Optus and Curtin University have partnered to ramp up research on 5G and connect staff, students and industry to the cutting-edge technology.
Underpinned by the Optus 5G network, the co-investment will provide students and faculty with an on-campus 5G lab for research, teaching and learning, and collaboration on 5G projects and to explore the technology’s benefits for society and businesses.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the new 5G partnership not only furthers the Optus-Curtin Innovation Alliance, but will foster a culture of entrepreneurship among students and ready a new generation of graduates for a digital economy.
“The lab will give us the space to educate and conceptualise the application of the new technology and enable our students and staff to make substantial contributions to the Australian industry and economy,” Professor Terry said.
“Curtin’s new smart campus will allow students to learn new digital skills and experience the power of 5G through practical, hands-on applied research while collaborating with industry. We will also be able to better integrate emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence into our teaching and learning programs.
“Importantly the technology will enable Curtin to deliver a high quality experience to overcome the tyranny of distance, particularly in Western Australia, for remote education, healthcare and other areas.”
Optus Business Vice President of Product Innovation, Deon Liebenberg, said this Optus-first 5G university collaboration will provide a practical space to allow enterprise, researchers and students to advance 5G’s potential in Australia.
“5G is a critical component for businesses embracing the fourth industrial revolution and our alliance with Curtin University will create a hyper-connected campus of the future and allow industry-leading research that has potential world-changing impacts,” said Mr Liebenberg.
“The technology’s low latency and fast speeds have the capability to transform remote learning and support academic applications of virtual and augmented reality. From virtual lessons and class trips, to advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and medical training – the potential of 5G in education is enormous and we’re excited to explore its future alongside Curtin.”
5G is predicted to transform the Australian economy through new technological innovations across a range of industries.
“As Australia responds to global economic transformation, new technologies like 5G can help create jobs for the future and a more diversified, resilient economy,” added Mr Liebenberg.
“As a leader in 5G technology in Australia, we hope uncovering new benefits and use cases for 5G will accelerate opportunities for WA industries, including in mining, oil and gas, agriculture and health.
“Optus’ 5G network has rapidly expanded since its launch in 2019 and now has more than 740 sites in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide, including 72 in the greater Perth area.”
