Optus has partnered with Ericsson to deploy advanced 5G antenna technology that promises broader coverage and a reduced environmental footprint.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will supply its specialist Antenna System solutions for deployment across Optus’ mobile network. Optus conducted real-world field trials of Ericsson’s equipment prior to finalising the deal to ensure performance met operational expectations.
The field tests reportedly demonstrated that the new antenna systems can maintain high performance while consuming less power than many existing alternatives. That energy efficiency was a decisive factor in Optus’ decision to move forward.
For mobile users, the upgrade should translate to fewer call drops, improved data speeds, and more reliable connections—especially in indoor black spots and congested urban areas where coverage and capacity are often strained.
The energy-saving aspect is particularly noteworthy. As consumer demand for data grows rapidly, the electricity required to power mobile networks is becoming an increasingly significant operational and environmental concern. By deploying more efficient radio equipment, operators can reduce energy consumption while still expanding capacity.
Ludvig Landgren, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, commented: “By leveraging our latest innovations, we are helping Optus continue to deliver an outstanding customer experience while advancing its sustainability goals.”
Kent Wu, Vice President of Network Strategy & Architecture at Optus, added: “The performance improvements demonstrated during field trials confirm that Ericsson’s antennas will provide Optus with greater network efficiency, improved spectral utilisation, and long-term energy savings.”
Analysts and industry observers note that such infrastructure upgrades are becoming essential as more customers adopt 5G-capable devices and expect seamless streaming, gaming, and video calling. The underlying network must evolve to handle the higher throughput and lower latency these services demand—and do so more efficiently.
The partnership acknowledges a broader reality: delivering faster mobile internet cannot rely solely on increasing power consumption. Smarter, more efficient infrastructure is necessary to meet demand sustainably.
Optus has not disclosed an exact rollout schedule or which areas will receive the new Ericsson antennas first. However, the investment signals confidence in Australia’s growing appetite for high-speed mobile connectivity and a commitment to improving network performance while managing environmental impact.
For a country with vast distances and varied terrain, technology improvements like these can help narrow the digital divide by improving coverage in underserved regions while keeping energy use in check.
See also: The push for 5G+: More supply than demand?
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