Telkomsel, Indosat, and XLSmart Officially Compete for Golden Frequencies

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Three Indonesian mobile operators, XLSmart, Indosat, and Telkomsel, are confirmed to participate in the initial stage of the auction for the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequencies. This information was revealed by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) in its latest announcement.

Komdigi stated that PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, PT Indosat Tbk, and PT Telekomunikasi Seluler have completed the e-Auction account collection stage. The process was opened on Wednesday and Thursday (29-30 April 2026) from 09:00 to 15:00 WIB.

Following this stage, all Telecommunications Providers can download and study the Selection Documents. This process has been underway since 29 April until 7 May 2026.

Providers designated as potential participants, after downloading the documents, can submit official questions regarding the substance of the documents. Questions must be submitted in PDF format and signed by the company leadership.

This process must be completed no later than Friday, 8 May 2026, at 15:00 WIB. Written questions are submitted through the e-Auction system.

Previously, Komdigi explained that the selection winners have several construction and operational commitments. One of them is to provide 4G/LTE services in designated villages/sub-districts.

Additionally, they must implement 5G technology in cities/regencies in accordance with the Minister of Communication and Digital’s Decision.

The winners are also obligated to pay the initial licence fee (up-front fee) and the annual spectrum frequency licence fee (BHP Spektrum Frekuensi Radio). This includes submitting a commitment guarantee for annual IPFR payments until the end of the licence period.

Komdigi added that the selection winners are required to implement interference mitigation measures that could be detrimental. For the 700 MHz band, mitigation of interference on digital television broadcast receivers using signal amplifiers.

Meanwhile, for 2.6 GHz, mitigation of interference on radiolocation service stations (meteorology) in the 2700-2900 MHz range and special radiolocation service stations in the S-band.