PADANG, FEBRUARY 20, 2025 — PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) continues to strengthen its telecommunications network in West Sumatra (Sumbar). In addition to extending the number of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) throughout several regencies and cities in the Minangkabau region, XL Axiata is increasing network capacity to meet the increased demand for data and internet services. With gradually improving quality, XL Axiata's network in West Sumatra is now ready to handle the projected rise in traffic during the forthcoming lengthy Eid holiday.
XL Axiata's 4G network in West Sumatra now covers more than 1,265 villages/sub-districts, 179 districts, and 19 cities/regencies. The growth in data traffic for XL Axiata over the last two years has been 28%.
Desy Sari Dewi, Group Head of XL Axiata West Region, stated, "The usage traffic of XL Axiata's services has been significantly increasing throughout West Sumatra over the last two years. As a result, to ensure that service quality and customer experience are not affected, we are constantly improving network quality, whether through the addition of BTS or capacity upgrades, including the use of the most recent network technology. We also expect that having a reliable network will assist our customers and the people of West Sumatra."
As of the end of December 2024, West Sumatra has more over 3,700 BTS, the majority of which were 4G BTS. The construction of new networks and fiberization will continue in 2025 and beyond. Over the last two years, XL Axiata has aggressively expanded its 4G BTS in West Sumatra, with further expansions in Padang, Solok, Payakumbuh, Padang Panjang, Bukittinggi, Tanah Datar, Pesisir Selatan, Pasaman Barat, Pasaman, Padang Pariaman, Lima Puluh Kota, Dharma Raya, and Agam. These enhancements are in accordance with the increasing demand for data in these areas.
Regarding the network's readiness for the anticipated traffic spike during the Ramadan and Eid holidays, XL Axiata's management predicts that, as in previous years, a significant increase in traffic will occur in several regencies, including Pasaman, Sijunjung, Dharmasraya, Solok, Pariaman, Tanah Datar, and the cities of Bukittinggi and Padang.
During Ramadan and Eid, data service traffic is likely to increase in a number of locations, including Jam Gadang, Ngarai Sianok, Lembah Harau, and Danau Singkarak. As usual, traffic will increase at congested areas such as mosques, malls, town squares, bus terminals, train stations, airports, and along non-toll and toll roads connecting various parts of West Sumatra.
XL Axiata consumers are expected to make extensive use of various data services, particularly social media, for sharing contents with family and friends. Furthermore, access to streaming services whether for video, music, or games is likely to grow, necessitating increased network capacity. YouTube, Vidio, and Spotify are popular streaming platforms among customers. On the other hand, messaging apps such as WhatsApp will be the dominant choice for quick and effective communication.