XL, Smarfren And Telkomsel Fight For 2.3GHz Frequency Band For 5G Network

Transmitter tower illustration (unsplash)

JAKARTA - Three cellular operators are competing for the 2.3 GHz frequency band which is being auctioned by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo). The three of them are PT Telekomunikasi Seluler (Telkomsel), PT XL Axiata Tbk, and PT Smart Telecom (Smartfren).

Given that in this auction, participants are allowed to control more than one block or 10 MHz of the three spectrum blocks being auctioned. So that whoever the winner is can allocate frequency bands for the 5G network.

XL

XL Group Head Corporate Communications Axiata Tri Wahyunngsih, said that XL's participation in the auction this time was to get the additional frequency in order to improve the quality of its services and network. The 5G service is no exception.

"As for what it is used for, it will depend on the amount of allocation that will be obtained by XL Axiata later, which depends on the situation and conditions at the price auction later", said Ayu in her short message to VOI, Tuesday, April 20.

He did not reveal how much additional frequency band allocation the company needed. However, the requirement will be adjusted to the final price of the frequency band that will be auctioned later.

"We also recently conducted a 4G/5G Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) trial. This technology allows the utilization of the same spectrum for 4G and 5G services", said Ayu.

Smartfren

In a different place, the President Director of Smartfren, Merza Fachys, said that the spectrum block obtained from the auction for the 2.3GHz frequency band would be used to expand Smartfren's reach to a number of new areas.

"With an additional block or more, it means that the larger the frequency block, so that service capacity can be increased, the internet will be faster, and it is also more efficient in terms of investment costs", Merza told VOI.

Merza believes that the addition of frequency blocks will provide great benefits for their customers and society. Given the increasing need for digital access for online learning and work activities.

Telkomsel

Not much different from Smarfren or XL, Telkomsel President Director Setyanto Hantoro expressed his commitment to strengthening telecommunications services in Indonesia. Including the development of a digital-based broadband network.

"The development of digital-based telecommunication services requires advanced technology broadband network connectivity and the availability of sufficient frequency allocation", said Setyanto.

In addition, Setyanto and his party are currently preparing to participate in the 2.3 GHz frequency band auction process. "We are optimistic that we can carry out all stages of the selection process properly, according to applicable regulations, and hope to achieve optimal results for the company and all stakeholders".

For your information, the Ministry of Communication and Information is again holding a 2.3 GHz radio frequency band auction. Selection is carried out with the Object of Selection in the radio frequency band in the range 2360-2390 MHz with a bandwidth of each block is 10 MHz.

"The selection participants who pass the administrative evaluation stage will follow the next stage, namely the price auction stage in the Selection of 2.3 GHz Radio Frequency Band Users for the Need for Organizing Cellular Mobile Networks in 2021", said Head of the Ministry of Communication and Information's Public Relations Bureau, Ferdinandus Setu some time ago.