Telkomsel Optimize Additional 20 MHz of 2,3 GHz Frequency to Accelerate Equitable Broadband Access and New Technology Development

In accordance with the government's official stipulation through the Decree of the Minister of Communication and Information (Kemkominfo) of the Republic of Indonesia regarding the Determination Telkomsel as the Winner of the 2,3 GHz Radio Frequency Band User Selection for the 2021 Needs for Cellular Mobile Network Operations, Telkomsel welcomed the decision. Telkomsel has received a total of 20 MHz additional frequency band allocation, namely 10 MHz in Block A which is in the range 2360 – 2370 MHz for the service area zones 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 12 and 10 MHz in Block C in the range 2380 – 2390 MHz for the service area zones 4,5,6, 9, 10, 12 and 15.

As a leading digital telecommunications company, Telkomsel is committed to maximizing the use of the entire additional spectrum that has been mandated by the government to accelerate the deployment of cellular mobile network infrastructure with fourth generation technology (4G/LTE) that has prime quality with the widest coverage throughout the country, and if possible, continue The roadmap development of the latest telecommunications technology which will soon be implemented in Indonesia, such as the fifth generation technology.

President Director Telkomsel Setyanto Hantoro said, "We are grateful and grateful to regain the trust of the government through the determination of the winner of the 2,3 GHz Frequency Band User Selection which was recently held by the Ministry of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia. The corporate move through frequency band investment is carried out by considering various aspects, such as a mature investment and business development strategy, with strong financial support, along with The roadmap transformsi Telkomsel which has now become a digital telecommunication company.”

Investment made Telkomsel in obtaining this additional frequency spectrum shows the seriousness of the corporation to always be at the forefront in ensuring the fulfillment of the community's needs to enjoy the service broadband using the latest technology in a comfortable, equitable and equitable manner, especially in strengthening an inclusive and sustainable digital lifestyle ecosystem.

Setyanto further explained that the additional spectrum would be used to strengthen service development broadband the latest 4G LTE by maximizing network capacity and quality broadband for customers throughout Indonesia. It is hoped that this achievement will also support the strengthening of the digital ecosystem in Indonesia, including the digital creative industry, E-commerce, and encourage digital transformation of the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs) segment.

Next, for the initial stage Telkomsel will continue the construction of 4G/LTE BTS by maximizing the available 2,3 GHz frequency, especially in areas that have traffic using services broadband high enough. Therefore, Telkomsel can enable the public to enjoy the maximum speed of access mobile broadband higher and higher quality, with a network capacity that can meet the needs of the community's digital activities.

The additional 2,3 GHz frequency spectrum with a total of 20 MHz will be immediately usable after the rearrangement process (refarming) and the issuance of a Radio Frequency Band Permit (IPFR) from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics of the Republic of Indonesia in the shortest possible time, so that the band allocations owned are side by side (contiguous) so that it is more efficient and optimal in order to support the implementation of network connectivity broadband.

"Telkomsel understand that currently the availability of frequency spectrum in Indonesia is still very limited, while the comparison between the growth in the number of service users broadband with the allocated frequency spectrum Telkomsel must keep pace with developments. With these considerations, and to accommodate this growth with the growing population in the digital lifestyle ecosystem that continues to grow in Indonesia, the added value of this spectrum is very high and significant in strengthening the three digital pillars Telkomsel to continue to be a provider Digital Connectivity, Digital Platforms, and Digital Services trusted in Indonesia," Setyanto added.

Until late last year, Telkomsel has deployed more than 231.000 units of BTS, with the availability of more than 78% using BTS 3G/4G technology, which reaches 95% of the population area throughout the country. Since last few years, Telkomsel has also focused all infrastructure and network technology development specifically for network provision broadband 4G/LTE. At the end of 2019, Telkomsel has also conducted trials of the latest 5G network in Batam for the industrial sector, having previously successfully held trials and ShowCase use of the 5G network at the 2018 Asian Games.

With the announcement Telkomsel as the winner of the 2,3 GHz Radio Frequency Band User Selection in the 2360–2390 MHz Range, the composition of the frequency license allocation owned Telkomsel be as follows: 2,3 GHz frequency with 50 MHz bandwidth (30 MHz with national usage allocation and 20 MHz with zone/non-national usage allocation), 2,1 GHz frequency with 15 MHz bandwidth, 1,8 GHz frequency with 22,5 MHz bandwidth, and 800/900 MHz frequency with 15 MHz bandwidth, where the 2,1 GHz, 1,8 GHz and 800/900 MHz bands are allocated for national use.

"The addition of this frequency spectrum will strengthen the foundation for digital business development which continues to be built by Telkomsel, which in 2020 has contributed to more than 71% of the company's total revenue. In an effort to continue to provide a comfortable experience for the community's digital activities, Telkomsel also have strong aspirations to be pintu digital solution gateway to unlock various potentials of the Indonesian people, one of which is realized through the development of network infrastructure with leading technology such as 4G/LTE throughout the construction of new BTS throughout this year, and 5G in the near future," concluded Setyanto.