Balikpapan, 22 January 2023. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) continues to expand the network and improve the quality of data services in all regions of Kalimantan, in five provinces, to provide the best customer experience. This strategic step needs to be taken considering the demand for the people of Kalimantan for data services from XL Axiata which continues to increase, where in a year, XL Axiata traffic throughout Kalimantan increased by 29%. In a year, XL Axiata has increased the number of 4G BTS by more than 1,100 BTS or an increase of 42% YoY throughout Kalimantan.
XL Axiata Acting Regional Group Head for Kalimantan, Horas Lubis, said, "Apart from the business aspect, our vision in expanding data networks to various regions of Kalimantan is to support accelerated development. We want to contribute to the local government's efforts to advance the Kalimantan region, including preparing for the construction of network infrastructure in the National Capital Region (IKN). Quality data network infrastructure, including the availability of a fast internet connection, will enable the implementation of digitization in various fields which will ultimately support accelerated development in Kalimantan.”
Horas added, XL Axiata is determined to realize the fastest internet service for and the people of Indonesia, including in Kalimantan, in accordance with the spirit of "XL Axiata Exists for Indonesia". The expansion and improvement of data network quality by XL Axiata also continues to reach more remote areas in Kalimantan, including in Indonesia’s border areas in three provinces, namely West Kalimantan, North Kalimantan and East Kalimantan.
"We also apply a number of the latest technologies to support the expansion and strengthening of this network, including the implementation of automated optimization technology for VoLTE, the use of Cisco Ultra Traffic Optimization technology to increase network capacity efficiency using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, Open RAN (Radio Access Network) technology with an open interface concept. Then, there is also the implementation of 4G/5G Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) which allows the use of 4G and 5G networks together on one frequency spectrum. Not to be left behind, XL Axiata has also utilized FDD Smart 8T8R technology to improve network quality and capacity and reduce power consumption in BTS," said Horas.
With this expansion, XL Axiata's quality data network has now reached more than 1,800 rural/urban villages, 466 districts in 55 cities/regencies spread across five provinces, or more than 75% of Kalimantan's population. The XL Axiata network throughout Kalimantan is supported by a total of more than 9,800 BTS including more than 5,800 4G LTE BTS. This network infrastructure is also supported by inter-regional fiber optic cables. In addition, XL Axiata also continues to implement the 3G shutdown program which is accompanied by a re-farming process from the 3G network to the 4G network, which has now reached 90% of the total BTS. The following details the number of 4G BTS in each province:
XL Axiata is also carrying out network fiberization processes throughout Kalimantan. This is part of efforts to modernize the network by connecting BTS with fiber lines. The fiberization project is implemented in all XL Axiata BTS including those in Kalimantan. Fiberization is carried out at the same time to regenerate BTS devices, such as replacing devices that have used microwaves to become fiber devices. Fiberization is also one of the steps in preparing the 5G ecosystem and network.
Until now, XL Axiata has more than 9,300 kilometres of fiber optic lines throughout Kalimantan. This network is the foundation for XL Axiata's infrastructure network which reaches all provinces, and connects it to the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok and Sulawesi.
USO Network
Meanwhile, to meet the needs of people in remote areas of Kalimantan who were previously unreachable by telecommunications and data access networks, since 2018, XL Axiata has also operated the USO network in collaboration with the Indonesian Telecommunications Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) and the Ministry of Communication and Informatics. In total there are 66 USO BTS points, all 4G. In West Kalimantan, a total of 57 BTS units, respectively in Regencies of Ketapang 10 units, Bengkayang 4 units, Landak 3 units, North Kayong 2 units, Sambas 2 units, Sintang 22 units, Kapuas Hulu 3 units, Melawi 3 units and in Sanggau 8 units. In South Kalimantan a total of 7 BTS, all in Tabalong Regency. In Central Kalimantan, there are 2 BTS in Seruyan Regency.
SKKL Batam - Sarawak in Kalimantan
In order to strengthen the quality of the data network in the country and abroad, XL Axiata has successfully completed the Sea Cable Communication System (SKKL) development project that connects Batam - Sarawak Malaysia or the Batam Sarawak International Cable System (BaSIC). For XL Axiata, this new infrastructure will strengthen internet connections between Batam, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi with faster and better quality performance and latency. Starting in 2020, this SKKL can operate starting 1 June 2022.
This SKKL is also a new international alternative gateway for Indonesia to Kuching, Sarawak and Hong Kong, as well as adding diversity and reliability of connections to several POP/HUB in Asia, which will also support telecommunications networks for the National Capital in Kalimantan. For XL Axiata, this new infrastructure is important to be able to cope with future increases in data traffic and quality networks in terms of providing the best service to customers.
SKKL BaSIC stretches for 700 km. In the early stages the SKKL BaSIC will activate 2 Tera which will then be gradually increased until it reaches a maximum capacity of 48 Tera. XL Axiata's management believes that this network with large capacity and relatively safe from earthquake paths will be quite attractive commercially in line with the rapid growth of data traffic today and in the future.
The number of subscribers in Kalimantan as of the end of September 2022 was recorded at around 1.7 million, with 4G subscribers around 64%. This number increased by about 10% from the same period last year. The number of data subscribers in Kalimantan is predicted to continue to increase along with the expansion of XL Axiata's 4G LTE network, coupled with the increasing awareness of people in urban and rural areas to utilize data services to support daily activities and productivity.