No Signal? No Problem: Indonesia Is Officially Studying Direct-to-Device Satellite Internet

Imagine being in the middle of the ocean or deep within a remote rainforest and still being able to send a text or make a call without a single cell tower in sight. This isn't science fiction anymore—it’s the next frontier of connectivity, and Indonesia is officially getting ready for it. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has kicked off a preliminary review of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite technology, a move that could fundamentally change how millions of Indonesians stay connected.

The End of the Terrestrial Tower Era?

For decades, our mobile connectivity has been tethered to terrestrial infrastructure—those tall, steel towers we see on hills and rooftops. But in a sprawling archipelago like Indonesia, building towers everywhere is physically and economically impossible. This is where D2D technology comes in. By utilizing non-terrestrial network (NTN) frequencies, smartphones can bypass ground towers entirely and link up directly with satellites orbiting overhead.

Wayan Toni, the Director General of Digital Infrastructure at the ministry, recently shared insights into this initiative during a briefing in Sragen on November 5, 2025. He explained that the government is currently scrutinizing the 2.1 GHz frequency band and the overall feasibility of NTN technology. However, he was quick to manage expectations, noting that the study is still in its infancy and nothing has been set in stone yet.

A Collaborative Regulatory Approach

Rather than rushing into new regulations, the Indonesian government is taking a measured, democratic approach. The ministry is currently in the middle of a public consultation phase. This is a crucial mechanism where industry players, academic experts, and even the general public can weigh in.

"We cannot comment further because we are still receiving inputs," Wayan stated, emphasizing that the ministry is focused on gathering as much data as possible. This feedback loop is designed to help the government identify the specific opportunities and hurdles that come with D2D technology. They are looking at everything from spectrum allocation and technical readiness to how much it will actually cost the end-user and whether the market is truly ready for such a shift.

Bridging the Digital Divide for Indonesia Emas 2045

The timing of this study isn't accidental. It is a strategic component of Indonesia’s digital transformation roadmap for 2025–2029. By providing a way to connect ordinary mobile phones to satellites, the government hopes to finally close the digital gap in remote, border, and maritime regions—areas where traditional fiber-optic or 5G networks often fail to reach. This initiative directly supports the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and serves as a stepping stone toward the ambitious Indonesia Emas 2045 vision, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the digital age.

The Global Race: Lessons from Starlink and the FCC

Indonesia isn't exploring this in a vacuum. There is a high-stakes global race to dominate the satellite-to-phone market. Leading the charge is SpaceX’s Starlink with its "Direct to Cell" service. Unlike previous satellite phones that required bulky antennas and specialized hardware, Starlink’s system is designed to work with standard 4G LTE phones. Their technical documentation reveals the use of sophisticated eNodeB base stations positioned in orbit, compatible with 3GPP Release 10 or newer devices.

Starlink has already made significant waves. Just a year after launching its first Direct to Cell satellites, the service went live for messaging in the United States and New Zealand. With over 650 dedicated satellites in their constellation, the goal is clear: total global coverage, starting with text messages and eventually expanding to voice and high-speed data.

Indonesian regulators are also keeping a close eye on the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In late 2024, the FCC granted a landmark license to SpaceX and T-Mobile, allowing them to use terrestrial spectrum for space-based coverage. This was a regulatory first, and it came with stringent rules regarding interference management and power levels. By studying these international precedents, Indonesia can avoid common pitfalls, such as cross-border frequency interference or coordination issues with existing local mobile operators.

What Happens Next?

As the public consultation continues, the results will serve as the blueprint for future policy. The goal is to ensure that D2D technology doesn't just replace existing networks but complements our fiber-optic and 5G infrastructure to create a more resilient, inclusive digital ecosystem. For the average Indonesian, this could eventually mean that "No Service" becomes a phrase of the past, whether they are in the heart of Jakarta or on a remote island in the Natunas.