The United States Government is Ready to Help Accelerate Indonesia's Internet Penetration

The slow internet connection in Indonesia makes the United States government ready to intervene to help accelerate the availability of internet networks in remote areas in Indonesia. One of the pilot projects that have been carried out is TV White Space which utilizes the network broadband low frequency.

This was confirmed by the Assistant Secretary to the Deputy of the United States Bureau of Business and Economic Relations Daniel Sepulveda in the event entitled Expanding Internet Access to Support Economic Growth, Wednesday (29/7). The event that explored the potential for Internet growth in Indonesia was also attended by Ilham Habibie, Alvin Sheng Hui Tan (Facebook), Google Indonesia Head of Public Policy and Government Relations Shinto Nugroho, and Microsoft Indonesia Director of Corporate Affairs Ruben Hattari.

During his visit to Indonesia, Sepulveda invited investors and stakeholder cooperate with the Indonesian government to create a good internet connection in Indonesia.

"Internet connection speed is not only beneficial for education, government, and politics, but can also increase economic growth, especially in areas that have not yet received Internet facilities in Indonesia," he said.

Sepulveda also added that Indonesia should be able to emerge as a leading country in Asia that is experiencing fast economic growth in terms of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT, according to him, is one of the factors that can boost the country's economy. In the future the Internet will serve as a primary need, such as electricity and clean water.

Previously, USAID collaborated with the Indonesian government, Microsoft, Hitachi, and Jogja Medianet on a project TV White Space (TVWS), which utilizes low-frequency broadband, to help some remote areas in Indonesia enjoy an internet connection.

On this occasion, Daniel Sepulveda also emphasized that he would help the Indonesian government in the process spectrum management, regulatory systemand legal framework to adopt connection broadband.