Indonesia Speeds Up: 2.6 GHz Frequency Auction Set for Late 2025 to Boost 5G Connectivity
Intan
from Orbitcore Editorial
Indonesia is making a significant move to address its lagging internet speeds. The Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, has officially announced that the government targets the auction of the 2.6 GHz frequency band to begin by the end of 2025. This strategic decision is designed to provide the much-needed fuel for the country's 5G expansion, which has seen relatively slow progress since its initial launch in 2021.
Boosting 5G Penetration Across the Archipelago
Despite the excitement surrounding the arrival of fifth-generation cellular networks mid-May 2021, the reality on the ground has been somewhat underwhelming. Current data shows that 5G coverage in Indonesia has only reached about 10% of the population. This massive gap is what the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) aims to close through the upcoming spectrum auction.
Speaking at the FEKDI x IFSE 2025 event in Central Jakarta, Minister Meutya Hafid expressed her optimism regarding the timeline. While the administration and preliminary paperwork are being finalized this year, the goal is to have the auction process completed by 2026, allowing telecommunication providers to begin infrastructure development immediately after.
The Technical Edge of the 2.6 GHz Band
Why is the 2.6 GHz spectrum so critical? In the world of telecommunications, this is known as a "mid-band" frequency, offering a sweet spot between wide coverage and high capacity. It comes with a substantial bandwidth of 190 MHz and utilizes the Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode.
One of the biggest advantages of this frequency is its mature ecosystem. Globally, the 2.6 GHz band has the second-largest ecosystem for both 4G and 5G devices. This means that once the network is live, most modern smartphones in the hands of Indonesian consumers will already be compatible, facilitating a smoother and faster transition to better mobile broadband.
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A Two-Pronged Strategy for Fixed and Mobile Broadband
The push for the 2.6 GHz band follows the successful completion of the 1.4 GHz frequency auction. While the 1.4 GHz band was specifically designated to improve fixed broadband services (wireless home internet) at more affordable prices, the 2.6 GHz band is the answer for mobile users who demand high-speed data on the go.
Minister Meutya emphasized that the second year of President Prabowo Subianto's administration will focus heavily on accelerating these infrastructure projects. She noted that the first year was dedicated to rigorous preparation and paperwork, setting the stage for a massive rollout of digital infrastructure in the coming years.
Vision 2029: The Road to 100 Mbps
This initiative isn't just about incremental improvements; it's about a total transformation of Indonesia's digital landscape. The government has set a bold target to increase mobile broadband quality to a minimum of 100 Mbps by 2029. This target is a direct response to recent critiques regarding Indonesia's average internet speeds, which currently trail behind several neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. By unlocking the potential of the 2.6 GHz band, Indonesia is positioning itself to finally compete on a level playing field in the regional digital economy.