15 Areas in Karangasem, Bali, Still Blank Spots, Residents Struggle to Access Signals

Fifteen areas in Karangasem Regency, Bali, still experience blank spots or lack telecommunications network coverage. This situation causes the community difficulties in communicating via mobile phones or internet-based services.

The Head of the Communications and Informatics Office (Kominfo) of Karangasem Regency, Ida Nyoman Astawa, stated that out of the eight sub-districts, only Bebandem Sub-district has full network coverage across its entire area. The other seven sub-districts still have blank spot areas.

“Several areas in Karangasem still experience blank spots due to geographical factors, where those areas are surrounded by hills, making it difficult for signals to reach them,” said Astawa on Thursday (9/4/2026).

He detailed that the blank spot areas are distributed as follows: one area in Karangasem Sub-district, three in Rendang Sub-district, three in Abang Sub-district, three in Manggis Sub-district, three in Kubu Sub-district, three in Selat Sub-district, and three in Sidemen Sub-district.

To address this issue, the Karangasem Kominfo Office has coordinated with several telecommunications companies to build networks in the affected areas. However, these plans have not yet been realised because they are deemed unprofitable from a business perspective.

Additionally, the local government has submitted proposals to the central government through relevant ministries, using the SIGNAL portal, so that the blank spot areas can be included in network development programmes or internet villages.

Astawa mentioned that the proposed areas must meet several criteria set by the central government. Currently, his office is preparing supporting data to ensure these areas meet the requirements.

“Besides submitting proposals to the centre, as an interim solution, we have also provided free internet services in villages funded by the regional budget,” said Astawa.