JAKARTA / KUALA LUMPUR, 6 DECEMBER 2023 – Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata” or “the Group”) today announced that it is driving forward the structural transformation of its Indonesian subsidiaries, PT XL Axiata Tbk (“XL Axiata”) and PT Link Net Tbk (“Link Net”), to accelerate the strategic shift towards becoming a ServeCo and a FibreCo.
This strategic move aims to bolster the position in optimising the opportunities within Indonesia's underpenetrated Fixed Broadband (“FBB”) and Fixed Mobile Convergence (“FMC”) markets. XL Axiata and Link Net have reached non-binding agreements, encompassing the transfer of Link Net's FBB business including its 750,000 customers to XL Axiata and the roll out of an additional 2 million new homes passed by Link Net, which will enable XL Axiata to deliver FBB and FMC services for its growing customers and the wider Indonesian community. Upon completion of the additional 2 million roll-out, Link Net will enable nearly 6.5 million access to home passes as a leading wholesale FibreCo.
XL Axiata and Link Net will proceed to set out a binding agreement for the terms, which will be carried out in compliance with prevailing regulations, including that of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) related to affiliated transactions and material transactions.
The joint agreement marks an important milestone for Axiata as it moves closer to achieving strategic structural transformation of XL Axiata and Link Net in Indonesia. The construction of substantial new homes passed by Link Net to support XL Axiata underscores its pivotal role as a leading FibreCo. Furthermore, the transfer of Link Net customers to XL Axiata will fortify XL Axiata's position as a prominent ServeCo, fuelling the growth ambition of FBB and FMC offerings throughout Indonesia.
President Director & CEO of XL Axiata, Dian Siswarini states, "Our convergence services continue to receive positive response from the public. The vast pick-up in demand for FBB and FMC services strongly affirms our strategic direction. We believe the collaboration between XL Axiata and Link Net will allow us to capture this greater demand and drive the acceleration of growth of FBB and FMC services in Indonesia. By expanding our network infrastructure and extending service availability, we will effectively reach the broader Indonesian community, catering to their evolving convergence needs and preferences for a suite of both fixed, mobile and content services.''
Dian adds, “The transfer of Link Net's substantial customer base, which consists of around 750,000 subscribers to XL Axiata marks an exciting milestone for us, as it considerably
expands our customer base for FBB and home entertainment services. Consequently, this catapults XL Axiata to become the second largest FBB provider in Indonesia with 1 million customers. In line with our convergence strategy, this transition allows us to offer our new customers an array of products and services offered by XL Axiata, backed by our ever- expanding, high-quality network infrastructure for enhanced seamless customer experience. Furthermore, we are in the process to explore a carve-out of our own built last-mile fibre homes passed for better utilisation of assets in line with our Asset Light Strategy.”
Director & Acting CEO of Link Net, Kanishka Wickrama mentioned, "We share the same commitment as XL Axiata in offering the best FBB and FMC services to potentially millions of valued customers as we simultaneously pursue the transformation of Link Net into a leading FibreCo. The non-binding agreement to transfer Link Net's retail business to XL Axiata will enable us to focus on our core expertise in network development, progressing towards achieving our goal to become a globally recognised FibreCo. Moreover, the additional 2 million homes passed to be rolled out for XL Axiata will fuel substantial growth for Link Net in the foreseeable future.”
Group CEO & Managing Director of Axiata Group, Vivek Sood stated, “As a committed long-term investor, Axiata is encouraged by our progress in advancing Indonesia’s digital readiness, and in laying a strong foundation for a future-ready digital economy, towards powering the technological transformation in Indonesia. Our delayering strategy enables both operating companies to accelerate organisational agility, allow scalability, and maximise value. It will also bolster the ability to attract the relevant partners for each entity.”
“Through this strategic approach, both XL Axiata and Link Net will expedite the growth potential of their respective businesses. XL Axiata stands to benefit from expanded access to extensive fibre optics infrastructure with minimum investment. Meanwhile, Link Net will concentrate its efforts on expanding infrastructure to meet the thriving market demand, positioning it for increased market significance. In due course, we will invite investors to partner with us in this growth opportunity.
Over the next two years, Link Net will enable 6.5 million home passes for XL Axiata to build on the existing 1 million customers, with a majority to receive a converged offer.” he adds.
“With our strategic priorities clearly outlined, Axiata will drive performance improvements and accelerate profitable growth across Indonesia and our other geographic footprints to deliver on the full potential of our digital telcos, digital business and infrastructure segments, supported by focused capital allocation.” concluded Vivek.
This collaboration will streamline the access to premium quality FBB and first-class convergence services, whereby the Indonesian community can now look forward to further enriched customer experience. Furthermore, this joint effort aligns with the government's objective of promoting digitalisation within the society, contributing to the nation's technological advancement and digital transformation.