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Optus has completed a live network trial of automatic cell coverage compensation technology designed to detect outages and restore mobile coverage within minutes – and in some cases seconds – on its 4G and 5G network.
The trial, conducted on Optus’ live network in Sydney and Brisbane in collaboration with Nokia, tested the ability to rapidly detect outages and automatically adjust surrounding network infrastructure to compensate when a cell site goes offline.
During planned site outages, the technology restored up to 47 per cent of lost coverage footprint and up to 50 per cent of affected mobile connections, according to Optus.
The telco describes the trial as a first on a live 4G and 5G network in a multi-vendor environment.
How The Technology Works
The capability, powered by Nokia’s MantaRay SON Solution, uses algorithms to automatically adjust surrounding network infrastructure when a cell site drops out.
Rather than relying on traditional KPI-based monitoring methods – which Optus says often take 15 minutes or longer to detect disruptions – the system uses real-time network triggering events such as cell status changes, environmental alarms and OSS link supervision alarms.
This approach enables outages to be detected and addressed within minutes, and in some cases seconds.
Once an outage is detected, the system evaluates the coverage impact of the affected cell, identifies neighbouring cells and performs optimisation actions such as remote electrical tilt adjustments. It continuously monitors KPIs to maintain network performance in the affected area and automatically reverts changes once the outage is resolved.
The triggering mechanisms were developed locally by Optus and Nokia’s Australian teams.
Reducing Customer Disruption
Optus Chief Technology Officer Sri Amirthalingam described network resilience as fundamental to maintaining customer trust.
“Whether an outage is caused by severe weather, a power disruption or essential network upgrades, our focus is always on reducing the impact on customers and restoring services as quickly as possible,” Amirthalingam explained.
“This trial demonstrates how advanced automation can help us do exactly that. By automatically detecting outages and adjusting surrounding network infrastructure in near real time, we can maintain greater coverage, reduce disruption and improve the overall customer experience.”
He called it an important step in the company’s ongoing commitment to building a more resilient and reliable network.
Nokia’s Role
Adrian Heley, Head of Oceania, Global Sales and Customer Operations at Nokia, pointed to the collaboration between the two companies as central to the outcome.
“Together, we’ve shown how automation can detect and respond to outages in near real time, helping reduce disruption and maintain service continuity for customers,” Heley commented.
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“This is an example of how collaboration within a strategic partnership and advanced technology can deliver more resilient networks when it matters most.”
Multi-Vendor Capability
The solution was tested across multi-vendor network equipment on Optus’ existing 4G and 5G infrastructure, which Optus says demonstrates interoperability that would support a large-scale rollout.
The technology is designed to handle both planned and unplanned outages, covering scenarios ranging from extreme weather and power failures to scheduled maintenance activities.
What Comes Next
The trial was completed in June 2026. Optus is now planning a phased rollout of the technology over the next six to 12 months.
Once deployed, the capability will automatically respond to both planned and unplanned outages across the Optus mobile network. The telco expects it will improve service continuity, strengthen network resilience and reduce the impact of outages on customers across Australia.
The automated approach also aims to reduce the need for manual intervention during outages, freeing up operational resources and enabling faster recovery times.
Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Nick Ross
