Does Banning the Expiry of Data Allowances Make Internet Packages More Expensive?

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — The introduction of a rollover feature, allowing unused internet data to accumulate following a Constitutional Court (MK) ruling, has faced criticism. The policy has been blamed for driving up mobile data package prices. Is that really the case?

Indosat rejected the allegation, saying that the prices and data allowances currently on offer are in fact more competitive than before. The company said the amount customers pay is commensurate with the quality of service they receive.

For example, a package costing Rp50,000, which previously included only 12 GB, now offers a larger allowance of 18 to 20 GB.

Separately, Evan Fathurokhman Adiwidjaja, Secretary of the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), stressed that mobile operators are not allowed to impose additional charges under the scheme to protect unused data. This is in line with the Constitutional Court ruling.

“Regarding price increases, the Constitutional Court ruling explicitly stipulates that, in providing substantive protection for data allowances, operators may not impose any charges on any grounds or under any conditions,” Evan said.

Evan added that Komdigi is ready to conduct an in-depth review if there are indications of internet package price increases in the market. The review will focus on operators’ compliance with the tariff formula set by the government.

“If prices are increasing at present, we will assess how operators are applying the tariff formula established by the government,” he said.

“Whatever the type of package, the most crucial thing is that people can continue to enjoy and use their data allowances in accordance with the Constitutional Court ruling,” Evan concluded.