Pontianak, 10 Febuary 2023. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) continues to improve the quality of its 4G network in Kalimantan. Network expansion to remote and border areas of the country. In the past year, XL Axiata has added more than 1,100 4G BTS across Kalimantan, an increase of 42% YoY. To date, more than 50% of XL Axiata's base stations have been fiberized.
Currently, XL Axiata's network infrastructure throughout Kalimantan is strengthened by fibre optic cables that span more than 9,300 kilometres. This fibre optic line, which reaches five provinces in Kalimantan, is the foundation of XL Axiata's network infrastructure and connects it to the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok and Sulawesi.
Director & Chief Technology Officer of XL Axiata, I Gede Darmayusa, said, "We are committed to supporting the government's programme in an effort to equalise internet access to remote areas. In the last three years, XL Axiata has focused on expanding its network outside Java, including massive data network expansion in Kalimantan. This strategic move is necessary as the demand for XL Axiata's data services in Kalimantan continues to increase. Within a year, XL Axiata's traffic across Kalimantan increased by 29%."
I Gede Darmayusa added, since the government officially established the new State Capital (IKN) candidate in East Kalimantan, XL Axiata has gradually continued to prepare infrastructure development and network ecosystem in the IKN area. XL Axiata is committed to supporting the development of IKN by providing telecommunications and data networks that are tailored to the needs and development of development there.
To ensure the condition of XL Axiata's telecommunication and data network in the border area, I Gede Darmayusa conducted direct monitoring of network quality around the Entikong Cross Border Post (PLBN), Thursday (9/2). On this occasion, I Gede Darmayusa also witnessed the technical team performing BTS maintenance on one of the towers located on Lintas Malindo Road, Entikong District, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan Province.
In addition, XL Axiata has also built the Batam - Serawak international fibre optic cable network that connects Malaysia - Indonesia through Entikong - Pontianak for 120 km. This infrastructure will strengthen internet connections between Batam, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi with faster and higher quality performance and latency. This infrastructure has been in operation since 1 June 2022.
The optical cable network also provides Indonesia with a new alternative international gateway to Kuching, Sarawak and Hong Kong, as well as increasing the diversity and reliability of connections to several POP/HUBs in Asia, which will also support the telecommunications network for the National Capital in Kalimantan. For XL Axiata, this new infrastructure is important to be able to cope with the increase in data traffic in the future and provide a quality network so that it can provide the best service to customers.
Currently, XL Axiata's quality data network in Kalimantan has reached more than 1,800 villages, 466 districts in 55 cities/regencies spread across five provinces, or more than 75% of Kalimantan's population. XL Axiata's network across Kalimantan is supported by a total of more than 5,800 4G BTS.
USO and Non 3T Networks
Meanwhile, to fulfil the needs of people in remote areas of Kalimantan that were previously not covered by telecommunications and data access networks, since 2018, XL Axiata has also operated a USO network in collaboration with the Indonesian Telecommunications Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) and the Ministry of Communication and Informatics. There are a total of 96 USO BTS points, all 4G. In West Kalimantan, there are a total of 80 USO BTS units, each in Bengkayang Regency 8 units, North Kayong 3 units, Ketapang 16 units, Landak 5 units, Melawi 3 units, Sambas 4 units, Sintang 22 units, Kapuas Hulu 3 units and in Sanggau 16 units. In South Kalimantan, there are a total of 14 USO BTS, all in Tabalong Regency. In Central Kalimantan, there are 2 USO BTS in Seruyan Regency.
Not only the USO network, XL Axiata also supports the government's program in an effort to equitable distribution of data services through the Non 3T network program throughout Kalimantan. Until now, XL Axiata has also operated a Non 3T network of 178 BTS spread across all provinces in Kalimantan consisting of 16 BTS in West Kalimantan, 42 BTS in South Kalimantan, 86 BTS in Central Kalimantan, 25 BTS in East Kalimantan and 9 BTS in North Kalimantan.
"The operation of the USO and Non 3T networks is a tangible manifestation of XL Axiata's commitment in supporting government programmes by actively participating in efforts to equitable distribution of data services and digital economic growth to the forefront areas by continuing to expand and strengthen telecommunications networks," added I Gede Darmayusa.