Telkom to ring in code changes next year
Telkom to ring in code changes next year
Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung
With PT Indosat entering the country's fixed-line
telecommunications market, which was monopolized by PT Telkom for
decades, telephone access codes nationwide will undergo
significant changes starting April 1 next year.
Telkom spokesperson Mundarwiyarso said on Wednesday that new
three-digit codes would be added to existing codes. The new three
digit codes are 011 for fixed lines operated by PT Indosat and
017 for those operated by PT Telkom.
These codes will replace the current 0 that precedes area code
numbers. For example, the 0 in the 021 Jakarta area code becomes
011 or 017, and is then followed by 21.
These changes are mandated by Ministerial Decree No.28/2004
issued on May 13 by former Minister of Communications Agum
Gumelar. The decree stipulates the nationwide use of three-digit
codes for all providers of international and long-distance
connections.
Mundar admitted that the new code system might cause initial
difficulties for telephone users.
"We only have one year to familiarize the public with these
new codes. It's not enough but there's nothing we can do.
Ideally, two years should be allowed for this," he said.
Mundar added that Telkom had proposed a simpler code structure
using a blocking system.
"For instance, codes from 250 to 255 would be Telkom's and
codes over 256 Indosat's. This would be much simpler and less
confusing for subscribers," he said.
To change the codes, Telkom will have to make the necessary
adjustments at its 2,000 automatic telephone exchanges all over
the country.
Mundar also complained about the Rp 478 billion (US$51
million) being paid to Telkom by the government in compensation
for early termination of the Telkom monopoly, saying that the
money was not enough to make the necessary adjustments in the
exchanges and familiarize the public with the new codes.
Concerning the interconnection fees payable by Indosat to
Telkom, Mundar said that these were still being negotiated.
Indosat has to pay interconnection fees to Telkom for using
the Telkom network.