Telstra (ASX: TLS) and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announced Australia’s first implementation and validation of the next evolution of 5G technology, using Ericsson’s pre-commercial Reduced Capability (RedCap) software on Telstra’s 5G commercial network using a MediaTek RedCap testing device.

Telstra and Ericsson utilised one of the new 5G features, Voice over New Radio (VoNR) where a voice call was made using a MediaTek RedCap testing device. The VoNR call on frequency division duplex (FDD) was made in Box Hill, Victoria and signals the start of ongoing testing and validation of this new 5G capability on Telstra’s network.

RedCap is a new 5G capability that builds on the industry progress of 4G IoT technologies such as Cat-M and Narrowband-IoT. The new benefits delivered by RedCap include reduced device chipset cost, complexity and power consumption while supporting higher data rates and key 5G service enablers delivered via 5G standalone.

This Australian first VoNR call using RedCap on Telstra’s commercial 5G network shows how the new software can enhance the functionality of wearables such as smartwatches. RedCap will also enable a number of new service capabilities such as longer battery life, AR/VR functionality and enhanced video monitoring.

Nikos Katinakis, Telstra Group Executive for Global Networks & Technology says: “This evolution of the latest 5G technology capability provides so many more opportunities for intelligent IoT devices to enhance our everyday lives.  Using less power and being capable of delivering our customers more value is something that Telstra is incredibly committed to”.

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson, Australia and New Zealand, says: “With this Australia-first Voice over New Radio call using the Ericsson Reduced Capability software, Telstra is paving the way for new 5G use cases and enhancing uses across consumer, industrial and enterprise devices that don’t require the full range of 5G’s capabilities. We’re pleased to be working with Telstra and MediaTek to make this Voice over New Radio call, and push the boundaries of technology by bringing greater 5G capabilities to the ecosystem.”