Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel) appraises that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi)’s plan to introduce fixed wireless access (FWA) in the 1.4 GHz frequency band as a fast and affordable internet service is appropriate as it will benefit all levels of society.
“Komdigi is preparing an 80 MHz spectrum in the 1.4 GHz band, which is expected to support home internet with access speeds of up to 100 Mbps at a price range of Rp100,000 to Rp150,000. We hope that the 1.4 GHz frequency spectrum can accelerate Indonesia’s future connections,” explained Sigit Puspito Wigati Jarot, Head of Mastel’s National Telematics Infrastructure Division, in Jakarta, on Monday (02/24).
According to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2020, Sigit explained that Indonesia’s internet penetration has not reached 5% and is only better than Laos, Cambodia, and Timor Leste. In contrast, according to Komdigi data, Laos’ fixed broadband internet penetration is currently better than Indonesia’s.
Sigit voiced, “This shows how low we are, even far below the Southeast Asian average, let alone the Asian average, so there must be a quick solution since we see this FWA solution from two perspectives: affordability and the speed of deployment.”
Furthermore, home users can enjoy FWA services through devices such as routers. “If it is designed correctly, with the right policy and network, it will likely not disrupt the cellular market and will condition the entry of fiber optic networks. However, if released through market mechanisms, it could disrupt the cellular market and increase fiber optic penetration,” he added.
Therefore, Sigit urged that FWA service continue to offer connections above 100 Mbps. He also asked Komdigi to ensure that the 1.4 GHz frequency band selection winner does not violate the previously agreed-upono regulations. “Cellular services will not be disrupted if maintained at 100 Mbps. Similarly, if they are not tied to 100 Mbps, then the frequency auction winners might deploy 4G since 4G can also work even though it doesn’t reach 100 Mbps,” he concluded.
