Postpaid Internet Quota Must Not Expire, Operators Seek Solutions
Bandung, CNBC Indonesia - The prohibition against remaining data quotas expiring does not only apply to prepaid services. Circular Letter Number 4/2026 from the Minister of Communication and Digital also applies similar regulations to postpaid services.
Under point 5 of the Circular Letter, the protection of unused remaining quotas applies to both prepaid and postpaid services. The mechanisms for this protection include accumulation (rollover), extensions of the active period, transfer of benefits, compensation, refunds, or other forms of protection.
As a point of information, prepaid and postpaid services offer two different mechanisms. Prepaid requires users to pay for the service, including the quota, in advance, whereas postpaid allows users to enjoy the service first and pay later.
Marwan O. Baas/the Executive Director of ATSI (Indonesian Telecommunications Providers Association) explained that postpaid services also utilise packages with various quotas. The services offered typically cover a period of one month.
It is possible that users may still have a certain amount of quota remaining at the end of that period. This is precisely the protection mechanism that operators are currently seeking solutions for.
“Regarding postpaid, how will the protection work? Because, for example, 50 gigabytes is paid for on the 1st, but I have only used 40 gigabytes. This is what is currently being deliberated,” said Marwan when met in Bandung on Sunday (27/09/2026).
Marwan also stated that operators will report their proposed quota options to the relevant ministry. He explained that while options are already available, the impact on business models must still be recalculated.
Operators and ATSI have informed the Ministry of Communication and Digital that this process will require time to implement. This is because several elements must be prepared, such as billing systems and customer management.
It is hoped that this process can proceed as quickly as possible, as the public is also awaiting a decision.
“The goal is to do it as soon as possible, so that users can have peace of mind. Because the public, as users, are waiting for all of this,” Marwan added.