Optus has tapped Nokia to modernize its voice platform with a cloud-native solution designed to strengthen network reliability and enable new 5G enhanced voice services. The agreement extends the companies’ long-standing partnership while replacing a competitor’s solution in the operator’s core network.
The deployment centers on Nokia’s Cloud Native Communication Suite (CNCS), which will serve as Optus’ new IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) for voice. The containerized platform will run on Red Hat OpenShift in a hybrid cloud configuration, combining on-premises infrastructure with resiliency from Optus’ public cloud presence. Optus expects the transition to improve automation, reduce manual interventions, and accelerate time-to-market for new voice features.
As Australia’s second-largest operator, Optus delivers services to over 10 million customers nationwide. By moving to Nokia’s CNCS, the company aims to deliver more reliable and energy-efficient voice services while preparing its network for future 5G innovation. The deal also represents another Nokia Core win in the Oceania region.
- Optus will use Nokia CNCS to refresh its IMS-based Voice Platform
- The hybrid deployment runs on Red Hat OpenShift with public cloud resiliency
- CNCS provides operational efficiency, lower energy use, and greater automation
- Supports highly reliable and efficient 5G voice services for 10+ million customers
- Marks a competitive replacement and reinforces Nokia’s Core market presence in Oceania
“Reliability is the cornerstone of Optus’ Network strategy, and Voice is one of the most critical services provided by Optus. Nokia CNCS provides us with a new and highly flexible pathway that will allow us to improve network resiliency, security and enhance the subscriber experience,” said Tony Baird, Chief Technology Officer, Optus.
🌐 Why it Matters: Voice remains a foundational service in mobile networks, even as data usage surges. Operators are shifting to cloud-native IMS platforms to improve resiliency, streamline operations, and support future 5G voice capabilities. Nokia’s win at Optus underscores the growing momentum for multi-cloud telco core deployments across Oceania.
🌐 What is IMS: The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is a standardized architectural framework developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to deliver voice, video, and messaging services over IP-based networks. Originally introduced as part of the 3G mobile standard, IMS has since become the foundation for Voice over LTE (VoLTE), Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), and now 5G voice services. Its modular design allows operators to integrate session control, media handling, and service logic across fixed and mobile networks, ensuring interoperability and consistent user experiences. By relying on open standards and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) signaling, IMS enables multi-vendor deployments and supports both legacy interworking and new cloud-native implementations.
🌐 We’re tracking the latest developments in cloud-native networks and 5G services. Follow our ongoing coverage at: https://convergedigest.com/category/cloud/
