Nokia has announced a significant upgrade to Optus's 5G network across regional Australia, deploying its latest generation of Habrok Massive MIMO radios and Levante baseband solutions. This move is set to enhance the network's coverage and capacity, marking a pivotal step in Optus's commitment to improving connectivity for regional communities and businesses. The deployment follows Optus's Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) RAN-sharing agreement with TPG Telecom, underscoring the strategic importance of this upgrade in meeting the growing demand for high-speed internet in less urbanized areas.

The Habrok 32 massive MIMO radios, powered by Nokia's ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, are at the heart of this upgrade. These radios offer a 33% increase in output power, enabling Optus to deliver superior coverage and capacity while significantly reducing power consumption. The compact and lightweight design of the Habrok 32 makes it an ideal solution for both new deployments and the modernization of existing sites, ensuring that Optus can maximize the use of shared spectrum assets in RAN-sharing areas.

Energy efficiency is a key focus of this upgrade, with the Habrok radios featuring an 'Extreme Deep Sleep' power-saving mode. This innovative feature switches off unused resources, reducing energy consumption without compromising network performance. Additionally, the Levante baseband solutions, which are AI-ready, promise to halve energy consumption compared to previous generations, further enhancing the sustainability of Optus's 5G network.

Kent Wu, Optus Vice President of Access Network Strategy, Planning, and Quality, highlighted the importance of this deployment in meeting customer demands for enhanced connectivity. With Nokia's advanced technology, Optus is well-positioned to provide faster speeds and improved service quality, ensuring that regional Australians can enjoy seamless streaming, downloading, and online experiences. This partnership between Nokia and Optus represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of 5G networks in Australia, setting a new standard for performance and efficiency in regional connectivity.

Casper Ruud captured the Stockholm Open title with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ugo Humbert in a final that lasted just 68 minutes. The Norwegian second seed dominated throughout the match, dropping only two points on his serve in the first set and just one point in the second set. After breaking Humbert early in both sets, Ruud comfortably served out the match to claim his second title of 2025, following his earlier Masters 1000 victory in Madrid.

The victory came amid growing concerns about player welfare on the ATP Tour, highlighted by Holger Rune's season-ending injury during the tournament's semifinals. Rune had started strongly in Stockholm, reaching the semifinal round with victories over Marton Fucsovics and Tomas Martin Etcheverry before suffering a torn Achilles tendon that forced his withdrawal from the match against Humbert. The injury abruptly ended Rune's season, preventing his potential qualification for the season finale.

Ruud addressed the injury concerns in post-match comments, expressing frustration with the demanding tournament schedule. "It's very demanding when you go directly from tournament to tournament," Ruud stated. "Holger was in Shanghai last week, and when something is so demanding, something like this can unfortunately happen. We're all in some kind of risk zone when we step onto the pitch." The Norwegian added that while he couldn't confirm a direct connection between Rune's injury and the schedule, "in a way, all injuries are probably because of the tough schedule."

The concerns about player workload extend beyond Ruud's comments, with world No. 9 Jack Draper recently requesting the ATP Tour to reassess its packed calendar. Players have emphasized the need for a more manageable schedule to ensure long and healthy careers. Ruud acknowledged the physical demands, noting that players are "really pushing our own limits at the moment" and expressing sympathy for Rune's unfortunate situation while wishing him a speedy recovery.