The latest telecom news includes announcements from OPTAGE, Optus 5G Site in Australia, Vodafone Australia, and others.
Japan’s OPTAGE Deploys DriveNets White-Box Routers to Modernize IP Edge Network
Japanese telecommunications operator OPTAGE has deployed white-box routers powered by DriveNets Network Operating System in its IP edge infrastructure. Announced on October 20, the equipment was delivered through NEC Networks & System Integration, which handled validation, design, implementation and technical support. The deployment separates networking software from hardware, allowing OPTAGE to select equipment from multiple suppliers and expand capacity without relying on proprietary integrated platforms. The operator is evaluating the architecture’s operational flexibility, scalability and cost advantages as network traffic increases. DriveNets technology also supports IP-network operations at AT&T, Comcast and KDDI. OPTAGE has not disclosed router quantities, port speeds, investment value or the percentage of its network being migrated.
Optus Activates 1,000th Regional 5G Site in Australia, Targets 1,500 Upgrades by 2028
Optus has activated its 1,000th upgraded regional 5G site, marking another milestone in its Australian mobile-network expansion program. The latest upgrade was completed at Bligh Street in Gympie, Queensland. Optus reported that the number of upgraded regional 5G sites increased 102 percent over the preceding 18 months. The operator is targeting 1,500 upgraded regional sites by the end of 2028. According to the company, the upgraded infrastructure can deliver mobile data speeds more than 15 times faster than the previous 4G network in the affected area. The Gympie deployment supports growing demand from residents, businesses and visitors. Optus has not disclosed the investment associated with the site or its radio-spectrum configuration.
Vodafone Australia Expands 5G to Four Queensland Locations as Network Reaches 4,416 Sites
Vodafone has expanded its 5G network into Bargara, Bargara Lakes, Elliott Heads and the Bundy North Highway area near Rosedale in Queensland. The upgrades form part of a nationwide deployment that has reached approximately 4,416 5G sites. Vodafone has completed around 60 5G network upgrades in Queensland during 2026, extending capacity and coverage across regional communities. The operator reports that customers in regional Queensland have experienced a 477 percent increase in download speeds following network improvements, although the underlying measurement methodology was not specified. The expansion supports growing mobile broadband demand in residential, commercial and tourism areas. Individual site costs, spectrum allocations and equipment suppliers were not disclosed.