Mataram, September 24, 2024. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) confirms that its 4G network in Lombok is fully prepared to support the success of the 2024 MotoGP event at the Mandalika Circuit, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), from September 27-29, 2024. XL Axiata has prepared at least 81 4G BTS to cover all strategic areas, including Lombok International Airport in Praya, the Kuta Mandalika area, and along the BIL-Mandalika bypass.
Dodik Ariyanto, Regional Group Head of XL Axiata East Region, stated, "As in previous years, XL Axiata is deploying a full team to ensure our network performs optimally during the MotoGP event. Our goal is to provide high-quality telecommunications and data services to both local and international visitors in Lombok, especially around the Mandalika Circuit."
Dodik added that the potential for traffic surges during MotoGP is significant, given the event's popularity in Indonesia and the presence of international spectators. With more people in Mandalika, the demand for quality telecommunications networks also increases. XL Axiata has taken various measures to facilitate tourists, including international visitors, in accessing telecommunications services and SIM card registration. The number of BTS covering the Mandalika Circuit area has been continuously expanded since 2022. Currently, the Mandalika Circuit is served by around 37 4G BTS, marking an increase of nearly 54% over the past two years.
Specifically for BTS covering the circuit area, XL Axiata is utilizing Massive MIMO technology to enhance data capacity, ensuring stable internet services even during traffic spikes. Additionally, a mobile BTS unit has been prepared to anticipate potential increases in data traffic during the event.
Network Quality Improvement Across Lombok
Head of Network Operations for XL Axiata East Region, Mochamad Irwan Harahap, explained that the improvement of the 4G network upgrades extend beyond Mandalika. XL Axiata has expanded its 4G network throughout Lombok, enhancing both data and voice services in urban areas while extending coverage to previously underserved regions. Currently, XL Axiata’s 4G network serves customers in 598 villages, 53 sub-districts, and 5 regencies/cities across Lombok.
XL Axiata has taken extra steps to ensure high-quality data networks in some of Lombok's most popular tourist spots. The company has deployed 14 4G BTS in Sembalun, 3 BTS at Pink Beach in East Lombok, 13 BTS on Gili Trawangan, 3 BTS in Sade Village, 41 BTS in Senggigi, and 61 BTS in Narmada. To meet the demands of Mataram, the island’s largest and busiest city, XL Axiata operates 399 BTS, while Lombok Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport is supported by 2 4G BTS and Lembar Port by 15 BTS.
All 19 well-known tourist villages are also covered by XL Axiata’s 4G network, including Selong Belanak Village, Kopang Rembiga Village, Bilibante Village, Aik Dareq Village, Kembang Kuning Village, Sembalun Village, and Pringgasela Village. Additionally, Seruni Mumbul Village, Sembalun Bumbung Village, Paremas Village, Sugian Village, Mamben Baru Village, Senaru Village, Malaka Village, Jenggala Village, West Pemenang Village, Sesaot Village, Central Sekotong Village, and Sedau Village are also connected. With its available infrastructure, XL Axiata is confident in delivering top-tier telecommunications and data services in these tourist areas.
Currently, XL Axiata operates more than 4,100 BTS across Lombok, including over 2,500 4G BTS. The total number of BTS serving Lombok has increased by over 200 4G BTS in the past two years. Across the NTB region, more than 5,500 BTS are in place, the majority of which are 4G BTS. XL Axiata continues to expand its 4G LTE network and invest in fiber networks, transmission, backhaul, network modernization, and other upgrades to improve network stability, capacity, and service quality as data traffic continues to grow.
XL Axiata's VoLTE Network in Lombok
XL Axiata continues to expand its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service coverage. Since late 2022, this high-speed voice service has been available in nearly all regions of Indonesia, including Lombok. VoLTE enables voice calls to be made over the LTE (Long Term Evolution) data network, significantly enhancing voice quality and delivering crystal-clear sound. XL Axiata is also preparing network infrastructure in additional cities and regions to support the next phase of VoLTE expansion. To ensure optimal voice service, comprehensive network optimization is required to fully support VoLTE services.
Customers can immediately enjoy XL Axiata’s VoLTE service without the need to register or purchase a specific package. The rates follow regular call tariffs or the customer’s existing package quota. For the best experience, customers can use the Xtra Combo package, which provides internet and YouTube quota, along with bonus call quotas to all operators, which can also be used for VoLTE services.
Additionally, customers do not need a special SIM card to use VoLTE. They only need to ensure they are using a USIM card, which is necessary to access 4G data services. Customers should also ensure they are in an area covered by XL Axiata’s VoLTE service, use a smartphone that has received a VoLTE software update, and have a 4G SIM card. For a list of VoLTE areas and compatible smartphones, customers can visit the website http://xlaxiata.co.id/volte.