The operator provides bulk data services through its education and society packages, which range in price from Rp 40,000 (US$2.79) for the 10-gigabyte quota to Rp 100,000 for the 50 GB one.

“We are aware that education institutions have adapted to the new normal period. We hope our service in the education sector can help our customers study and do other academic activities despite being only at home,” Telkomsel consumer sales general manager for Greater Jakarta Kuntum Wahyudi said in a statement on Monday.

The company also offers internet access for online learning through the video communication platform CloudX Telkomsel.

Read also: Challenges of home learning during a pandemic through the eyes of a student

Telkomsel says several schools and universities in the municipality have used the platform, including Pamulang University, Binus International School, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University and several state senior high schools.

The cellular operator reported a 16-percent increase in its broadband traffic in April, as people used more internet services for e-learning, online meetings and various kinds of entertainment during the COVID-19 outbreak. Telkomsel has seen the use of online meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Team and CloudX surge more than 443 percent.

Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) chairman Tulus Abadi praised Telkomsel’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program as it would have a positive impact on society if companies were able to meet people’s needs. Companies are obligated to contribute to society as stipulated in the 2007 law on limited liability companies.

“However, CSR should not be combined with brand promotion,” Tulus said.

He added that the operator should provide free internet quota for its customers when it comes to CSR, rather than promoting its services that would lead to financial benefits.

“When it comes to CSR, companies can provide this in any form, as long as it is needed by the people,” he went on to say.