T-Mobile in the USA has certified Chinese IoT module provider Quectel Wireless’ 5G New Radio (NR) module, the RM502Q-AE, for operation on the carrier’s 5G NR and LTE networks.

The 5G module is optimised for eMBB and IoT applications. Based on Qualcomm’s SDX55 commercial 5G platform, it supports 5G NSA and SA modes as well as LTE Cat 20. Designed in M.2 form factor, it is compatible with Quectel EM120R and EM160R LTE-A M.2 modules, facilitating migration from LTE-A to 5G.

It supports all the main operating systems including Linux, Windows, Android and Ubuntu. It also supports 5G network slicing functions, enabling users to deploy immediately a wide range of 5G devices and applications across North America, such as home CPE and gateway, industrial router, VR and AR glass, cloud gaming device, laptop, industrial PDA, rugged tablet PC, and 8K TV and video cameras.

Targeting global markets, the module is designed to support major 5G NR bands worldwide (n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78 and n79), CBRS citizens broadband radio service for private networks, and integrated GNSS for location service.

“We are thrilled to receive T-Mobile US’s approval of our 5G module, as it reaffirms our commitment to providing North American customers with cutting-edge and high quality 5G products,” said Neset Yalcinkaya, product vice president at Quectel. “With this approval, customers using the RM502Q-AE module in their 5G devices will be able to launch them immediately on T-Mobile US networks. Moreover, RM502Q-AE’s form factor compatibility with Quectel’s LTE Advanced modules will pave the path for a smooth transition to 5G.”

The module has obtained worldwide regulatory and conformance certificates including FCC, IC, CE(Red), RCM, GCF, PTCRB, Jate and Telec, and started mass production late last year.

Quectel creates cellular and GNSS modules and antennas backed by support and services. Its growing global team of more than 3000 professionals, said to be the largest in the IoT modules industry worldwide, helps it be first to market and set the pace of development.