Kemkomdigi Assesses Need for Additional Frequency to Support 6G Development

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has assessed that additional spectrum frequency is necessary to support the development of 6G cellular network technology. Adis Alifiawan, Director of Radio Frequency Spectrum Management, Satellite Orbit, and Digital Infrastructure Standardisation at Kemkomdigi, stated during a discussion with the Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel) in Jakarta on Thursday that the national cellular spectrum capacity, following the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz band auctions, is estimated to reach around 712 MHz. The spectrum requirements for future 6G implementation are expected to be far greater, necessitating efforts to prepare additional frequency bands. The currently available spectrum is deemed insufficient for developing 6G networks. “This means we must release new frequencies. Using existing frequencies is not enough, it is not adequate,” Adis said. Adis added that the mid-band frequency range is considered a promising option because it can provide a balance between network capacity and service coverage. However, the ministry is still reviewing various spectrum utilisation alternatives, including the upper 6 GHz band, which is one of the candidate spectrum bands for 6G services in international discussions ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) 2027. Adis said the government remains open to dialogue with industry players, academics, and other stakeholders to obtain input regarding spectrum utilisation to deliver optimal economic and social benefits. According to him, this process is important to ensure that the spectrum policies developed are aligned with industry needs, technological developments, and the broader public interest. “We hope to receive views and considerations, especially from the perspective of public value,” Adis said.