| Accelerating |
| 5G in Indonesia: |
| A spectrum roadmap |
| for success |
|
|
| Copyright © 2025 GSMA |
|
|
| The GSMA represents the interests of mobile |
| operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 |
| operators with nearly 400 companies in the |
| broader mobile ecosystem, including handset |
| and device makers, software companies, |
| equipment providers and internet companies, as |
| well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. |
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| Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 |
| Series of regional conferences. |
|
|
| For more information, please visit the GSMA |
| corporate website at gsma.com |
|
|
| Follow the GSMA on Twitter/X: @GSMA |
|
|
| For spectrum information, please visit |
| www.gsma.com/spectrum/. |
|
|
| To contact the Spectrum Team, please contact |
| us at www.gsma.com/spectrum/contact-us/ |
|
|
| Windsor Place Consulting Pty Ltd (‘WPC’) is |
| internationally recognised as an outstanding |
| provider of advice to the information |
| industries. The firm, established in 2000, |
| works exclusively in telecommunications, |
| media, and information technology sectors, in |
| advising international organisations, investors, |
| operators, Governments and regulators in |
| Asia, the Pacific and Africa. The firm, lead by |
| its Managing Director, Scott Minehane has |
| extensive expertise and experience in relation |
| to telecommunications policy, legislative |
| drafting, regulation, digital content, spectrum |
| management, national broadband networks, |
| new generation fixed and mobile technologies |
| including 5G, online service regulation, |
| competition policy and the app economy. |
|
|
| Published: March 2025 |
|
|
| Contents |
|
|
| Summary |
|
|
| 1. Introduction |
|
|
| 1.1 The Indonesia mobile market |
| 1.2 A spectrum roadmap for 5G |
| 1.3 The key role of mid-band spectrum for 5G |
|
|
| 4 |
|
|
| 7 |
| 8 |
| 11 |
| 12 |
|
|
| 2 Progress on Indonesia’s spectrum plan for 5G |
| Indonesia’s 5G Spectrum planning |
| 2.1 |
| 2.2 The digital dividend, the 700 MHz band and changes |
| to the applicable spectrum management law |
|
|
| 14 |
| 15 |
|
|
| 17 |
|
|
| 3. Key challenges and actions to secure sufficient |
|
|
| spectrum for 5G services in Indonesia |
| 3.1 Spectrum roadmap towards 2030 |
| 3.2 Long-term financial sustainability in Indonesia |
|
|
| 18 |
| 19 |
| 22 |
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| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
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| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
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| Summary |
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| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
|
|
| Communications, connectivity and digitisation |
| are central to achieving higher productivity and |
| broader socio-economic inclusion of Indonesia’s |
| broadly distributed and diverse population. |
| Devising effective pro-growth, pro-inclusion |
| communications and digitisation policies will |
| be key to Indonesia’s success in the new global |
| economic environment. |
|
|
| Broadband connectivity and digital services that |
| use spectrum play a vital role in how people live |
| and businesses operate. Digital transformation |
|
|
| is rapidly occurring in many sectors of the |
| Indonesian economy. The 5G era will help to |
| accelerate this process and boost economic |
| growth in the country in the years ahead. |
|
|
| In Indonesia, mobile data traffic per connection has |
| grown strongly in recent years, reaching over 16 GB |
| per connection in 2024. 5G is being implemented |
| with limited launches by operators using mainly |
| their existing legacy spectrum holdings. As of the |
| end of 2024, 5G network coverage is around 26% |
| of the population (see below).1 |
|
|
| Figure 1 |
| Indonesia mobile market – key indicators |
|
|
| Total spectrum assigned: |
| 452 MHz; |
| Mid-band: 360 MHz |
|
|
| 4G population coverage: 98%; |
| 5G population coverage: 26.3% |
|
|
| Mobile data per connection |
| per month: 14.9 GB (2024) |
| vs 41.5 GB (2030) |
|
|
| Much work must be done to ensure adequate |
| spectrum resources to support 5G development |
| in Indonesia, especially in the crucial mid-band |
| range (1–7 GHz). The GSMA estimates that mid- |
| band 5G spectrum will drive an increase of |
| more than $610 billion in global GDP in 2030, |
| almost 65% of the overall socio-economic value |
| generated by 5G. In Southeast Asia, 5G mid- |
| bands will boost annual GDP by $35 billion by |
| 2030, heavily driven by the large Indonesian |
| market, which will account for 41% of this |
| increment. |
|
|
| To secure these benefits, markets will need an |
| average of 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum during |
| this decade. In Indonesia, just 360 MHz of mid- |
| band spectrum is currently assigned for mobile |
| services. A clear spectrum roadmap setting |
| out the strategy and actions to make spectrum |
| available over the next few years will support |
|
|
| the long-term growth of 5G and its full socio- |
| economic benefits for citizens and enterprises |
| across all sectors of the economy. |
|
|
| The 5G era promises to unlock many new use |
| cases across different industries and accelerate |
| economic growth. To realise this, it is essential |
| to build on current plans by prioritising the |
| following actions for 5G development: |
|
|
| — Refarm and auction the 2.6 GHz band for |
| IMT/5G in early 2025 following the expiry |
| of current satellite broadcasting licences |
| on 1 January 2025. The 2.6 GHz band should |
| be auctioned together with the |
| 700 MHz spectrum. Reserve prices should |
| be set conservatively to allow mobile |
| operators to acquire sufficient spectrum |
| for high-speed 5G broadband services. |
|
|
| 1. |
|
|
| Refer to https://indonesiabusinesspost.com/risks-opportunities/gsma-warns-indonesia-of-potential-losses-urging-for-5g-spectrum-price-review/ |
|
|
| 5 / 25 |
|
|
| — Accelerate the initial release of 200 to 300 MHz |
| of the 3.5 GHz band (from 3.4 GHz to 3.7 GHz), |
| especially in urban areas, including greater |
| Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Medan, where |
| demand is currently highest. |
|
|
| • |
|
|
| • |
|
|
| For 3.5 GHz, an unnecessarily large guard |
| band between mobile and fixed satellite |
| services (FSS) should be avoided. Instead, |
| appropriate coexistence measures, such |
| as site shielding, LNB replacement and |
| upgrading FSS receiver filters, can be |
| implemented to allow sufficient spectrum |
| for 5G services. |
|
|
| In December 2024, the government |
| proposed the 3.5 GHz band as essential |
| for mobile broadband in the 2025–2029 |
| Strategic Plan. The plan emphasised that |
| each operator would need at least |
| 100 MHz of mid-band spectrum to meet |
| the 100 Mbps speed quality target.2 |
| At least 80 MHz in the 3.3–3.4 GHz band |
| is cleared and should be auctioned earlier |
| if possible. |
|
|
| — Work towards making at least 2 GHz3 of |
| mid-band spectrum available for IMT/5G |
| by developing a spectrum roadmap for |
| 2025–2030, considering future IMT spectrum |
| supply, including the 4.8 GHz and upper |
| 6 GHz bands. |
|
|
| — For upcoming auctions of new spectrum |
|
|
| bands, reserve prices should be set |
| conservatively below estimates of market |
| value. This will allow room for price discovery |
| and reduce the risk of unsold spectrum. |
| Incentives in the form of reduced spectrum |
| payments in exchange for investment and |
| network commitments by operators should |
| also be considered. |
|
|
| — Review the current formula for annual |
|
|
| spectrum fees to provide the right incentives for |
| efficient spectrum use. Avoid disproportionate |
| increases in costs that are not aligned with |
| evolving market conditions. |
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| Refer to Adis Alifiawan, FGD-2, Rancangan Teknokratik Renstra Kominfo 2025-2029, Penyediaan Pita Frekuensi 3,5 GHz untuk Mobile Broadband, pages 4-5 |
|
|
| 3. Refer to www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/5G-Mid-Band-Spectrum-Needs-Vision-2030.pdf |
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| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
|
|
| 1. Introduction |
|
|
| 7 / 25 |
| 7 / 25 |
|
|
| Communications, connectivity and digitisation |
| are central to achieving higher productivity |
| and broader social and economic inclusion of |
| Indonesia’s broadly distributed and diverse |
| population. Devising effective pro-growth, |
| pro-inclusion communications and digitisation |
| policies will be key to Indonesia’s success in the |
| new global economic environment. |
|
|
| Digital services, underpinned by high-speed, |
| high-performance networks, are set to become |
| more integral to the Indonesian economy and |
| society. Digital transformation is rapidly occurring |
| in many sectors of the economy. The 5G era will |
| help accelerate this process and boost economic |
| growth in the country in the years ahead. |
|
|
| The International Telecommunication Union |
| (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference |
| 2023 (WRC-23) completed the harmonisation |
| of the 3.5 GHz band to deploy 5G services and |
| identified additional mid-band spectrum in 6 GHz |
|
|
| for future expansion towards 2030. Spectrum |
| harmonisation is essential because it ensures |
| stronger mobile connectivity while achieving |
| economies of scale. |
|
|
| Increasing smartphone adoption and video |
| usage have driven mobile data traffic growth |
| over the last decade. This trend is set to continue |
| in the 5G era with more immersive media-rich |
| services, new online gaming technologies and |
| extended reality (XR) applications. 5G has been |
| the fastest mobile generation rollout, surpassing |
| 2.1 connections by the end of 2024.4 As of |
| September 2024, 311 operators in 122 markets |
| have launched commercial 5G services.5 |
|
|
| This report looks closer at the 5G spectrum |
| planning state in Indonesia. It discusses the |
| key issues and challenges in securing sufficient |
| spectrum resources for 5G, particularly |
| in the mid-bands. It then provides some |
| recommendations on the way forward. |
|
|
| 1.1 The Indonesia mobile market |
|
|
| High-bandwidth internet connectivity |
| is increasingly important for enhancing |
| productivity, social welfare, and well-being. |
| It also supports Indonesia’s leading |
| entrepreneurial and technology scene.6 |
|
|
| In many emerging markets, where fibre |
| penetration is typically low, there tends to be |
| a greater reliance on wireless technology – |
| both mobile and fixed wireless – to meet the |
|
|
| growing demand for affordable and expandable |
| connectivity. As of the end of 2024, mobile |
| broadband penetration in Indonesia stood |
| at 121 per 100 inhabitants, compared to fixed |
| broadband penetration of 5.3 per 100 inhabitants |
| (or 20.5 per 100 households).7 4G network |
| coverage was 98% of the national population. |
| However, it is estimated that 11% of populated |
| areas remain unserved as of 2023, with 12,548 |
| villages not covered by 4G.8 |
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| Source: GSMA Intelligence |
|
|
| 5. |
|
|
| Source: GSMA Intelligence. 5G in Context, Q3 2024. |
|
|
| 6. |
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
|
|
| Source: Bain & Co, Navigating High Winds: Southeast Asia Outlook 2024:2034, 1 August 2024. Available at www.bain.com/globalassets/noindex/2024/bain_report_ |
| navigating_high_winds_southeast_asia_outlook_2024_34.pdf page 16 |
| |
| Source: GSMA Intelligence. |
| |
| Refer to Dr Denny Setiawan, MCI, Country Case Study: Spectrum Pricing Methodology and Mechanisms in Indonesia, 10th APAC Spectrum Management Conference, |
| Jakarta, 23-24 April 2024, page 2 |
| |
| 8 / 25 |
| |
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSFigure 2 |
| Competitiveness of access penetration and affordability of Indonesia’s mobile and |
| fixed broadband services |
| |
| Mobile broadband |
| |
| Access |
| 4G+5G penetration |
| (% of population, 2023, |
| TeleGeography) |
| |
| Affordability |
| Mobile broadband basket |
| (% of GNI per capita, |
| 2022, ITU) |
| |
| Fixed broadband |
| |
| Access |
| Fixed broadband |
| penetration (% of |
| households, 2023, |
| TeleGeography) |
| |
| Affordability |
| Fixed broadband basket |
| (% of GNI per capita, |
| 2022, ITU) |
| |
| 164 0.2 |
| |
| 0.3 |
| |
| 0.4 |
| |
| 88 |
| |
| 93 |
| |
| 123 |
| |
| 1.4 |
| |
| 143 |
| |
| 0.3 |
| |
| Singapore |
| |
| Brunei |
| |
| Vietnam |
| |
| Thailand |
| |
| Malaysia |
| |
| 112 0.6 |
| |
| 110 1.2 |
| |
| 79 |
| |
| 55 |
| |
| 54 |
| |
| 2.6 |
| |
| 3.4 |
| |
| 2.5 |
| |
| 94 |
| |
| 2.0 |
| |
| Philippines |
| |
| 28 |
| |
| 113 4th |
| |
| 1.1 |
| |
| 5th |
| |
| Indonesia |
| |
| 19 |
| |
| 7th |
| |
| 2.3 |
| |
| 2.1 |
| |
| Cambodia |
| |
| Lao PDR |
| |
| 16 |
| |
| 13 |
| |
| 99 |
| |
| 53 |
| |
| 45 |
| |
| 11.3 |
| |
| 6.1 |
| |
| 6th |
| |
| 11.6 |
| |
| 7.2 |
| |
| 3.1 |
| |
| Myanmar |
| |
| 9 |
| |
| 15.3 |
| |
| Singapore |
| |
| Brunei |
| |
| Vietnam |
| |
| Thailand |
| |
| Malaysia |
| |
| Philippines |
| |
| Indonesia |
| |
| Cambodia |
| |
| Lao PDR |
| |
| Myanmar |
| |
| Source: World Bank Group Study (Aug 2024), ITU Datahub |
| |
| Indonesia’s broadband infrastructure lags behind |
| many Southeast Asia counterparts in terms of |
| access and affordability. In ASEAN, Indonesia |
| is ranked 4th for mobile broadband access |
| compared to 7th for fixed broadband. Regarding |
| affordability, mobile and fixed broadband services |
| are mid-ranked among ASEAN countries.9 |
| |
| The Indonesian mobile market comprises the |
| following main players as of 2024. |
| |
| — Telkomsel, the largest mobile operator by |
| |
| subscriber base, has around 45% market share. |
| |
| — Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison was formed in |
| January 2022 following a merger between |
| Indosat Ooredoo and 3 (Hutchison). The two |
| entities have a combined market share of |
| around 28%. |
| |
| — XL Axiata has a market share of around |
| |
| 16%, while Smartfren has a market share of |
| around 11%. On 11 December 2024, the two |
| operators announced a proposed merger |
| |
| to create a stronger local player to drive |
| investments in digital infrastructure, expand |
| service coverage, and foster innovation.10 |
| The proposed merger has been conditionally |
| approved by the Ministry of Communication |
| and Digital Affairs.11 |
| |
| In Indonesia, 5G rollout is progressing, with |
| commercial services launched by Telkomsel, |
| Indosat Ooredoo and XL Axiata since 2021, utilising |
| existing spectrum holdings in the 1800 MHz, |
| 2.1 GHz and 2.3 GHz bands. As of the end of |
| 2024, 5G networks covered 26.3% of Indonesia’s |
| population, or around 15.7 million 5G connections. |
| |
| Currently, 452 MHz of mobile spectrum is assigned |
| in Indonesia, as shown below. In the mid-band |
| range, only 360 MHz across the 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz |
| and 2.3 GHz bands has been assigned, compared |
| to an average of 850 MHz in the Asia-Pacific |
| region today. Therefore, there is a clear need for |
| more mid-band spectrum to be made available |
| in the country as soon as possible to support the |
| development of high-speed 5G services. |
| |
| 9. |
| |
| Refer to Adis Alifiawan, FGD-2, Rancangan Teknokratik Renstra Kominfo 2025-2029, Penyediaan Pita Frekuensi 3,5 GHz untuk Mobile Broadband, pages 9-10 |
| |
| 10. Refer to www.xlaxiata.co.id/en/news/xl-axiata-and-smartfren-announce-idr-104-trillion |
| |
| 11. Refer to https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/tech/20250307150750-37-616648/meutya-hafidz-restui-merger-xl-dan-smartfren-tapi-ada-syaratnya |
| |
| 9 / 25 |
| |
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSTable 1 |
| Current IMT spectrum assigned in Indonesia |
| |
| Type of spectrum |
| |
| Bandwidth assigned |
| |
| Bands |
| |
| Low band (sub-1 GHz) |
| |
| 92 MHz |
| |
| 850 MHz, 900 MHz |
| |
| Mid-band (1–7 GHz) |
| |
| 360 MHz |
| |
| 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz |
| |
| High band (above 24 GHz) |
| |
| — |
| |
| — |
| |
| Source: GSMA, APT |
| |
| Given the lack of spectrum, Indonesian mobile |
| operators have refarmed existing IMT spectrum |
| holdings from 3G services to 4G and 5G. Such |
| moves have already accelerated the switch-off |
| of legacy 2G and 3G services, with XL Axiata |
| switching off 3G services at the end of March |
| 2022.12 Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) |
| switched off 3G services at the end of 2022, |
| as did Telkomsel in May 2023. |
| |
| Subject to the release of adequate mobile |
| spectrum, the pace of 5G deployment and |
| adoption is forecast to grow over the next three |
| years. By 2027, the number of 5G connections |
| is forecast to reach 70 million, with 5G networks |
| covering 59% of the population.13 While 4G will |
| continue to account for most mobile connections, |
| the share of 4G connections will begin to decline |
| from 2024 onward. |
| |
| Figure 3 |
| Connections by technology in Indonesia |
| |
| 2024 |
| |
| 4.4% |
| |
| 3.6% |
| |
| 2030 |
| |
| 0.3% |
| |
| 32.0% |
| |
| 67.7% |
| |
| 92.0% |
| |
| 2G |
| |
| 4G |
| |
| 5G |
| |
| Source: GSMA Intelligence |
| |
| In Indonesia, total mobile data traffic has grown |
| almost four-fold over 2019–2024, reaching |
| 60.5 exabytes in 2024.14 The average monthly |
| mobile data per connection is forecast to increase |
| from 14.9 GB in 2024 to 41.5 GB in 2030.15 |
| |
| At the same time, 5G enterprise use cases are |
| also emerging across different industrial verticals, |
| which will drive growth in cellular IoT connections. |
| |
| Across the Asia Pacific, operators use the scale |
| and utility of mobile networks and services to |
| facilitate innovative digital solutions for large |
| and small enterprises in line with Industry 4.0 |
| objectives. In particular, 5G and IoT will play key |
| roles in implementing digital transformation |
| projects across different industries, further driving |
| demand for 5G connectivity and economic growth |
| for the rest of the decade. |
| |
| 12. Refer to https://newsbeezer.com/indonesiaeng/xl-to-switch-off-all-3g-signals-at-the-end-of-march-2022-all/ |
| |
| 13. Source: GSMA Intelligence. |
| |
| 14. Source: GSMA Intelligence. |
| |
| 15. Source: GSMA Intelligence. |
| |
| 10 / 25 |
| |
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS1.2 A spectrum roadmap for 5G |
| |
| As with all previous generations of mobile services, the road to 5G in each country starts with the |
| release of spectrum to support the network rollout. A typical spectrum roadmap, as illustrated below, |
| involves the following steps.16 |
| |
| Figure 4 |
| Spectrum roadmap and steps |
| |
| 1 |
| |
| Identification |
| of spectrum |
| |
| 2 |
| |
| Spectrum |
| clearance |
| |
| 3 |
| |
| Technology definition |
| and restrictions |
| |
| Identification of spectrum |
| Spectrum is essential for the provi- |
| sion of mobile services, and 5G |
| needs significant amounts of new |
| harmonised spectrum.17 The first |
| step involves a planning process that |
| considers the outcomes of interna- |
| tional and regional harmonisation |
| decisions. Consultations provide a |
| forum for governments and industry |
| stakeholders to share views and |
| examine available options. Where |
| competing demands arise, a |
| cost-benefit analysis should also be |
| conducted to assess the impacts of |
| proposed changes in spectrum |
| allocation, ensure efficient use of |
| scarce spectrum and achieve |
| optimal outcomes for society.18 |
| |
| Spectrum clearance |
| Approaches to clearing |
| spectrum depend on factors |
| such as the density of use, the |
| ease of moving incumbents to |
| alternative frequency bands or |
| alternative technologies and the |
| impact on services and users. |
| In some cases, geographic |
| sharing with adequate |
| mitigation measures will address |
| interference concerns. |
| |
| Technology definition |
| and restrictions |
| Technical licence obligations |
| should be clearly defined, along |
| with conditions of use and the |
| amount and geographic |
| availability of the spectrum. In |
| some cases, it may only be |
| necessary to realign band |
| assignments to provide |
| contiguous frequencies and |
| maximise spectrum efficiency |
| for mobile use. |
| |
| 4 |
| |
| Spectrum |
| valuation |
| |
| 5 |
| |
| Award |
| design |
| |
| 6 |
| |
| Award |
| implementation |
| |
| Spectrum valuation |
| This step involves assessing the |
| value of spectrum guides upfront, |
| as well as annual fees. There are |
| different valuation approaches, |
| including benchmarking and |
| modelling analysis, and both |
| methods should be used to |
| improve accuracy and capture |
| local market factors. Costs related |
| to licensing obligations should be |
| considered when setting prices for |
| spectrum. |
| |
| Award design |
| There are three main approaches |
| to awarding spectrum: |
| auctions, beauty contests and |
| direct award.19 The approach |
| adopted, and associated licence |
| obligations, must consider policy |
| objectives, available spectrum |
| and market specifics (for |
| example, the number of MNOs |
| or current spectrum holdings). |
| Depending on the availability |
| timeline of different frequency |
| bands and award design, it may |
| be appropriate to have a single |
| multiband award or several |
| separate ones. |
| |
| Award implementation |
| The final step is the actual |
| award. This will normally be |
| underpinned by documentation |
| that provides all the necessary |
| details of the award process, |
| spectrum on offer, licence |
| obligations and other essential |
| information for potential |
| licensees. |
| |
| 16. Refer to GSMA. Roadmaps for awarding 5G spectrum in the APAC region. April 2022. www.gsma.com/spectrum/resources/5g-spectrum-in-the-apac-region- |
| |
| roadmaps-for-success/. |
| |
| 17. The key frequency bands to prioritise for 5G are outlined in section 1.3. |
| |
| 18. |
| |
| Refer to GSMA. Maximising the socio-economic value of spectrum. A best practice guide for the cost-benefit analysis of 5G spectrum assignment. January 2022. |
| www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/mobile-spectrum-maximising-socio-economic-value.pdf. |
| |
| 19. Refer to GSMA auction best practice position www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Auction-Best-Practice.pdf. |
| |
| 11 / 25 |
| |
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS1.3 The key role of mid-band spectrum for 5G |
| |
| Mid-band spectrum resources include both lower |
| mid-bands (i.e. 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, |
| 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz) and upper mid-bands (i.e. |
| 3.3–4.2 GHz, 4.5–5.0 GHz and 5.925–7.125 GHz). |
| To launch 5G services that are consistent with the |
| ITU’s IMT-2020 requirements,22 each operator |
| needs access to at least 100 MHz of contiguous |
| mid-band spectrum for initial service launch. |
| As adoption grows, more mid-band spectrum |
| will be required. |
| |
| To get the most out of 5G, spectrum is needed |
| across low, mid- and high bands to deliver |
| widespread coverage and support all use cases. |
| Mid-band frequencies are especially crucial |
| because they offer the balance of capacity and |
| coverage that enables mobile networks to |
| provide reliable performance that meets the |
| ITU IMT-2020 requirements20 across densely |
| populated urban areas. |
| |
| New 5G use cases from enhanced mobile |
| broadband (eMBB), fixed wireless access (FWA), |
| and enterprise and Industry 4.0 applications will |
| enable digital transformation and drive economic |
| growth in Indonesia. Over 2024–2030, 5G |
| is forecast to contribute more than $41 bn |
| (IDR 650 tn) in GDP to the Indonesian economy. |
| By 2030, 5G will add 0.6% to Indonesia’s GDP, |
| representing over $11 bn (IDR 172 tn) annually.21 |
| |
| Figure 5 |
| Mid-band spectrum |
| |
| 1.8 GHz |
| 1.7/1.8 GHz |
| |
| 2.3 GHz |
| 2.3–2.4 GHz |
| |
| 1.5 GHz |
| 1.4–1.5 GHz |
| |
| 2.1 GHz |
| 1.9/2.1 GHz |
| |
| 2.6 GHz |
| 2.5–2.7 GHz |
| |
| Lower 3.5 GHz |
| 3.3–3.8 GHz |
| |
| 4.8 GHz |
| 4.8–5 GHz |
| |
| Upper 6 GHz |
| 6.4–7.1 GHz |
| |
| AWS |
| 1.7/2.1 GHz |
| |
| PCS |
| 1.8/1.9 GHz |
| |
| Source: GSMA Intelligence |
| |
| Upper 3.5 GHz |
| 3.8–4.2 GHz |
| |
| Lower 6 GHz |
| 5.9–6.4 GHz |
| |
| It is estimated that MNOs will need an average of |
| 2 GHz of mid-bands during this decade.23 |
| Research by GSMAi on the socio-economic |
| benefits of mid-band 5G services indicates that |
| mid-band 5G spectrum will drive an increase of |
| more than $610 billion in global GDP in 2030, |
| |
| accounting for almost 65% of the overall socio- |
| economic value generated by 5G.24 In Southeast |
| Asia, 5G mid-band services will generate an |
| additional GDP contribution of $35 billion (which |
| represents 0.64% of GDP), with Indonesia |
| accounting for 41% of this increment. |
| |
| 20. Refer to ITU. Minimum requirements related to technical performance for IMT-2020 radio interface(s). Report ITU-R M.2410-0 , November 2017. |
| |
| https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REP-M.2410-2017 |
| |
| 21. GSMA. Sustainable spectrum pricing to boost Indonesia’s digital economy, November 2023. https://www.gsma.com/connectivity-for-good/spectrum/wp-content/ |
| |
| uploads/2023/11/GSMA_Sustainable-spectrum-pricing-to-boost-Indonesias-digital-economy.pdf |
|
|
| 22. |
|
|
| User experience of 100 Mbps DL, 50 Mbps UL rates. |
|
|
| 23. GSMA. (8 July 2021). 5G Mid-Band Spectrum Needs: Vision 2030. |
|
|
| 24. GSMA. (February 2022). The Socio-Economic Benefits of Mid-Band 5G Services. |
|
|
| 12 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands as the springboard for 5G |
|
|
| The 3.5 GHz band (3.3–4.2 GHz) n77/78, which |
| is widely harmonised for 5G, has been the basis |
| for the first phase of 5G rollouts in many markets. |
| To date, 3.5 GHz accounts for most global |
| 5G network launches,25 driving the wider |
| ecosystem26, device diversity and competition. |
| It has been deployed for eMBB, enabling faster |
| data speeds and greater capacity required in |
| urban, densely populated areas and for FWA in |
| suburban and rural areas where fixed broadband |
| availability tends to be limited. |
|
|
| The 2.6 GHz band, particularly the n41 Time |
| Division Duplexing (TDD) version, has been |
| widely deployed for 5G, including in China, the |
|
|
| Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, |
| Vietnam and the United States. According to the |
| GSA, 5G deployments in the 2.6 GHz band are |
| the equal fourth most supported globally. Of the |
| announced 5G device models supporting key 5G |
| spectrum bands, 2.6 GHz (n41) had the second |
| strongest ecosystem after 3.5 GHz with over |
| 1,800 device models.27 |
|
|
| According to GSMAi, 5G deployments in the |
| 2.6 GHz band are the fourth most supported |
| globally, and of the announced 5G device models |
| supporting key 5G spectrum bands, 2.6 GHz |
| (n41) had the second strongest ecosystem after |
| 3.5 GHz with more than 1,800 device models. |
|
|
| Figure 6 |
| 5G network launches by spectrum frequency (up to Q3 2024) |
|
|
| High band |
| (>24 GHz) |
|
|
| Mid-band |
| (1-7 GHz) |
|
|
| Low band |
| (<1 GHz) |
|
|
| 39 GHz |
|
|
| 28 GHz |
|
|
| 26 GHz |
|
|
| 4.8 GHz |
|
|
| 3.5 GHz |
|
|
| 2.6 GHz |
|
|
| 2.3 GHz |
|
|
| 2.1 GHz |
|
|
| 1900 MHz |
|
|
| 1800 MHz |
|
|
| 1700/2100 MHz |
|
|
| 1400 MHz |
|
|
| 900 MHz |
|
|
| 850 MHz |
|
|
| 800 MHz |
|
|
| 700 MHz |
|
|
| 600 MHz |
|
|
| Not reported |
|
|
| 15 |
|
|
| 26 |
|
|
| 11 |
|
|
| 28 |
|
|
| 32 |
|
|
| 20 |
|
|
| 4 |
|
|
| 4 |
|
|
| 1 |
|
|
| 5 |
|
|
| 1 |
|
|
| 2 |
|
|
| 5 |
|
|
| 3 |
|
|
| 67 |
|
|
| 9 |
|
|
| 162 |
|
|
| 233 |
|
|
| Source: GSMA Intelligence. |
|
|
| Note: Figures refer to launches, not individual operators. A range of operators have launched their 5G networks on more than one frequency. If an operator has |
| launched both mobile and fixed wireless 5G networks, it is counted twice. 3.5 GHz band = 3.3–3.8 GHz range. 2.6 GHz band = 2.5–2.6 GHz range. |
|
|
| 25. Excluding frequencies not reported.. |
|
|
| 26. Of the announced 5G device models supporting key 5G spectrum bands (end March 2024), n78 (3.4-3.8 GHz) 5G devices had the strongest ecosystem with nearly |
|
|
| 2,000 device models while n77 (3.3-4.2 GHz) had over 1,600 device models and was the fourth strongest. n41 (2.6 GHz) had the second strongest ecosystem with over |
| 1,800 device models. Refer to GSA, 5G Market Snapshot, May 2024, page 4. |
|
|
| 27. Refer to GSA, 5G Market Snapshot, May 2024, page 4 |
|
|
| 13 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
|
|
| 2. Progress on Indonesia’s |
| spectrum plan for 5G |
|
|
| 14 / 25 |
| 14 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS2.1 Indonesia’s 5G spectrum planning |
|
|
| The new Ministry of Communication and |
| Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is responsible for |
| telecommunications policy, including spectrum |
| management. Inside Komdigi, the Directorate |
|
|
| General of Resources and Equipment for |
| Post and Information Technology (SDPPI) |
| regulates spectrum. |
|
|
| Current IMT spectrum roadmap for Indonesia |
|
|
| Indonesia’s provisional spectrum roadmap is |
| summarised below. The plan is for new spectrum |
| to be made available to support 5G deployment |
|
|
| in the near term in the priority bands of 700 MHz, |
| 2.6 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz. |
|
|
| Figure 7 |
| Indonesia’s current provisional IMT spectrum roadmap |
|
|
| Indonesia's broadband spectrum provisional roadmap (2025–2029) |
|
|
| Ministry of |
| Communication |
| & Digital Affairs |
|
|
| 2025 |
|
|
| 2026 |
|
|
| 2027 |
|
|
| 2028 |
|
|
| 2029 |
|
|
| MBB 3.5 GHz |
|
|
| MBB 3.5 GHz |
|
|
| MBB 3.5 GHz |
|
|
| MBB 3.5 GHz |
|
|
| – Issue ministerial |
|
|
| regulation on the use |
| of the 3.5 GHz band. |
|
|
| – Auction the 3.5 GHz |
|
|
| band. |
|
|
| – Determine the PPP |
|
|
| business partner as the |
| project management |
| team. |
|
|
| – Conduct a pilot project of |
| 5G deployment in 3.5 GHz |
| in several locations, for |
| example, big cities with |
| high traffic. |
|
|
| NTN |
|
|
| – Issue ministerial |
|
|
| regulation on the |
| use of radio frequency |
| spectrum for NTN in |
| the IMT-MSS frequency |
| band. |
|
|
| WRC-27 |
|
|
| • Discuss the candidates |
|
|
| for the IMT & NTN |
| frequency bands. |
|
|
| – Finalise the technical |
|
|
| – Issue ministerial |
|
|
| decision on technical |
| guidelines for 5G FSS |
| coexistence in the |
| 3.5 GHz band. |
|
|
| – Issue ministerial |
|
|
| decision on the phased |
| refarming process in the |
| 3.5 GHz band. |
|
|
| – Finalise legal analysis |
| on the provision of the |
| 3.5 GHz band for IMT. |
|
|
| – Finalise financial |
|
|
| analysis for financing |
| scheme option(s) for the |
| provision of the 3.5 GHz |
| band for 5G. |
|
|
| – Prepare a project |
|
|
| management team for |
| the migration of satellite |
| services from ext |
| C-Band and supervise |
| the phased deployment |
| of 5G in the 3.5 GHz |
| band. |
|
|
| assessment to mitigate |
| the impact on VSAT, |
| TT&C, and gateway |
| operations. |
|
|
| – Prepare an evaluation of |
| the phased deployment |
| of city-based 5G using |
| the 3.5 GHz band. |
|
|
| MBB 2.6 GHz |
|
|
| – Issue ministerial |
|
|
| regulation on the use of |
| the 2.6 GHz band. |
|
|
| – Auction the 2.6 GHz band. |
|
|
| MBB 700 MHz & 26 GHz |
|
|
| – Auction the 700 MHz and |
|
|
| 26 GHz bands. |
|
|
| FWA 1.4 GHz & 3.3 GHz |
|
|
| – Issue ministerial |
|
|
| regulation on FWA in |
| the 1.4 GHz and 3.3 GHz |
| bands. |
|
|
| – Determine the license |
| holders for FWA in the |
| 1.4 GHz band. |
|
|
| RLAN lower 6 GHz (WiFi-7) |
|
|
| – Issue an amendment |
|
|
| of PM 2/2023 on Class |
| License. |
|
|
| – Issue ministerial decision |
|
|
| on RLAN technical |
| standards. |
|
|
| – Commencement of 5G |
| network deployment |
| using the 3.5 GHz band |
| (Phase 1). |
|
|
| MBB 3.5 GHz |
|
|
| – Continue the |
|
|
| deployment of 5G |
| network using the |
| 3.5 GHz band (Phase 2). |
|
|
| MBB Upper 6 GHz |
|
|
| NTN |
|
|
| – Identify the Upper 6 GHz |
| band (6.425–7.125 GHz) |
| as Indonesia’s IMT band |
| at WRC-27. |
|
|
| – Issue ministerial |
|
|
| regulation on the use of |
| radio spectrum for NTN |
| in the IMT terrestrial |
| frequency band. |
|
|
| 5G private networks |
|
|
| – Assess the |
|
|
| implementation of |
| 5G private networks |
| in limited areas. |
|
|
| – Evaluate the impact |
| of the provision of |
| spectrum frequency |
| from 2025 to 2029. |
|
|
| – Conduct a spectrum |
| demand analysis |
| to anticipate the |
| broadband services |
| needs for 2030 to 2034. |
|
|
| Disclaimer: |
|
|
| This roadmap is a draft plan for the provision of spectrum |
| frequencies for broadband services and may be subject to |
| changes based on the circumstances encountered during |
| its implementation. |
|
|
| Constructive input from stakeholders is welcomed. |
|
|
| Source: SDPPI, Penataan Spektrum Frekuensi Radio Dinas Tetap & Bergerak Darat (DTBD) Capaian Tahun 2024 Untuk Dilanjutkan di Periode Tahun 2025-2029, 20 |
| December 2024 page 47. Translation by Retno W. Damajanti. |
|
|
| 15 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSThe spectrum auction for the 700 MHz and |
| 26 GHz bands planned for completion by July |
| 2024 has been delayed to 2025 due to a lack of |
| clarity on demand for these particular bands and |
| the ongoing merger talks between XL Axiata |
| and Smartfren.28 |
|
|
| Komdigi is planning to include mid-band spectrum |
| in the 2.6 GHz band to be auctioned in 2025 |
| alongside the 700 MHz and 26 GHz bands. The |
| 3.5 GHz band (3.4–3.7 GHz) is expected to be |
| further delayed until 2027.29 The remaining 80 MHz |
| of the 3.3–3.4 GHz band is still under consideration |
| and could be made available in 2025. |
|
|
| In September 2024, the government highlighted |
| the importance of 3.5 GHz for mobile broadband |
| in the 2025–2029 Strategic Plan and the need to |
| ensure that each operator has at least 100 MHz of |
| mid-band spectrum to meet the 100 Mbps wireless |
| broadband speed target.30 The 3.4–3.7 GHz band |
| is prioritised for IMT implementation, and the use |
| of this band for Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) in the |
| Extended C-band (downlink) is being phased out.31 |
| Two possible options are under consideration for |
| future 5G networks: either with a 100 MHz or |
| 80 MHz guard band, as shown below.32 |
|
|
| Figure 8 |
| The state of the 3.5 GHz band: in the future |
|
|
| 3.3 GHz 3.312,5 GHz 3.4 GHz |
|
|
| 3.7 GHz |
|
|
| 4.2 GHz |
|
|
| BWA |
|
|
| IMT |
|
|
| SATELLITE |
|
|
| Option 1 |
|
|
| Option 2 |
|
|
| MNO 1: 80 MHz (3.32 – 3.4 GHz) |
| MNO 2: 100 MHz (3.4 – 2.5 GHz) |
| MNO 3: 100 MHz (3.5 – 3.6 GHz) |
| Guard band: 100 MHz |
|
|
| MNO 1: 100 MHz (3.32 – 3.42 GHz) |
| MNO 2: 100 MHz (3.42 – 2.52 GHz) |
| MNO 3: 100 MHz (3.52 – 3.62 GHz) |
| Guard band: 80 MHz |
|
|
| Other spectrum bands which are the subject |
| of longer term planning by the SDPPI are |
| (i) L-Band (1427–1518 MHz) for supplementary |
| download (SDL) or TDD, (ii) upper 6 GHz |
| band (6.425–7.125 GHz recognising that |
|
|
| 7.025–7.125 GHz was already identified for IMT at |
| WRC-23) and (iii) 28 GHz band (still under study |
| for 5G local network implementation in limited |
| areas of the country). |
|
|
| 28. Refer to www.thejakartapost.com/business/2024/07/29/govt-delays-5g-spectrum-auction-as-telcos-see-little-demand.html. See also Arah Kebijakan dan |
|
|
| Strategi Pengembangan Pitalebar Indonesia Periode Tahun 2025-2029, November 2024. |
|
|
| 29. SDPPI, Penataan Spektrum Frekuensi Radio Dinas Tetap & Bergerak Darat (DTBD) Capaian Tahun 2024 Untuk Dilanjutkan di Periode Tahun 2025-2029, 20 December |
|
|
| 2024 page 47 |
|
|
| 30. Refer to Adis Alifiawan, FGD-2, Rancangan Teknokratik Renstra Kominfo 2025-2029, Penyediaan Pita Frekuensi 3,5 GHz untuk Mobile Broadband, pages 4-5 . |
|
|
| 31. |
|
|
| Ibid, page 16 |
|
|
| 32. Ibid, page 12 |
|
|
| 16 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS2.2 Digital dividend, 700 MHz and |
|
|
| changes to the applicable spectrum |
| management law |
|
|
| In Indonesia, there were delays in securing the |
| release of the 700 MHz band (digital dividend) |
| after the switchover from analogue to digital |
| television. Following considerable internal |
| debate, the switchover was legislated in late |
| 2020 by the Indonesian Parliament, with the |
| digital dividend spectrum in the 700 MHz band |
| cleared for assignment by late 2023. |
|
|
| The Omnibus Law, first passed in 2020, entailed |
| significant legislative changes to liberalise |
| Indonesia’s telecommunications sector and |
| support accelerating its digital economy – |
| especially by optimising spectrum use in the |
| 5G era. While subject to constitutional |
| challenges, it was finally ratified in 2023. |
| Specifically, the Omnibus Law: |
|
|
| — Permits spectrum sharing and transfer among |
|
|
| telecom operators. |
|
|
| — Mandates the completion of the digital TV |
|
|
| migration within two years of the enactment |
| of the Law, freeing up the 700 MHz band. |
|
|
| — Provides clarification on payment of annual |
|
|
| spectrum fee. |
|
|
| — Allows spectrum licensees to transfer |
|
|
| spectrum rights to other network operators. |
|
|
| While such changes are welcome, additional |
| reforms can further improve the spectrum |
| management framework in Indonesia. |
| For example, these can include: |
|
|
| — Flexibility in the licence period term, which |
|
|
| is currently fixed for 10 years. This should be |
| amended to provide a licence period of up to |
| 15 years. A non-fixed longer period would give |
| flexibility in aligning spectrum band licence |
| period end-dates, as well as providing more |
| flexibility for future frequency band refarming. |
|
|
| — Komdigi’s ability to terminate non- |
|
|
| compliant frequency licences should also be |
| strengthened as it remains challenging for |
| spectrum to be returned to the government |
| for reallocation on time. |
|
|
| — Creation of a spectrum relocation fund. Given |
| the continuing challenges of the spectrum |
| being returned to the government for prompt |
| reallocation, one approach that can be |
| considered is creating a fund to pay the costs |
| of spectrum re-organisation and refarming. |
| This could be modelled on France’s ‘Fond |
| de Réaménagement de Spectre’ (FRS)33 |
| or refarming fund, managed by Agence |
| Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) or the |
| USA’s Spectrum Relocation Fund.34 The need |
| for such mechanisms is obvious, given the |
| proposed compensation to FSS users in the |
| C-band from the spectrum auction proceeds |
| with the refarming of the 3.5 GHz band to |
| IMT/5G use.35 |
|
|
| 33. Refer to www.anfr.fr/planifier/le-fonds-de-reamenagement-du-spectre |
|
|
| 34. Refer to https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:47%20section:928%20edition:prelim) |
|
|
| 35. Refer to Adis Alifiawan, FGD-2, Rancangan Teknokratik Renstra Kominfo 2025-2029, Penyediaan Pita Frekuensi 3,5 GHz untuk Mobile Broadband, pages 16 and 21-24 |
|
|
| 17 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
|
|
| 3 Challenges and |
|
|
| recommendations for |
| Indonesia’s spectrum |
| roadmap |
|
|
| 18 / 25 |
| 18 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSTimely access to IMT spectrum, particularly in the mid-band range, is essential for 5G and |
| future 6G development in Indonesia. The key challenges to securing spectrum access for IMT |
| are technical and financial. Below, we discuss the key issues and recommendations to secure |
| sufficient spectrum for 5G services in Indonesia. |
|
|
| 3.1 Spectrum roadmap towards 2030 |
|
|
| Assignment of the |
| 700 MHz band |
|
|
| Refarming of the 2.6 GHz band |
| for IMT services |
|
|
| Following the successful analogue-to-digital |
| TV migration completed at the end of 2023, |
| additional harmonised spectrum below 1 GHz |
| should be made available via auction in 2025. |
|
|
| Low-band spectrum is a cornerstone of digital |
| equality and a driver of broad and affordable |
| connectivity. Ensuring the full availability of |
| 2x45 MHz of the 700 MHz band is particularly |
| beneficial as it will help in the provision of |
| affordable mobile broadband coverage in 3T |
| (foremost, remote and disadvantaged) and rural |
| areas of the country, including Sumatra, Sulawesi, |
| Papua and Kalimantan. It will also improve |
| deep in-building coverage in urban areas. It will |
| facilitate future voice services and migration to |
| Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or Voice over 5G New |
| Radio (VoNR). |
|
|
| The 2.6 GHz band in Indonesia is currently |
| under-utilised. Following the expiry of current |
| satellite broadcasting licences on 1 January 2025, |
| ensuring that the full band is refarmed for mobile |
| is essential. It is understood that Indonesia has |
| plans to migrate the DTH services operating in |
| the 2.6 GHz band to the Ku-band. |
|
|
| The availability of the 2.6 GHz band in Indonesia, |
| especially using the full TDD band n41 across |
| 2.5–2.69 GHz, would expand capacity in urban |
| centres, alleviate network congestion and improve |
| the quality of services. For example, the extensive |
| use of this band in Thailand, particularly in the |
| greater Bangkok area, is a key reason behind |
| Thailand’s successful 5G deployment. The 2.6 GHz |
| band was also successfully auctioned in Vietnam |
| and is forming a key part of market leader Viettel’s |
| 5G national deployment.36 |
|
|
| 36. GSMA, Accelerating 5G in Vietnam: A Spectrum Roadmap for Success, November 2024 |
|
|
| 19 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSSecuring the 3.5 GHz |
| band for 5G services |
|
|
| Given the continued role of satellite in the |
| Indonesian archipelago, it is crucial to optimise |
| the use of the 3.5 GHz band for 5G, particularly |
| in major cities and industrial complexes in |
| Indonesia. Four satellites are currently utilising |
| C-band, including extended C-band range in |
| 3.4–3.7 GHz, which pose significant challenges |
| to refarming for 5G. These are, namely: |
|
|
| — BRIsat (C-band and Ku-band, expected |
|
|
| end date in 2031). This satellite is used by |
| Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) to connect its |
| nationwide ATM network.37 |
|
|
| — Telkom-3S (C-band and Ku-band, expected |
|
|
| end date 2032). |
|
|
| — Telkom-4 (C-band and Ku-band, expected |
|
|
| end date 2033). |
|
|
| — Nusantara Satu (C-band and Ku-band, |
|
|
| expected end date 2034). |
|
|
| To free up 3.5 GHz for 5G before 2034 will likely |
| require a service migration plan and low-noise |
| block downconverter (LNB) replacement for |
| existing C-band FSS receivers. |
|
|
| Even then, only an initial 200 to 300 MHz of |
| spectrum in 3.4–3.7 GHz could be made available |
| for IMT/5G services. Notably, the 3.3–3.4 GHz |
| band, which was previously used for broadband |
| wireless access, is now vacant. |
|
|
| The government's proposal to allocate the |
| 3.4–3.7 GHz range for future 5G networks marks |
| a positive step forward.38 However, the proposed |
| award in 2027 will place Indonesia behind its |
| ASEAN counterparts in terms of mid-band |
| spectrum supply and is likely to have negative |
| implications on 5G development. |
|
|
| Post-2034, additional 3.5 GHz band spectrum |
| should become available if current C-band |
| satellite services are moved to higher satellite |
| bands. While the C-band continues to be |
| necessary, there is a global trend towards the use |
| of higher bands for satellite. Satellite operators |
| are rapidly expanding Ku- and Ka-bands capacity |
| by developing advanced satellite modulation |
| techniques. For example, the SATRIA-1 High- |
| Throughput Satellite, which utilises the Ka-band |
| and is designed to address the digital divide, was |
| successfully launched in late 2023 and has been |
| used commercially since early 2024.39 |
|
|
| 37. Refer to https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/BRI-pioneers-world-s-first-dedicated-satellite-to-regain-Indonesian-banking-lead and www.asiasat.com/system/ |
|
|
| files/2019-12/GSC%20-%20C-band%20is%20critical%20for%20satellite%20servcies.pdf |
|
|
| 38. Refer to Adis Alifiawan, FGD-2, Rancangan Teknokratik Renstra Kominfo 2025-2029, Penyediaan Pita Frekuensi 3,5 GHz untuk Mobile Broadband, pages 12-13 |
|
|
| 39. Refer to www.bcsatellite.net/blog/indonesias-satria-1-satellite-is-connected-and-set-for-2024/ |
|
|
| 20 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
|
|
| Recommendations for 3.5 GHz |
|
|
| — Adopt guard bands that maximise spectral |
|
|
| 1. Supply: |
|
|
| Ensure at least 300 MHz of 3.5 GHz spectrum |
| in the 3.3–3.7 GHz band should be made |
| available by 2026. If this is not possible, then |
| consistent with the phased approaches in |
| other markets, at least 200 MHz should be |
| released first. Additional 3.5 GHz spectrum |
| should be released in the future, subject |
| to clearance and/or the implementation of |
| adequate mitigation measures. If a phased |
| approach is taken, all the spectrum released |
| during such a process should be subject to a |
| condition that allows the band to reorganise to |
| create larger contiguous blocks of spectrum. |
| The aim is for all mobile operators to secure |
| at least 100 MHz of contiguous spectrum in |
| this band. |
|
|
| 2. Clearance and mitigation measures: |
|
|
| Indonesia should accelerate clearance or |
| introduce adequate mitigation measures to |
| ensure coexistence with incumbent users in |
| the band. Firstly, where alternatives to C-band |
| satellite (e.g. fibre, mobile) are available, |
| these should be used instead. Secondly, |
| in considering mitigation measures, the |
| recommended actions are: |
|
|
| efficiency. Studies and real-world regulatory |
| examples of the necessary guard band between |
| 5G and FSS exist. For example, studies have |
| concluded that a guard band in the 1840 to |
| 25 MHz range is needed.41 In Vietnam,42 |
| Canada43 and the US,44 a guard band of 20 MHz |
| has been adopted. In Singapore, after initially |
| proposing a guard band of 100 MHz, a guard |
| band of 50 MHz was used instead. |
|
|
| — Ensure improved filtering for FSS receivers by |
| installing LNBs where required. Other possible |
| measures to address coexistence issues, such |
| as earth station shielding, restriction zones or |
| detailed coordination, could also be considered. |
|
|
| 3. Phased introduction by geography: |
|
|
| Indonesia should consider whether to adopt |
| geographical separation for VSAT in regional |
| and rural areas while restricting the use of |
| satellite direct-to-home (DTH) and TVRO |
| in the 3.4–3.7 GHz in key urban areas, such |
| as Java and the top 10 urban areas of the |
| country.45 This approach would allow 5G |
| deployment of 3.5 GHz in urban areas where |
| demand is highest while permitting continued |
| access to the band for FSS services in more |
| rural parts of Indonesia, where satellite |
| connectivity still plays an important role. |
|
|
| mmWave band spectrum |
| availability |
|
|
| Future IMT spectrum and |
| planning towards 2030 |
|
|
| While Indonesia has decided to allocate the |
| 26 GHz bands for 5G, the spectrum auction in the |
| 26 GHz band, which was planned for completion |
| by July 2024, has now been delayed to 2025. |
| Spectrum in high bands can be made available |
| regionally if industry demand exists, especially |
| for enterprise use. |
|
|
| As the mmWave ecosystem is relatively small and |
| use cases are still emerging, it will be necessary |
| for Komdigi to ensure licence conditions provide |
| appropriate incentives, including longer validity, |
| lower prices and flexible obligations. |
|
|
| Spectrum is central to mobile connectivity and |
| will underpin Indonesia’s digital transformation |
| and economic growth. Indonesia will need an |
| average of 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum by 2030 |
| to ensure sufficient capacity as 5G expands and |
| to prepare for future 6G services.46 Policymakers |
| must adopt a long-term strategy to manage |
| spectrum demands, balancing various uses to |
| maximise economic and societal benefits. This |
| will allow businesses to prepare investment plans, |
| secure financing and develop arrangements for |
| deploying particular technologies. |
|
|
| 40. Refer to the Transfinite study in 2019 which concluded that an 18 MHz guard band is sufficient to mitigate co-frequency interference. Available at |
|
|
| www.transfinite.com/papers/Report_for_GSMA_on_3.4-3.8_GHz_Compatibility.pdf |
|
|
| 41. In Brazil, a guard band of 25 MHz was assessed to be adequate, though this was not needed as the decision was made to migrate existing TVRO services to the Ku-band. |
|
|
| Refer to https://www.gsma.com/connectivity-for-good/spectrum/brazil-multi-band-auction-one-of-the-largest-in-mobile-history/ |
|
|
| 42. Guard band from 3980 to 4000 MHz. |
|
|
| 43. Refer to ISED. Decision on the Technical and Policy Framework for the 3650-4200 MHz Band and Changes to the Frequency Allocation of the 3500-3650 MHz Band. May |
|
|
| 2021. Available at https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf11699.html |
|
|
| 44. Refer to FCC. Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band, 3 March 2020. Available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-22A1.pdf |
|
|
| 45. Refer to Adis Alifiawan, FGD-2, Rancangan Teknokratik Renstra Kominfo 2025-2029, Penyediaan Pita Frekuensi 3,5 GHz untuk Mobile Broadband, pages 12-13. |
|
|
| 46. Refer to Coleago Consulting. Estimating the mid-band spectrum needs in the 2025-2030 time frame, July 2021. Available at www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/ |
|
|
| uploads/2021/07/Estimating-Mid-Band-Spectrum-Needs.pdf |
|
|
| 21 / 25 |
|
|
| Only around 360 MHz of mid-band spectrum has |
| been assigned for IMT in Indonesia. Even with the |
| inclusion of the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands, the |
| total supply of mid-band spectrum will still be |
| significantly below the 2 GHz required for IMT by |
| 2030. The following actions are recommended |
| for Indonesia: |
|
|
| — Assess options for expanding spectrum |
|
|
| supply for 5G in the 2025–2030 timeframe, |
| particularly in the mid-bands. These can |
| include the release of unassigned spectrum in |
| existing mid-bands and the identification of |
| new spectrum in potential future bands. |
|
|
| — Plan for the use of 4.8 GHz and the entire |
| upper 6 GHz (6.425–7.125 GHz)47 bands to |
| support further development of 5G. The |
| additional 700 MHz in the upper 6 GHz band |
| will go a long way to addressing Indonesia’s |
| mid-band needs. |
|
|
| — Gather information on usage trends for FSS |
| in the 3.7–4.2 GHz band and assess possible |
| options for future 5G use in this range as |
| satellite capacity in other bands, such as Ku |
| and Ka, develops. |
|
|
| — Explore options for other IMT candidate |
| bands, which can be used for 5G local |
| networks in limited areas. |
|
|
| Komdigi’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan represents |
| an excellent start on a long-term spectrum |
| roadmap for Indonesia. This roadmap should |
| be updated annually to incorporate SDPPI’s |
| work, which releases different frequency bands |
| and information on evolving technology and |
| spectrum trends, including harmonisation and |
| standardisation activities.48 |
|
|
| 3.2 Long-term financial sustainability |
|
|
| in Indonesia |
|
|
| Indonesian mobile operators face financial |
| challenges despite significant mobile usage |
| and data traffic growth. Spectrum costs for |
| operators have risen substantially since 2010, |
| with annualised spectrum costs reaching 12.2% |
| of recurring revenue in 2023, above the APAC |
| median of 8.7%.49 Sustainable spectrum prices |
| are needed to facilitate 5G network investment |
| and accelerate digital transformation. |
|
|
| — Indonesia has a relatively low total |
|
|
| IMT spectrum allocation and high unit |
| spectrum prices50 compared to other |
| countries. This adversely affects mobile |
| broadband quality of service and operational |
| expenditures. These twin pressures can |
| stifle the intensity of competition and crowd |
| out investment in wireless broadband |
| infrastructure. |
|
|
| There are several risks to the long-term |
| financial sustainability of the Indonesian |
| mobile market, namely: |
|
|
| — Spectrum auction prices have risen to |
|
|
| unsustainable levels due to scarcity of IMT |
| spectrum and sub-optimal processes in |
| previous auctions involving individual spectrum |
| blocks in the 2.1 and 2.3 GHz bands being |
| auctioned separately over several years rather |
| than multiple blocks or a multi-band auction. |
|
|
| — Additional costs of deployment and |
| operations across the Indonesian |
| archipelago. Deploying mobile broadband |
| infrastructure and services over 1.9 million |
| square kilometres scattered across thousands |
| of islands is geographically challenging. More |
| sites are needed, including towers, fibre and |
| costly submarine cables, meaning Indonesia |
| has higher capital expenditure intensity than |
| Asia's average.51 |
|
|
| 47. GSMA. Mobile Evolution in 6 GHz: The impact of spectrum assignment options in 6.425–7.125 GHz, September 2024. Available at https://www.gsma.com/connectivity- |
|
|
| for-good/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GSMA_Mobile-Evolution-in-6-GHz.pdf |
| |
| 48. Indonesia is planning to strengthen digital infrastructure by expanding coverage through preparations for Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) under the second strategy of |
| |
| Strengthening Indonesia’s Digital Foundation 2025-2029. |
| |
| 49. GSMA. Sustainable spectrum pricing to boost Indonesia’s digital economy. October 2023. Available at https://www.gsma.com/connectivity-for-good/spectrum/wp- |
| |
| content/uploads/2023/11/GSMA_Sustainable-spectrum-pricing-to-boost-Indonesias-digital-economy.pdf |
|
|
| 50. Indonesia’s current spectrum cost to revenue ratio for a majority of mobile operators is already above 10%. Based on Coleago study: annualised cost spectrum as a |
|
|
| percentage of revenue more than 10 percentage may not be sustainable. Refer to Coleago, Spectrum pricing, make or break the 5G momentum, Shanghai, June 2019, |
| page 17 |
|
|
| 51. To address these higher costs, sharing approaches are supported by Komdigi as part of the regulatory and policy elements of the Penta Helix Model. Source: Dr. Ir. |
| Ismail, M.T, MCI, Presentation, 5G and Telco Transformation: Indonesia’s Path to Ultra-Fast Connectivity, DTI-CX Conference2024, Jakarta, 31 July 2024, page 8 |
|
|
| 22 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS— High regulatory costs hamper the broadband |
|
|
| sector from becoming an economic |
| development enabler.52 The increasing ratio |
| of regulatory costs to revenue has decreased |
| mobile operator funding capability to allocate |
| adequate resources for infrastructure roll- |
| out to boost coverage and quality of services |
| across the Indonesian archipelago. |
|
|
| The government has recognised such issues and |
| the need to provide spectrum fee incentives. |
| A positive development is the ‘Strengthening |
| Indonesia’s Digital Foundation 2025-2029 Plan’, |
| which highlights how price per MHz must be |
|
|
| adjusted to maintain a healthy ratio of regulatory |
| costs to gross revenue (approximately 5%). The |
| plan also outlines that, in addition to retaining the |
| spectrum fee-to-revenue ratio at a maximum of |
| 10%, it is recommended that the 5G frequency fee |
| does not exceed 50% of the 4G frequency fee.53 |
|
|
| The SDPPI is considering a reduction factor in |
| spectrum fees for operators at the upcoming |
| 5G spectrum bands auction if they are given |
| obligations that create additional burdens |
| or costs (such as rollout obligations in non- |
| economic areas), as summarised below.54 |
|
|
| Figure 9 |
| Draft roadmap on frequency fee incentives (2025-2030) |
|
|
| Draft roadmap on frequency fee incentives (2025-2030) |
|
|
| Ministry of |
| Communication |
| & Digital Affairs |
|
|
| This roadmap on frequency fee adjustment is a draft concept that focuses primarily on the evaluation |
| of the K value (PM 9/2023) and the payment scheme for new frequency band auctions (PM 6/2024). |
|
|
| – Adjustment of |
| the upfront fee |
| and annual fee |
| to be used in |
| the selection |
| process of a |
| radio frequency |
| band. |
|
|
| – Payment of |
|
|
| the annual fee |
| for the 2025 |
| selection result. |
| – Adjustment of |
| the upfront fee |
| and annual fee |
| if a selection |
| process is |
| conducted. |
|
|
| – Payment of the |
| annual fee for |
| the 2025 & 2026 |
| selection results. |
|
|
| – Adjustment of |
| the upfront fee |
| and annual fee |
| if a selection |
| process is |
| conducted. |
|
|
| – Payment of the |
| annual fee for |
| the 2025, 2026 |
| & 2027 selection |
| results. |
|
|
| – Payment of |
|
|
| the annual fee |
| for the 2025 & |
| 2026 selection |
| results. |
|
|
| – Payment of the |
|
|
| annual fee of the |
| 2025, 2026 & |
| 2027 selection |
| results. |
|
|
| – Adjustment of |
|
|
| upfront fee and |
| annual fee if a |
| selection process |
| is conducted. |
|
|
| 2025 |
|
|
| 2026 |
|
|
| 2027 |
|
|
| 2028 |
|
|
| 2029 |
|
|
| 2030 |
|
|
| Adjustment |
| of frequency |
| fee through |
| adjustment of |
| K value |
|
|
| Adjustment |
| of frequency |
| fee through |
| adjustment of |
| K value |
|
|
| Adjustment |
| of frequency |
| fee through |
| adjustment of |
| K value |
|
|
| Adjustment |
| of frequency |
| fee through |
| adjustment of |
| K value |
|
|
| Adjustment |
| of frequency |
| fee through |
| adjustment of |
| K value |
|
|
| Adjustment |
| of frequency |
| fee through |
| adjustment of |
| K value |
|
|
| Source: SDPPI, Penataan Spektrum Frekuensi Radio Dinas Tetap & Bergerak Darat (DTBD) Capaian Tahun 2024 Untuk Dilanjutkan di Periode Tahun 2025-2029, 20 |
| December 2024 page 48. Translation by Retno W. Damajanti |
|
|
| 52. When deploying broadband infrastructure, the sector is subjected to permit and right of the way fees, which vary substantially across local government units, thus |
|
|
| increasing capital expenditures (CAPEX) of broadband infrastructure deployment and potentially lowering the coverage and the affordability of the mobile services. |
|
|
| 53. Refer to Arah Kebijakan dan Strategi Pengembangan Pitalebar Indonesia Periode Tahun 2025-2029, November 2024. |
|
|
| 54. SDPPI, Penataan Spektrum Frekuensi Radio Dinas Tetap & Bergerak Darat (DTBD) Capaian Tahun 2024 Untuk Dilanjutkan di Periode Tahun 2025-2029, 20 December |
|
|
| 2024 page 48 |
|
|
| 23 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESSACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
|
|
| Recommendations on |
| spectrum pricing |
|
|
| Industry revenue per MHz of spectrum has |
| declined in Indonesia while spectrum fees have |
| increased. Therefore, Indonesia must set modest |
| reserve prices for releasing any new IMT spectrum. |
|
|
| Spectrum should be licensed as soon as |
| needed. Artificial spectrum scarcity and |
| measures that increase risks for mobile |
| operators should be avoided. |
|
|
| In addition, the formula for calculating annual |
| spectrum fees (BHP IPFR), which has been |
| indexed to inflation and population, should also |
| be reviewed. Adjustments should be made to |
| provide the right long-run incentives and avoid |
| disproportionate cost increases that are not |
| aligned with evolving market conditions. |
|
|
| Lastly, incentive policies should be implemented |
| to accelerate infrastructure roll-out and boost |
| coverage and the quality of services in Indonesia. |
| This can be reduced spectrum fees in exchange |
| for operator’s investment and network rollout |
| commitments. |
|
|
| 24 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |
|
|
| GSMA Head Office |
| 1 Angel Lane |
| London |
| EC4R 3AB |
| United Kingdom |
| Tel: +44 (0)20 7356 0600 |
|
|
| 25 / 25 |
|
|
| ACCELERATING 5G IN INDONESIA: A SPECTRUM ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS |