Medan, 21 September 2019. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) continues strengthening network in Toba Lake Area, North Sumatra. This is the company’s support for the government’s tourism infrastructure development in a bid to transform the area into a world-class tourism destination. Around 550 4G and 3G BTSs of XL Axiata are currently operating to serve the areas surrounding the biggest lake in Indonesia.
XL Axiata’s Group Head for West Region Francky Rinaldo Pakpahan said, “We welcome the government’s efforts in developing Toba Lake as the leading tourism destination in the future. Therefore, we enthusiastically supports it by strengthening high-quality data network that will cover areas around the Toba Lake, including Samosir Island, as well as along the route to the area. We also strengthen network in Silangit Airport, as well as along the land routes from Medan to Toba Lake.”
Francky is optimistic that tourism infrastructure development will be able to increase the popularity of Toba Lake. The area doesn’t only have an amazing view, but it’s also remarkably rich in culture and becomes a strong magnet for domestic and foreign tourists. The availability of telecommunication and high-quality data services will become the needs of tourists and supporting tourism industry players. On the other hand, the central and local governments, as well as surrounding communities and all related stakeholders in the area also need proper telecommunication and data services to increase the productivity in other socioeconomic sectors.
Francky added that XL Axiata’s traffic of data services recently shows a significant growth in areas around Toba Lake. This shows that more XL Axiata customers are comfortable with the provided data services.
For tourists, the wonderful panorama and cultural attractions in the area are worthy experiences to be uploaded, both in forms of photo and video, into various social media platforms. Therefore, the quality of data network becomes XL Axiata’s main concern in providing services in Lake Toba Area.
XL Axiata’s network infrastructure in Toba Lake Area, including Samosir Island, is supported by more than 750 BTSs, including almost 550 BTSs (3G and 4G). Meanwhile, around Silangit Airport, which has been the new access for air transport to Toba Lake, XL Axiata has also stationed around 40 BTSs of 4G and 3G data. Almost all areas throughout at least 90-km land route from Medan to Toba Lake have been served with high-quality 4G and 3G data network.
The Toba Lake, with an area of 1,130 km2, is the biggest volcanic lake in the world and is located in seven regencies of North Sumatra. Besides tourism, the area also has economic potency in fishing, agriculture, plantation, and forestry sectors. The culture of Batak people in Samosir and around the lake is very attractive and have been able to grab the attention of local and foreign tourists. With the current tourism development, the government expects that Toba Lake will become one of the leading destinations in tourism industry after Bali.