Telkomsel expands networks

JAKARTA (JP): Cellular operator PT Telkomsel launched on Saturday pre-paid simPATI Nusantara SIM (subscriber identity module) cards with local numbers for Manado, Banda Aceh, Pekanbaru, Padang, and Pontianak.

"This is our way of increasing the quality of service to customers all over Indonesia," the company said in a statement.

Telkomsel said that in the past, the only numbers available in the five cities were those from other places, but when used the caller was charged a roaming fee as the call had to be routed through Jakarta.

The service is supported by the construction of base transceiver stations (BTS) to ensure strong and clear transmission, it said, adding that for Manado alone the company has erected 15 BTS and was currently building 10 more.

A basic simPATI starter pack costs Rp 575,000 (about US$57.5) which includes Rp 500,000 worth of calls.

Besides simPATI pre-paid GSM cards, Telkomsel also provides kartuHALO cards for post-paid customers.

The company said that it has more than one million customers supported by over 1,400 BTS spread across the country. (tnt)