In a significant move to bolster Australia’s rural 5G capacity, Nokia is partnering with Optus to enhance its network with the latest technologies. This upgrade involves deploying advanced equipment such as the Habrok Massive MIMO radios and Levante baseband solutions, specifically designed to manage expanding data demands with reduced energy consumption.
By implementing Nokia’s innovative technologies, Optus aims to improve coverage and speed in regional areas. The upgraded infrastructure is part of Optus’s effort to deliver faster connections and enhance service quality to more communities and businesses across Australia.
A key component of these enhancements includes the Habrok 32 Massive MIMO radios, equipped with Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip. This integration allows for a 33% increase in output power without adding to energy use, thereby extending network reach and accommodating more users. Additionally, the Levante baseband cards promise up to 50% energy savings, supporting sustainable site modernization.
Incorporating features like “Extreme Deep Sleep”, the radios further minimize energy consumption by shutting down unnecessary components when not in use. These enhancements align with Optus’s ongoing network-sharing agreement with TPG Telecom, facilitating network expansion and improved customer experiences.
This strategic collaboration is commended by Kent Wu, Optus VP of Access Network Strategy, Planning, and Quality: “Our deployment with Nokia’s new technology marks an important step in meeting the growing demand for enhanced connectivity in regional areas.” He emphasized how the new equipment will enhance consumer experiences, allowing Optus to meet the growing need for high-speed connectivity.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, highlighted the partnership’s significance: “Our AirScale Massive MIMO radios and ultra-performance baseband solutions modernize the network, boosting 5G coverage and speeds for an enhanced user experience. We are helping Optus advance network sustainability with innovative energy-saving technologies.”
This collaboration also supports the long-term RAN-sharing deal between TPG Telecom and Optus. Under this agreement, TPG benefits by accessing Optus’s regional 4G and 5G networks, effectively doubling its national coverage. This initiative increases the number of regional mobile sites significantly, enhancing connectivity for a larger segment of the population.