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.

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