Nokia, a leading telecommunications company, has announced that several service providers, including Optus and TPG Telecom in Australia, as well as One NZ in New Zealand, will deploy its cutting-edge modular Interleaved Passive Active Antenna (IPAA+), which is set to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks.
Already, Optus has taken the initiative by rolling out an 8T8R variant of Nokia’s IPAA. Meanwhile, TPG Telecom and One NZ are planning to commence the deployment of Nokia’s Interleaved Passive Active Antenna later this year, with expectations of enhancing their 5G infrastructure.
The deployment of 5G antennas has posed challenges for service providers, mainly due to the need for additional space on towers and rooftops. However, Nokia’s IPAA+ aims to address this practical issue by offering a modular design that supports a wide range of frequencies, from 700 MHz to 2.6 GHz, including the crucial 3.5 GHz 5G band. This compact antenna solution provides an efficient way to accommodate multiple frequency bands, simplifying and expediting the 5G deployment process.
In a collaborative effort with CommScope, Nokia has developed the latest versions of IPAA+ antennas. Notably, Nokia has also designed an Optus-specific variant, incorporating a 2.3 GHz 8T8R array. This unique feature streamlines the deployment process for both the 2300 and 3500 TDD bands within a single antenna footprint, further optimizing the use of available space.
Rob Joyce, the Chief Technology Officer at Nokia Oceania, emphasized the customer-centric approach in the development of their solutions. By carefully considering feedback from their clients, Nokia has created products that effectively address a major pain point for service providers – enabling a single integrated 5G antenna to cover all sub-6GHz 5G frequency bands.
As 5G technology continues to gain momentum, Nokia’s innovative IPAA+ solution is expected to play a significant role in facilitating a more seamless and widespread deployment across Australia and New Zealand. The collaboration with Optus, TPG Telecom, and One NZ marks a promising step towards ushering in the full potential of 5G connectivity in the region.