700 MHz Frequency Deemed Solution for Internet Access in Remote Areas

A telecommunications expert has assessed that the 700 MHz frequency spectrum can provide a solution for expanding internet access to remote, border, and island regions in Indonesia. Heru Sutadi stated that the characteristic of the 700 MHz frequency allows it to reach wider areas with fewer Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), making it more economical for serving such regions. The government is opening a selection tender for users of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz radio frequency bands to extend the reach of telecommunications services using 4G and 5G cellular technology to remote areas. This move is part of the government’s effort to optimise frequency spectrum resources to encourage the expansion of coverage and improve the quality of mobile broadband network services throughout Indonesia. The Executive Director of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Institute noted that additional spectrum would increase network capacity, thereby improving service quality and internet speed. The 700 MHz band allows operators to build networks more cost-efficiently with broader coverage, supporting the equitable distribution of digital access. Meanwhile, the 2.6 GHz band helps reduce traffic congestion in densely populated urban areas, optimising the customer experience. Heru commented that both frequency bands are considered highly strategic for the telecommunications industry. He explained that the 700 MHz band has a wide range and is efficient for expanding service coverage, especially in rural and outermost areas. Conversely, the 2.6 GHz band provides large capacity to support the continuously increasing demand for data traffic. He stated that the combination of the two will strengthen the foundation for developing 4G and 5G networks in Indonesia. Regarding the tender process, Heru cautioned that spectrum prices should be set reasonably, balancing state revenue with operators’ investment needs. He argued that excessively high auction prices could potentially reduce operators’ ability to build new networks. According to him, the most important aspect is not merely the auction value, but rather how quickly the spectrum can be applied into services that the public can feel. With healthy pricing, operators would have greater room to expand coverage, improve service quality, and accelerate internet equality to areas not yet optimally served.