Ericsson & Optus launch first indoor 5G deployment

Ericsson and Optus have completed the first Australian deployment of Ericsson's Indoor Fusion 8828 at an Optus store in Coffs Harbour, aiming to improve indoor 4G and 5G coverage and capacity.

The installation combines the Indoor Fusion Unit 8828 with Ericsson's Radio Dot 4455 distributed antenna system at the regional New South Wales site. A single unit can support up to eight Radio Dots and cover as much as 8,000 square metres.

The deployment comes as mobile operators and equipment suppliers increase their focus on indoor coverage, where much of today's network use takes place. More than 80 per cent of mobile data usage occurs indoors, according to Ericsson and Optus, increasing the importance of network performance in places such as retail stores, hospitals, warehouses, and shopping centres.

At Coffs Harbour, the system supports 4G and 5G services across Optus's 3.5 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 1.8 GHz spectrum bands. The setup is aimed at sites where traditional distributed antenna systems may be less practical to install.

Indoor coverage is becoming a bigger issue for operators as customer expectations extend beyond outdoor signal strength to reliable service inside commercial buildings and public venues. For retailers and other businesses, that can affect everyday services including voice calls, streaming, and mobile payments.

Ericsson describes the Indoor Fusion Unit 8828 as an AC-powered multi-operator 5G product with an integrated baseband and indoor radio unit. It is designed for wall installation in small and medium-sized indoor venues, including business premises and high-traffic public sites.

The Coffs Harbour deployment also builds on the broader relationship between the Swedish telecoms vendor and the Australian operator. Earlier work included the introduction of Ericsson's multi-operator 5G Radio Dot System in 2024, followed more recently by trials using artificial intelligence to respond to difficult network conditions and improve 5G downlink performance.

Indoor demand

Industry attention on indoor networks has grown as data use patterns shift from outdoor mobility to activity inside buildings, where construction materials, layout, and congestion can weaken mobile signals. That has created demand for smaller, more targeted systems that operators can deploy in venues without the cost or complexity of larger conventional infrastructure.

For Optus, the deployment provides a live Australian example of how these systems can be used in customer-facing locations. Using a retail store as the first site also underlines the commercial importance of dependable indoor mobile access, both for shoppers and for staff relying on connected devices and payment systems.

Sri Amirthalingam, Chief Technology Officer, Optus, said: "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."

The product is intended for faster deployment in sites where operators need to add indoor coverage without extensive redesign or large-scale fit-outs. Its compact form factor is central to that approach, particularly in smaller venues that still face heavy data demand.

Ludvig Landgren, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, said: "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."