TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Telecommunications Providers\nAssociation (ATSI) is currently reviewing plans to phase out 2G networks\nin Indonesia as part of efforts to accelerate digital\ntransformation.<\/p>\n
ATSI Chairman Marwan O. Baasir stated in an interview in Bandung on\nSunday that the plan is still in the preliminary discussion stage with\nthe government, given that a portion of the population still relies on\n2G networks for voice calls and text messaging services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are still in the early stages of discussions with the government.\nIf we want to accelerate the digital ecosystem, we naturally need to\nstart preparing\u2014determining the timeline and the incentive programs to\nbe implemented,\u201d Marwan said.<\/p>\n
According to him, the goal of phasing out 2G networks is to\nreallocate the frequency spectrum in the 900 MHz band\u2014currently used for\n2G services\u2014to support technologies better suited to digital\nadvancements, such as 4G and 5G.<\/p>\n
ATSI estimates that 2G network users still account for approximately\n8 to 10 percent of total mobile service users in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Marwan noted that based on biometric-based SIM card registration data\ncollected between early 2026 and August 2026\u2014totaling 297 million\nregistrations\u2014the number of users still relying on 2G networks is\nestimated at around 29 million.<\/p>\n
In addition to user numbers, Indonesia\u2019s geographical conditions are\na key factor being considered in the review of the 2G network\nphase-out.<\/p>\n
\u201cEastern Indonesia may present a challenge for us because there are\nstill many feature phone users there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Marwan stated that the significant number of 2G users and the\ngeographical challenges mean the phase-out plan requires careful\npreparation to avoid disrupting public access to communication.<\/p>\n
ATSI is also monitoring 2G network phase-out policies in other\ncountries to serve as a benchmark for drafting its own study and\npreparing the policy. According to Marwan, if a decision is ultimately\nmade to phase out 2G networks, the government needs to provide support\nthrough regulations and incentives to ensure a smooth technological\ntransition.<\/p>\n
One form of such support, he noted, could involve regulating the\ndistribution of devices that only support 2G networks once the phase-out\npolicy has been announced.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, devices supporting 4G LTE and 5G digital services are\nexpected to become increasingly available on the market at affordable\nprices, allowing the public to make the switch without facing an\nexcessive financial burden.<\/p>\n
Read: China Responds to Calls by AI Leaders to Slow Technology\nDevelopment<\/p>\n
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