Optus opens 5G standalone fixed wireless access to MVNOs
Optus has launched 5G Standalone Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for its wholesale partners, enabling mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to provide their customers with a dedicated 5G FWA experience for the first time.
The product, now available to Optus wholesale customers, operates on a dedicated 5G core network rather than relying on 4G infrastructure. This marks a new stage for MVNOs, allowing them to deliver 5G Standalone FWA services to end users with improvements in speed, latency, and capacity.
John Castro, Vice President Wholesale and Satellite at Optus, said, "When Optus launched 5G+ last year, we were laying the foundation for a new era of connectivity. Today, that foundation expands with the launch of 5G Standalone Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for our wholesale partners."
Castro described the move as a substantial shift for MVNOs using the Optus network, stating, "This is a significant milestone. For the first time, Optus MVNOs can offer their customers a true 5G Standalone FWA experience, built on a dedicated 5G core, not reliant on 4G infrastructure. It's fast, flexible, and future-ready."
Evolution of wholesale strategy
Optus's wholesale approach has been shaped by its long-standing commitment to providing network access to third-party providers. Castro explained, "Optus has always believed in the power of competition to drive innovation. Opening up our mobile and fixed networks to third-party providers in the early 1990s, that same spirit continues to guide our wholesale strategy today. Our wholesale partners are quick to receive a consistent network experience provided across our wider business. That's been true for mobile and fixed, and now, it's now true for 5G Standalone FWA."
Technical differences
The 5G Standalone FWA product differs from non-standalone 5G services by operating on its own dedicated infrastructure, not relying on 4G core systems. This allows for lower latency and higher reliability, key requirements for applications such as cloud gaming, video collaboration, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
"This isn't just an upgrade, it's a transformation. Unlike non-standalone 5G, which relies on a 4G core, 5G Standalone (SA) is built from the ground up for next-generation performance. That means: Ultra-reliable low latency for real-time applications like cloud gaming, video collaboration, and industrial IoT. Massive capacity to support dense device environments and high throughput use cases. For MVNOs, this can open the door to new service models and new customer segments."
Castro outlined that this change allows wholesale partners to create differentiated service tiers, including fixed wireless home broadband and low-latency gaming packages, using their existing interconnects and billing structures to speed up time to market and minimise additional operational overhead.
Commercial models
The new 5G Standalone FWA service will enable wholesale customers to reach new markets, including those previously inaccessible with 4G or hybrid networks. For MVNOs, this presents opportunities to offer premium services and explore new commercial verticals.
According to Castro: "5G Standalone FWA isn't just a technical evolution it also opens commercial monetisation opportunities. Enabling faster time-to-revenue due to the 'plug and play' nature of 5G FWA which offers access to high-value verticals, opening doors to sectors that were previously out of reach on 4G or hybrid networks."
Future development
Optus has indicated that its 5G Standalone Mobile product is scheduled for release later in the year, broadening the same core capabilities to mobile use cases and increasing flexibility for wholesale partners.
Castro commented, "While today's announcement focuses on FWA, it's just the beginning. 5G Standalone Mobile is on track for release later this year, bringing the same core capabilities to mobility use cases. That means even more flexibility, more innovation, and more ways for MVNOs to differentiate."
He added that, "At Optus Wholesale, we believe our partners should access the very latest in technology. By giving MVNOs access to our 5G Standalone infrastructure, we're enabling competition and innovation."
Castro concluded, "This is about more than connectivity. It's about creating a platform where partners can build, grow and lead, and with 5G Standalone FWA."
