Jakarta, December 4th, 2020. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) will continue to expand its network throughout Indonesia, including in remote and remote categories. To carry out all these network expansion plans, XL Axiata is exploring the use of the latest network technology that allows expansion to be carried out more efficiently in terms of development costs and the quality of the results is maintained. One of the newest technologies ready to be tested starting at the end of November 2020 is the Open RAN (Radio Access Network), located in Eastern Indonesia.
Director of Technology of XL Axiata, I Gede Darmayusa, said, "We are currently conducting a trial for the implementation of the Open RAN in Ambon, Maluku. Trials will take place from the end of November 2020 to the end of December 2020. We conducted this trial to understand the extent of the functions and capabilities of the device. We also want to know the time to integrate with the existing XL Axiata network and the network operational mechanism. "
Gede adds, Open RAN technology is a radio access device technology that adopts the open interface concept, where operators can use a combination of radio devices, such as radio units and basebands, without being tied to one specific brand/brand. With the concept of Open RAN, it is hoped to encourage new radio access equipment currently only dominated by a few technology provider partners. With new players’ growth, innovation can develop faster and reduce the operator's equipment and operational burden.
RAN is part of a telecommunications system that connects individual devices to other network parts via radio connection. RAN resides between user equipment, such as a mobile phone, computer, or any remotely controlled machine, and provides a link to its core network. Thus, it can be understood that RAN is a significant component of wireless telecommunications, which has now evolved through the generation of cellular networks ahead of 5G.
"Open RAN technology offers potential for innovation and a more competitive pricing structure. We hope to expand our network and services at a healthier cost while still providing good quality service for our customers. With the efficiency of the cost burden on the operator side, we will be able to continuously expand our network to reach a wider community, even for remote areas such as Eastern Indonesia," Gede continued.
According to Gede currently, the XL Axiata team in Ambon is preparing an installation for this trial. All the necessary tools have also arrived at the location. Preparation and testing will take about a month until later, and it is ready to make the first call through the Open RAN network from a background in Ambon to Jakarta. After the trial phase, XL Axiata will then move to the next stage in the form of a pilot project by placing Open RAN in around 100 location points, mostly outside Java and remote areas.
Lan Open RAN Community
To implement the Open RAN technology, XL Axiata also joined the Open RAN Lab Community. According to Gede, the community consists of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), GSMA, the Government of Indonesia, Telkom University, and cellular operators. It aims to cultivate healthy and diverse digital talents and telecommunications ecosystems and encourage digitalization and economic growth in Indonesia. The Government of Indonesia initiated this community and the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) & GSMA to support the government's aspirations.
By joining this community, XL Axiata can accelerate the growth of the Open RAN ecosystem in Indonesia, allowing XL to expand services towards customers with healthier costs while maintaining the quality of the customer experience.