Optus has deployed the first triple-band 4G/5G Radio in the Asia Pacific region in collaboration with Ericsson as Optus ramps up its site deployment program.

This solution will play a key role in easing site deployment challenges enabling Optus to accelerate the roll out of its super-fast 5G network.

The deployment of this triple-band Radio 4466 from Ericsson allows Optus to concurrently enable 5G and 4G services across 1800MHz, 2100MHz and 2600MHz spectrum layers with a single unit, reducing the equipment normally required. This provides an optimised solution while simultaneously reducing the site equipment footprint, overall power consumption and time to deployment.

“This is yet another example of our continued commitment to deliver a flexible network that meets the growing needs of our customers,” said Lambo Kanagaratnam, Vice President Networks, Optus.

“The use of these triple-band radio units as part of our site deployment will alleviate challenges where existing site structures and lease areas are unable to cater for multiple radio units, which then impacts the amount of radio equipment that can be installed at each site.

“Being able to install 5G and 4G together, as one radio unit, means that we can continue to meet increasing demand from our customers for speed and capacity, while reducing our own impact on the environment.”

The first triple-band radio unit has been commercially deployed at Macquarie Park in Sydney with rollout continuing over the coming months.

Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Global Customer Unit, Singtel said: “The first deployment of the triple-band 4G/5G radio demonstrates Ericsson’s commitment to working with partners to deliver technological innovation on a global scale. With increased dependencies on digital connectivity, our triple-band Radio 4466 (1800/2100/2600) allows for greater speeds and capacity in a more energy-efficient way, enabling operators like Optus to service customers with evolving needs. Optus customers will reap the rewards of a flexible network as the next generation of exciting 5G use cases in gaming and immersive media emerge.”