JAKARTA, April 9 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has announced plans to conduct the selection of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz radio frequency bands in 2026 to expand high-speed internet access and improve the quality of cellular mobile services nationwide.
The Communication and Digital Ministry (Kemkomdigi) said the initiave is part of the government’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation while addressing the need for more equitable internet access, including in areas that still face signal limitations.
“The implementation of the radio frequency band selection scheduled for 2026 aims to provide additional radio frequency spectrum that can be optimised by cellular mobile network operators,” the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Kemkomdigi said the initiative is in line with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029 and the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Communication and Digital 2025-2029.
The ministry noted that the 700 MHz band, a low-band radio frequency also known as the “digital dividend”, became available after the migration from analogue television broadcasting to digital TV.
It said this frequency has advantages in very wide signal coverage and the ability to penetrate solid physical barriers such as buildings, thereby improving cellular signal quality that is still relatively weak, both outdoor and indoor.
Meanwhile, the ministry said that the 2.6 GHz band, is a mid-band radio frequency that is ideal for supporting high capacity channels and large-scale data transmission, such as 5G.
“This band is focused on accommodating high data traffic density in urban areas and delivering a more stable high-speed mobile internet experience,” it said.
Kemkomdigi said the selection process forms part of efforts to provide mobile broadband services with at least 4G technology more evenly, particularly in villages and sub-districts that still face limitations in telecommunications access.
The initiative would also encourage mobile network operators to improve high-speed internet quality through the provision and strengthening of 5G services.
The ministry also invites stakeholders, telecommunications industry players and the public to support efforts to optimise the use of radio frequency spectrum as a limited natural resource for the benefit of society and Indonesia’s digital economy.
-- BERNAMA
