G, low-cost, low-performance 5G devices will need to fill that niche, and the TCL Linkpor IK511 is likely the first of many similar devices to come.

It is, however, important to understand the limitations of 5G RedCap and the TCL Linkport IK511 USB modem. The cheaper cost and simplicity of the Linkport are paid for with much lower performance and capabilities than other 5G devices, including reduced cellular coverage as it doesn't support all of T-Mobile's bands. While this device can be a great companion for a laptop or non-cellular tablet in places with robust T-Mobile coverage, for our core audience of mobile users traveling in vans, boats, or RVs, a more high-performance 5G device is likely worth the additional upfront cost.

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