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Indonesians can expect 5G connectivity in 2022: Association
Local cellular operators have been conducting 5G network trials since 2017, but most of them aim for industrial rather than commercial users.
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A man holds a smartphone to illustrate the concept of 5G cellular networks that allow for high-speed internet connections. (Shutterstock/Marko Aliaksandr)
Fifth-generation (5G) cellular network technology is expected to enter Indonesia in 2022.
"We'll be able to implement 5G services no later than 2022," said Association of Indonesian Cellular Operators (ATSI) chairman Ririek Adriansyah during a discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday as quoted by news agency Antara.
Local cellular operators have been conducting 5G network trials since 2017, but most of them are directed at industrial rather than commercial users.
Such trials are expected to run until next year.
To set up 5G networks in 2022, ATSI aims to hold frequency auctions next year.
According to Ririek, Indonesia has different consumer characteristics to South Korea or China, which have begun providing 5G internet data commercially this year. Due to high market demand, both countries are said to be able to sell high volumes of 5G services, similar to the 4G ones.
Read also: 5G: More than 2.6 billion subscriptions worldwide by the end of 2025
"Our consumption is not yet at that level," said Ririek, adding that businesses and industries were a more appropriate segment for 5G services in Indonesia, as demand already existed in that segment.
The 5G technology allows for new applications with higher specifications and better services than 4G cellular networks can support; thereby opening up new business opportunities for cellular operators, platform providers and other business players.
Challenges ahead for Indonesia's 5G implementation include the frequency spectrum, infrastructure and regulations, according to ATSI.
Ririek said synchronization was needed between central government and regional government regulations to facilitate 5G infrastructure, such as regional regulations that support the installation of 5G fiber-optic cables and towers.
The association also highlighted the importance of studies on 5G services concerning consumers and local industries and the government's role. (gis/kes)
