FTTH and FWA Complement Each Other to Accelerate Internet Equality
MyRepublic Indonesia has affirmed that Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies do not replace each other but complement one another to accelerate the equitable distribution of broadband access in Indonesia.
This was stated at a seminar organised by Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) titled “FTTH, FWA & Mobile Broadband: Which Strategy is Best for Accelerating Digital Access Equity in Indonesia.”
Chief Technology Officer of MyRepublic Indonesia, Hendra Gunawan, said that the two technologies have different characteristics and challenges, requiring approaches tailored to regional conditions.
“FTTH and FWA have different challenge characteristics, from investment needs and construction complexity in FTTH to spectrum limitations and service quality in FWA,” Hendra said during the discussion.
He explained that MyRepublic applies a region-based strategy, focusing FTTH on densely populated areas with high bandwidth needs, while using FWA to accelerate service penetration in semi-urban areas.
According to Hendra, FTTH remains the main backbone for delivering stable, high-capacity internet connectivity. Meanwhile, FWA serves as a complement to expand service reach, especially in areas not yet covered by fibre optic networks.
“The development of FTTH and FWA is not heading towards substitution but mutual complementation. FWA opens new market opportunities, while FTTH remains the primary backbone,” he said.
He added that the dynamics of FWA service prices in the market do not directly impact FTTH services but remain an industry concern in shaping future price expectations.
Hendra also affirmed that MyRepublic has introduced stable, high-capacity full fibre optic-based internet services to support various digital needs of the community.
“MyRepublic’s FTTH service is a choice for the public needing high-quality and consistent internet connections, both for productivity and entertainment,” he said.
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION
On the other hand, FWA is seen as an alternative solution to bring broadband access to areas not reached by fibre. Hendra emphasised that FTTH, FWA, and cellular networks should be viewed as mutually supportive solutions, not competitors.
“With a customer needs-based and regional condition approach, we are optimistic about delivering more equitable, high-quality, and affordable connectivity,” he stressed.
He also assessed that regulatory support and incentives from the government will greatly determine the industry’s speed in expanding digital service reach in Indonesia.
MyRepublic’s participation in the seminar is part of the company’s efforts to contribute to the development of the national digital ecosystem through cross-sector collaboration.
“Going forward, we are committed to continuing to provide high-quality internet services through adaptive and sustainable network development, as well as supporting the acceleration of digital access equity throughout Indonesia,” Hendra concluded.
For information, MyRepublic Indonesia is a provider of fibre optic-based internet and subscription TV services that offers connectivity solutions for the residential segment through FTTH and FWA networks to expand internet access in various regions.