The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has just finished holding a 2.3 Ghz frequency auction. That is, the frequency referred to as the 5th generation or 5G communication technology service.
Two cellular operators, namely PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel) and PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk, are confirmed to receive additional frequency spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band of 20 MHz and 10 MHz, respectively. This is after the two entities passed the price selection in the auction that was held recently.
In the auction for three frequency blocks of 10 MHz each, Telkomsel submitted a bid for two blocks with a value of Rp176.9 billion per block. Meanwhile, Smartfren offered IDR 176.5 billion for one block.
The opportunity for additional frequency bands of 10 MHz for Smartfren and 20 MHz for Telkomsel in the 2.3 GHz band will increase the services they provide to customers. Telkomsel is even predicted to be able to roll out 5G with additional frequency bands at a number of points.
Suddenly, this step was awaited by many parties. In the context of deploying 5G communication services, Indonesia is actually not too late compared to other countries.
Although 5G services are not yet commercial in Indonesia, Indonesia has actually tested this technology. In fact, the implementation plan has been prepared since 2017, by holding an indoor trial of 15GHz frequency band by XL Axiata and 72GHz by Telkomsel.
During the XVII Asian Games sporting event in Indonesia, the cellular operator Telkomsel again conducted indoor and outdoor trials of the 28 GHz frequency band at the sports arena throughout Asia.
Indeed, if you look at developed countries, especially in the technology sector, such as China, South Korea, the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Spain, and Hong Kong, of course Indonesia cannot be compared. Because they have deployed a 5G network.
In a meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives in early April 2021, Minister of Communication and Information (Menkominfo) Johnny G Plate revealed preparations for 5G implementation. According to him, Indonesia is still in the initial show case stage for 5G.
“So it can be said, Indonesia is still carrying out initial arrangements to allow this country to implement 5G implementation. We can not immediately roll out now. But we continue to make preparations,” he said.
Policy aspect
In the meeting with Commission I of the DPR, Johnny also said that there are five important policy aspects for the development of 5G in the country. First, is the regulatory aspect. Second, the aspect of the radio frequency spectrum. Third, aspects of the business model. Fourth is the infrastructure aspect. The five aspects of the device, ecosystem, and digital talent.
In the context of its implementation, the Minister of Communication and Information has actually issued a leak. Through Ministerial Regulation number 2 of 2021 concerning the Strategic Plan of the Communication and Information Technology, it is stated that along with efforts to increase the coverage of 4G services to all villages, the Ministry of Communication and Information is preparing to implement the fifth generation (5G) network in the country.
According to this regulation, the implementation plan must be supported by adequate infrastructure. After the infrastructure is available, the ministry will focus on deploying 5G services in 13 cities with details in the national capital (IKN), six provincial capitals on Java Island, six super-priority tourist destinations, and one manufacturing industry area.
Of course, for reliable 5G communication services, it is necessary to provide adequate broadband network infrastructure, which can support the implementation of 5G technology for all regions of the nation’s capital city.
So, when will 5G be available in Indonesia? The implementation process in the 13 main areas above is targeted to be completed in 2024. With this coverage, of course, it is not evenly distributed throughout Indonesia.
The Ministry of Communication and Informatics is also targeting the national capital area to be 100 percent covered by 4G networks in the same year. It is hoped that in the not too distant future, 5G services will be expanded according to demand growth in other locations, the Minister said.
Operator readiness is an important factor
In the context of post-auction frequency control, it is indeed Telkomsel’s cellular operator that is very likely to roll out 5G services. The reason is that the number 1 cellular operator in Indonesia now has a frequency of 50 MHz, the largest number of frequencies owned by cellular operators in the 2.3 GHz band.
Through a radio frequency spectrum of 50 MHz, it is sufficient for Telkomsel to deploy and serve 5G. However, if the frequency is only used for 4G purposes, there will be some unused spectrum. Currently, Telkomsel operates in the frequency bands of 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 2.3 GHz. While the Smartfren only operates in the 2.3 GHz band.
“Telkomsel’s participation in the selection process for the use of the 2.3 GHz radio frequency band is a tangible manifestation of Telkomsel’s commitment to strengthening the development of digital-based telecommunication services,” said President Director of Telkomsel Setyanto Hantoro without mentioning 5G services.
Apart from that Telkomsel is one of the operators most ready to roll out 5G services, there are several things that the government must prepare before deploying 5G services, whose speeds can reach 100 times faster than 4G.
First, the government needs to set regulations on the use of frequencies for this 5G purpose. In Law No. 11/2020 concerning Job Creation, it is possible to use infrastructure together (infrastructure sharing) in the telecommunications sector.
Second, operators and technology providers need to develop specific examples of using 5G networks in accordance with Indonesia’s objective conditions. The development of appropriate usage examples will help drive the successful commercialization of 5G, thereby ensuring operator sustainability.
Is Indonesia ready to implement 5G services?
https://www.kominfo.go.id/content/detail/34186/indonesia-menuju-5g/0/artikel