The 5G network is known as the latest high-speed network. 5G networks have developed rapidly in several countries. Unfortunately, the development of this network in Indonesia is still just like that, there has been no further development. So, what is hindering its development?
The operators explained that there were many problems in developing 5G networks in Indonesia.
Gadget observer from the Gadtorade community Lucky Sebastian, Tuesday (26/7/2022), explained, “Especially for deploying a wider 5G coverage area than today, so that we feel that this year, 5G development in Indonesia is like a road in place.”
Lucky really regrets this situation considering that there are more and more devices that support 5G on the market. The types are varied, the prices offered are also quite affordable.
Even so, he said this was understandable because operators were still having problems with the availability of frequency bands. For example, for 5G in the low band, the frequency does not yet exist because analog TV is still being used which is in the process of being shut down by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Later, TV channels will move to digital.
“The frequency band in Sub-6 is also limited because it is still being shared with 4G which is still running well. The mmWave band is still waiting for auction, and this penetration can only be done in crowded cities,” explained Lucky.
He further assessed that the seriousness of the regulations from the government also determines the progress of 5G in this country. For example, currently, the low band is needed for 5G which is planned to be taken from analog TV frequencies which will soon be turned off.
But on the other hand, TV stations actually asked for this policy to be postponed again, even though it had previously been postponed from 2021 to 2022.
Not only that, according to Lucky, the government must also synergize with operators in designing the expansion of the 5G network, it cannot be done alone and must have a win-win solution. The government provides ease of licensing, and more affordable frequency band fees and operators follow this joint plan with government supervision.
“If the government is not firm, then the development of the 5G network will also be hampered. This does not mean just internet speed, but entering the digital phase in every line, such as smart cities, smart industry, robotics, education, and others,” he added.
Separately, General Chairperson of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) Muhamad Arif said 5G deployments have been launched in six provinces and five super priority destinations (DSP) consisting of Lake Toba, North Sumatra; Borobudur Temple, Central Java; Mandalika, NTB; Likupang, North Sulawesi; and Labuan Bajo, NTT.
“However, cellular network operators still need the most optimal frequencies, namely at 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz. This is because the number of cellular devices that support it in the 2.6 GHz frequency is greater than the number of devices that support 5G in band 2. ,3 GHz,” said Arif.
He added another thing that becomes a challenge in implementing 5G is in terms of the company’s CAPEX and OPEX because 5G involves very large capital and costs.
