Optus and Ericsson have set a new benchmark for enhanced indoor 4G and 5G coverage following the first Australian deployment of Ericsson’s Indoor Fusion 8828 solution, bringing even greater levels of indoor connectivity to Optus customers.
The deployment, at the Optus store in Coffs Harbour, pairs the Ericsson Indoor Fusion Unit 8828, a compact 5G indoor solution for high-traffic indoor locations in shopping centres and hospitals, and small- and medium-sized business premises such as retail stores and warehouses, with Ericsson’s Radio Dot 4455 distributed antenna system. A single unit supports up to eight Radio Dots, covering up to 8,000 square metres.
With more than 80 per cent of mobile data usage occurring indoors, strong indoor coverage is increasingly important for consumers and businesses alike. Together, the Indoor Fusion Unit and Radio Dot System support 4G and 5G services across Optus's 3.5 GHz, 2.1 GHz and 1.8 GHz spectrum bands, helping improve coverage and capacity in locations where traditional Distributed Antenna Systems may not be practical. The solution's compact design also enables faster deployment across a range of venue types, helping deliver a stronger and more consistent mobile experience for customers visiting, working or transacting in those locations, including more reliable voice calling, streaming and mobile payments.
Purpose-built for small and medium-sized indoor venues, Ericsson's Indoor Fusion Unit 8828 is an AC-powered, multi-operator 5G solution featuring an integrated baseband and indoor radio unit. Designed for straightforward wall installation, it can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively to rapidly strengthen 5G coverage and capacity indoors.
The new deployment marks the latest collaboration in the ongoing partnership between Ericsson and Optus, which saw the introduction of the Ericsson multi-operator 5G Radio Dot System in 2024. More recently, the teams have partnered on trials using AI to dynamically react to challenging network conditions and boost 5G downlink performance.
Sri Amirthalingam, Chief Technology Officer at Optus
The way Australians use mobile connectivity continues to evolve, with more activity taking place indoors than ever before. At Optus, we are focused on solving emerging connectivity challenges through innovative network solutions, and Ericsson Indoor Fusion will help deliver stronger indoor coverage and performance in the places where customers are increasingly working, studying, shopping and accessing services, helping them stay connected when and where it matters most.
Ludvig Landgren, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand
Network accessibility indoors is crucial for Australian businesses and their customers. This partnership with Optus, delivering the Ericsson Indoor Fusion Unit 8828 alongside our Radio Dot System to Optus customers provides comprehensive multi-carrier 5G coverage through a compact solution designed for efficient deployment across a range of indoor locations. Ultimately, it will help Optus customers and Australian businesses benefit from stronger, more reliable connectivity where they need it most.
