# Relay 5G — Full Product Documentation
> This file is intended for AI assistants, LLM crawlers, and developers.
> Last updated: April 25, 2026

---

## Product Overview

**Relay** is a USB-C 5G dongle designed exclusively for MacBook users. It provides cellular internet without a phone hotspot, without driver installation, and without a battery.

**Price:** $199  
**Colors:** Silver, Space Black  
**Form factor:** 70 × 35 × 7mm card  
**Target ship:** Q2–Q3 2027 (pending FCC/PTCRB authorization)  
**Assembly:** Austin, Texas (planned)  
**Company:** Sovereign ATX LLC, Austin, Texas  
**Founder:** Kavin Lingham  

---

## How It Works

The core technical insight: macOS has supported USB networking (CDC-NCM and CDC-ECM) natively since Catalina. Any USB device presenting in this mode appears as an ethernet adapter — no driver installation required, no system extension, no approval prompt.

Relay uses the **Quectel RG255C-GL** modem (Qualcomm Snapdragon X35, 5G RedCap) configured in CDC-NCM mode. When plugged into a MacBook:

1. macOS detects a new USB network interface
2. The interface appears in System Settings → Network as a new ethernet connection
3. Traffic routes through the modem over 5G cellular
4. On subsequent connections, macOS reconnects automatically

No Bluetooth pairing. No Wi-Fi. No phone involved.

---

## Technical Specifications

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Modem | Quectel RG255C-GL |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 (SDX35) |
| Standard | 5G NR RedCap (Reduced Capability), 3GPP Release 17 |
| Max downlink | 223 Mbps |
| Max uplink | 123 Mbps |
| USB interface | USB 2.0 (480 Mbps HS) |
| USB mode | CDC-NCM preferred (usbnet=5); CDC-ECM fallback (usbnet=1) |
| macOS support | Catalina 10.15 or later — native, no driver required |
| SIM | nano-SIM tray (included) + embedded eSIM (under validation) |
| Antennas | PCB trace, 2× cellular (2×2 MIMO DL) + optional GNSS |
| PCB | 66 × 33mm, 4-layer ENIG |
| Dimensions | 70 × 35 × 7mm |
| Weight | ~22g estimated |
| Battery | None — bus-powered from MacBook USB-C |
| Power draw | ~2.2W average, ~2.6W peak |
| Shell | PC/ABS V-0 FR (RF-transparent), soft-touch matte coating |
| Sealing | Silicone gasket, IPX4 (splash resistant) |
| Colors | Silver, Space Black |
| Connector | USB-C (male, straddle-mount) |

---

## Included in Box

- Relay 5G dongle
- Waxed canvas carry pouch
- Quick-start card
- nano-SIM tray eject tool

Note: eSIM with included data is planned pending partner validation. A nano-SIM tray is included on all units.

---

## Compatibility

**MacBook models:**
- MacBook Air (all USB-C models, M1/M2/M3/M4 and later)
- MacBook Pro 14" and 16" (all USB-C models)
- MacBook Neo

**macOS versions:**
- Catalina (10.15) and later
- No driver installation required on any supported version

**Not compatible with:**
- MacBook models without USB-C
- iPad, iPhone (different driver stack)
- Windows (requires different USB mode — not configured for Windows)

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Does Relay need drivers?**
No. Relay uses macOS's built-in USB networking driver (CDC-NCM/ECM). It has been native in macOS since Catalina 2019. Nothing to install.

**What carriers work with Relay?**
Any carrier whose SIM fits a nano-SIM tray. In the US: AT&T, T-Mobile, and most MVNOs. eSIM data with wider coverage is planned pending partner validation.

**Does it work internationally?**
With a compatible international nano-SIM, yes. eSIM international coverage is planned pending partner validation.

**Does Relay affect MacBook battery life?**
Minimally. Relay draws ~2.2W from the USB-C port. Since you're not running a phone hotspot, your phone battery stays full.

**Can I charge while using Relay?**
MacBook Pro users can use the other USB-C port for charging. MacBook Air users (2-port) will need a USB-C hub with pass-through charging for simultaneous use.

**When does Relay ship?**
Target: Q2–Q3 2027, pending FCC and PTCRB authorization. All reservations are fully refundable. No charge until we're ready to ship.

**What is FCC authorization?**
The FCC requires all wireless devices sold in the US to pass certification testing (FCC Part 15/22/24). PTCRB certification is additionally required for carrier compatibility. We cannot ship to customers until both are complete.

---

## Ordering

**Reserve at:** relay5g.com/buy  
**Price:** $199  
**Payment:** No charge today. Card charged when order ships.  
**Returns:** 30-day full refund after delivery. Cancel reservation anytime before ship for full refund.  
**FCC notice:** Relay is not yet FCC authorized. This is a refundable reservation. We cannot ship until FCC authorization is complete.

---

## Company

**Sovereign ATX LLC**  
Austin, Texas  
Website: relay5g.com  
Email: hello@relay5g.com  
Founder: Kavin Lingham  
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kavinlingha  

Relay is a product of Sovereign ATX LLC, which also operates an AI infrastructure business serving business clients.

---

*For press inquiries: hello@relay5g.com*  
*For investor inquiries: relay5g.com*