XL Axiata Ready to Launch 4G LTE Network

The telecommunication company that is reportedly preparing consolidation with Axis, XL Axiata (XL), is reported to be ready to roll out a 4G LTE network (Long Term Evolution) to all Indonesian people. Prior to its launch, the 4G LTE network will be piloted at the APEC-KTT event in Bali in October. How is XL's readiness in presenting this future fast network?

Quoted from XL's official statement, Ongki Kurniawan as Director of XL Service Management stated that the 4G LTE technology promoted by XL in the near future will provide broad benefits for not only the telecommunications industry but also for all levels of society. benefits for us, not only for the telecommunications industry, but also for the purpose of supporting the community's economy and national development," said Ongki on the sidelines of the XL 4G LTE network trial in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Ongki added, while waiting for regulations from the government regarding the implementation of 4G LTE, XL itself will make a number of preparations, including on the technical side, XL will carry out a number of network infrastructure modernization in all operating areas. According to him, this modernization has been carried out in the last three years and will be completed by the end of 2013.

In the context of testing the 4G LTE technology which is being carried out in conjunction with the 2013 APEC Summit, XL will still use frequencies in the 1.800 MHz and 2.100 MHz spectrum with 5 MHz frequency width each. The two spectrums that will be used by XL are claimed to be in accordance with the recommendation for the service trial permit provided Kemenkominfo as the official regulator.

As reported by TimeXL itself hopes that in the future it will be able to provide a 4G LTE network spread in many areas in Indonesia because the network speed is ten times faster than 3G. "It is hoped that in the future we will be able to provide this frequency in many areas, especially in the 1.800 Mhz frequency," said Hasnul Suhaimi as President Director of XL. According to Hasnul, the 1.800 MHz frequency is one of the best frequencies used by the majority of operators around the world so that the Indonesian people can feel experience the same as users in other parts of the world who have used the 4G LTE network.

XL is reported to be cooperating with Huawei in presenting a 4G LTE service trial at the 2013 APEC Summit. According to Tempo, XL Axiata establishes a partnership with the Chinese company as the network provider. Deputy Director of Wireless Huawei Indonesia, Very Jodi confirmed it at the 4G LTE XL service trial event in Bali (23/9) yesterday. "We are men-support equipment, agreement, and also human resources," he explained.

XL also seeks to form a supporting ecosystem for the existence of 4G LTE in Indonesia in the future. The ecosystem includes the regulatory sector, supporting industries such as handsets that support 4G technology capabilities at market-affordable prices, as well as creative industries that will supply innovative content.

The ecosystem is believed to be able to increase market demand for 4G network services. With its ability to serve data transmission in large capacities and with maximum speed, it is not impossible that many innovations can be born as a result of the fulfillment of technology (4G LTE) that is able to support user needs as a whole.

With the presence of XL and Telkomsel as an operator that runs a 4G LTE network, the telecommunications industry in Indonesia will certainly step on a future network that has been adopted by many developed countries as well as developing countries. However, with the launch of the 4G LTE network in 2014, Indonesia is considered too late in adopting this technology?

Reported by IndoTelko, please note that in 2010 yesterday the 4G LTE network trial was conducted for the first time in Indonesia, the number of operators using this network was still relatively small. At that time only about 17 operators around the world were using this network. However, when the 4G LTE network is being intensified in Indonesia this year, the number of operators around the world that have applied 4G technology has reached 213 operators or more than half of the countries in the world have applied this technology.

If it is considered too late, it can be said that Indonesia is currently still a bit behind the countries that have applied the technology. In fact, if this is still delayed, Indonesia will be further and further behind and arguably too late. With the readiness of infrastructure, operators and devices on the market, the ball is now in the hands of the government as the regulator.

If the formation of regulations needed by operators is accelerated, hopefully Indonesia can use this fast network in the near future and not be left behind compared to countries that have implemented it.

[photo illustration: Shutterstock]