5G Slicing: How Optus could take personalised connectivity to the next level

When it comes to 5G, Optus is working on delivering experiences that were once unimaginable on a mass scale. Network slicing, which Optus has demonstrated with our partner Ericsson, will eventually have an immense impact on our consumer segment and enterprise and business customers across Australia.

In the enterprise industry, the use cases for 5G slicing create opportunities to bolster further safety measures across sectors like logistics and manufacturing. For example, imagine dedicated network slices for cameras and sensors to monitor and protect workers in real-time, or if crane operators are instantly alerted when a colleague is in danger, preventing potential injuries or even fatalities with halt mechanisms. In factories where humans and robots work side by side, a 5G slice acts as an ultra-responsive guardian, preventing accidents before they happen with ultra-reliable low latency.

The enterprise case studies highlighting the possibilities of dividing a network into logical slices to prioritise business-critical services while supporting other non-business critical services are robust and proven. However, there hasn’t been as much focus on a consumer equivalent to market here in Australia.

Optus has again partnered with Ericsson to lead the way in slicing a network that Optus could eventually use for consumers, offering the same benefits we see in an enterprise environment. Whether it’s ultra-low latency for online or cloud-based gaming, high bandwidth for content streaming, or seamless connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, network slicing will empower users to enjoy personalised experiences without compromising performance. With services that can be turned on and off on demand, our customers would be in control of their connectivity.

Network slicing will go beyond personalisation; it will foster innovation through collaboration and experimentation for our network engineers. This collaborative ecosystem will drive the creation of revolutionary technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, powered by network slicing, which offers endless applications and possibilities for entertainment, education, and productivity.

When 5G slicing is available on our network, we can work even more closely with leading developers, enterprises, and content providers to create new services for Optus’ Living Network and build new applications that leverage the power of network slicing.

Introducing network slicing in the consumer space will mark a significant milestone in the telco and tech industries. Network slicing empowers consumers to embrace a world of endless possibilities by providing personalised connectivity, enhanced efficiency, and unparalleled reliability. This is another example of Optus building the future of connectivity and innovation so we can deliver on our vision to be Australia’s most loved everyday brand with lasting customer relationships.