In a significant move to enhance telecommunications in Indonesia, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has officially announced the winners of the frequency band selection for 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz. This decision comes after a thorough selection process aimed at expanding the reach and quality of mobile internet services.
Winners of the Frequency Bands
The winners for the 700 MHz frequency band include PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel), and PT Indosat Tbk. In addition, Telkomsel, Indosat, and XLSmart have also secured the 2.6 GHz frequency band. This allocation is expected to improve mobile connectivity across the nation.
Government Expectations
Meutya Hafid, the Minister of Communication and Digital, expressed optimism regarding the impact of this frequency allocation. She emphasized that the winners must ensure that the benefits of these frequencies are tangible and equitable for the public, particularly at the grassroots level. "The auction of these frequencies should yield real and widespread benefits for the community," she stated in an official statement.
Enhancements to Network Capacity
The addition of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequency bands is anticipated to bolster the national cellular network's capacity. The 700 MHz band, recognized for its low-band characteristics, is poised to extend the coverage of services, while the 2.6 GHz band will be instrumental in enhancing network capacity and supporting the rollout of 5G services.
Commitments from Operators
As part of their commitment, the selected operators are required to provide 4G services to 538 villages and urban areas that currently lack sufficient signal strength. This initiative spans regions from Sumatra to Papua, aiming to enhance connectivity for education, healthcare, digital governance, and economic opportunities.
Furthermore, the operators must achieve a minimum 51% coverage of 5G services for the national population by the fifth year of operation. The average mobile broadband speed is also targeted to progressively reach 100 Mbps by 2029.
Financial Projections and Transparency
Komdigi projects that the management of the spectrum through this selection process could generate around Rp 6 trillion in non-tax state revenue (PNBP) initially, with a potential total of Rp 29.9 trillion over the next decade. The selection process has been conducted transparently, ensuring equal opportunities for all participants through various stages, including announcements, simulations, administrative evaluations, and an electronic auction system.
Looking ahead, Meutya indicated that after concluding the radio frequency auction for 1.4 GHz by the end of 2025, Komdigi will prepare for the utilization of the 900 MHz frequency band.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/07/22/07305357/komdigi-tetapkan-pemenang-frekuensi-700-mhz-dan-26-ghz-operator-wajib-perluas
