Optus has launched a standalone 5G network to deliver a faster and more reliable home internet service that’s an alternative to the NBN.
The Optus 5G SA (standalone) works independently of the regular Optus 5G network which uses its 4G radio and core network as a stepping stone to 5G and its benefits.
The 5G SA communicates directly with the 5G base station and doesn’t require 4G which means more devices can connect at the same time for a faster and more consistent connection.
Optus partnered with Ericsson to build the 5G core network which was the foundation that enables the speed, intelligence, scale and security to deliver 5G services to its customers.
Optus 5G SA kicked off on August 26, 2024, and is available now to eligible customers who have the new plug and play Ultra Wi-Fi 5G modem and signs up to the new Optus 5G home internet plan.
At present Optus 5G home internet plans deliver 50Mbps and 100Mbps and uncapped speeds on its Superfast 5G package which can still exceed 200Mbps even in busy evening periods.
Existing Optus 5G home internet customers will have to access to 5G SA in late 2024.
The launch of the Optus 5G SA means more customers will be able to connect their homes to 5G.
The regular Optus 5G wireless home internet plans were available for two million homes and businesses but now, with the launch of 5G SA, there will be more than 3.6 million eligible homes and businesses that can access the new service.
Optus says the 5G SA technology will allow customers to enjoy faster streaming in gaming and quicker browsing with reduced latency and less buffering.
5G SA will also be the gateway to some new network capabilities including cloud gaming and extended reality computing.
It will even allow users to optimise their experience to suit what they want to do.
For example, a 5G SA feature called Low Latency Slicing can be used for online gamers to gain an advantage over their opponents.
Similarly customers who want to enjoy an immersive experience in augmented and virtual reality will receive near real time responses when connecting over the network.
The backbone of the Optus 5G SA will be a flexible and programmable cloud native technology to ensure customers have a fast and reliable connection as an alternative to the traditional NBN fixed internet services.
