Press Release No. 146/HM/KOMINFO/04/2021
Wednesday, 28 April 2021
About
5G Implementation, Minister of Communication and Information: Government Focuses on Minimizing Internet Access Disparities
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Johnny G. Plate, stated that the government is currently focusing on reducing disparities in internet access between regions. However, at the same time, the Government is also preparing for the deployment of 5G telecommunications networks so that the ecosystem is more prepared.
“There are a few things I need to straighten out. Yes, we currently have to prepare for 5G deployment, but at the same time our focus is on increasing the internet link ratio and reducing internet disparities between regions in all regions of our country through massive 4G deployment for the community, that is the main and most important task in the context of transformation. We are digital today,” he explained in the 5G Webinar for the Future of Indonesian Communication, from Jakarta, Wednesday (28/04/2021).
Minister Johnny emphasized that Indonesia is not lagging behind other countries because many countries have just started implementing 5G. The Minister of Communication and Information gave an example of Singapore, which currently deploys new 5G connectivity in the range of 2%, while in the Philippines it is in the range of 0.9%.
“Many countries have implemented 5G, yes, but not massively. So, everything is still at a very early stage. We have already done this here, if I’m not mistaken 12 times 5G trial. So, it’s not that we are left behind, but indeed we are preparing for the 5G ecosystem to be completely ready, so that 5G deployments will provide benefits and beneficial returns for the community and adequate returns for 5G operators. We have to prepare including the preparation of the regulations,” he explained.
Furthermore, Minister Johnny stated that what must also be straightened out is the bidding or auction of the 2.3 GHz frequency band spectrum because it is not only aimed at 5G deployment.
“Make no mistake, the world and the experts will laugh at Indonesia as if this 2.3 GHz or 2300 MHz is only for 5G. Sorry, later the world will laugh at us because of mistakes and communication errors because the main frequency spectrum for 5G is not only at 2.3 Ghz, but on the other side too. So, all levels include the lower band, coverage band, and high band, as well as the ultrahigh band. This must be clear,” he explained.
Maintain Availability of Frequency Band
The Minister of Communication and Information stated that at this time he definitely and will continue to farm and refarming spectrum frequencies to maintain adequate bands for 5G deployment.
“We can build infrastructure, however if there is no spectrum available, 5G cannot be done. I’m sorry and I have to be straight, I don’t know where to start with this until 2.3 GHz is identified as 5G,” he said.
However, Minister Johnny emphasized that the Ministry of Communications and Informatics conducted this 2.3 MHz auction to ensure the availability or meet the needs of telecommunication frequency spectrum, in particular to complete 4G needs and to start the initial showcase for 5G.
“Don’t make a mistake and don’t cut this into pieces. For that, because we need a lot of spectrum, I was told that at this time we are using the 737 MHz frequency spectrum for national telecommunications needs,” he said.
Regarding the projected need for 5G deployment, the Minister of Communication and Information stated that there was 2047 MHz of spectrum or 1310 MHz still lacking needed until 2024-2025 and beyond, so frequency farming is necessary at all band levels.
“This should not be confused and noisy with 5G, especially since 5G has levels and applications or uses for communication, data and/or automation or robotization. It’s at different levels of the spectrum,” he hoped.
Furthermore, Minister Johnny explained that for ordinary telecommunications services and high speed, there are certain levels of low latency. Meanwhile, for robotic needs, there is a high frequency. The Minister of Communication and Information stated that 5G is not human-to-machine but that the communication moves from machine-to-machine at the level of the frequency spectrum and in different technology applications.
“Obviously we used to be, later the use of IoT will become extremely important. This, I beg you, when we communicate it to the public, we do it well so that our community will get complete and accurate information,” he explained.
Support National Digital Transformation Acceleration
Minister Johnny explained that Indonesia needed a 5G network to support the acceleration of digital transformation throughout Indonesia.
“That’s what I wanted to say first, so we don’t get too excited later, but disrupt our entire program. Because the big plan to accelerate our national digital transformation has received the world’s attention,” he said.
The Minister of Communication and Information stated that the big plan to accelerate Indonesia’s national digital transformation has received world attention, not only in the region regionally, even in multilateral and bilateral areas.
“Where among ASEAN ICT ministers, we always communicate. I have also communicated with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) many times to explain, ask questions, and they give their appreciation because Indonesia’s digital transformation acceleration policy has received a lot of response and appreciation from the world,” he said.