Optus and Ericsson trial AI to boost 5G downlink performance

In an Australian-first trial, Optus and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) have announced an AI-native Radio Access Network (RAN) Link Adaptation capability that dynamically reacts to challenging network environments with weak or limited radio signal coverage, boosting 5G downlink performance in poor radio frequency conditions.

The new capability, which delivered cell level throughput gains of more than 20 percent in medium to poor radio frequency conditions during field-validated testing on the Optus 5G network, demonstrates how real-time AI can deliver positive outcomes. It can enhance downlink throughput, delivering better consistency and reliability for users, particularly at the edges of mobile coverage or in challenging conditions.

With mobile data usage continuing to grow and customer expectations rising, the lean telco AI model with reinforcement learning provided by Ericsson’s solution offers a new way to improve network performance without the need for hardware upgrades or additional spectrum. 

Traditional 5G networks rely on static rules to manage changing radio environments. With Ericsson’s AI-native Link Adaptation, those rules are replaced with software that uses real-time AI inferencing on the node using live network data to make ultra-fast intelligent decisions under real-time conditions. Using reinforcement learning as its core technology, the system can dynamically select the most efficient transmission settings as conditions evolve, building on Optus’ existing 5G infrastructure and enabling improved performance without additional hardware. 

Sri Amirthalingam, Optus Chief Technology Officer, says: “Improving day-to-day network performance for our customers is always our priority. This collaboration with Ericsson demonstrates how practical AI-native software can help us deliver more speed, reliability and consistency across our 5G network, without customers needing to change how they connect. It’s a clear example of how we’re continuing to use innovation to uplift the Optus 5G experience and deliver real value for Australians, wherever they are.”

Ludvig Landgren, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand says: “As Australians rely more on mobile connectivity wherever they are, networks need to respond instantly to changing conditions. This collaboration with Optus shows how AI-native software can adapt the network in real time to improve 5G performance, particularly in areas with weaker or more variable coverage. By enabling the network to make ultra-fast, intelligent decisions in response to real-time conditions, we’re improving consistency and reliability at the edge of coverage. This is a practical step towards autonomous, software-driven networks that deliver better outcomes for both operators and users.”

The trial has been undertaken at one Optus site and will progressively be rolled out over the second half of 2026.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Ericsson AI-Ready RAN Portfolio: Smarter, Efficient Networks

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