Mataram, 12 October 2023. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) ensures that the 4G network in Lombok is in prime condition and ready to succeed the 2023 MotoGP event at Mandalika Circuit, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), 13-15 October 2023. A total of around 21 4G BTS are ready to cover all activities related to the world's most prestigious motorbike racing celebration, both around the Mandalika Circuit, as well as in strengthening the signal from Lombok International Airport in Praya to along the BIL - Mandalika bypass road to Kuta Mandalika area.
Regional Group Head of XL Axiata East Region, Dodik Ariyanto, said, "As in previous years, XL Axiata deployed a full team to ensure that our network is prime to support the smooth and successful organisation of the MotoGP big event. We also want visitors to have the best experience in using telecommunication and data services while enjoying the race and holiday activities in Lombok. We have also ensured a full signal and stable internet service from the airport to Kuta Mandalika area, including inside the circuit."
Especially for BTSs that cover the Mandalika circuit area, XL Axiata applies the latest technology, Massive MIMO. This technology can provide better data services because it can increase data capacity. In addition, XL Axiata also alerted one unit of mobile BTS to anticipate traffic spikes during the world motorbike racing event.
Dodik added, the potential for traffic spikes at the MotoGP event is very large considering that this racing event is very popular with the Indonesian people at large, not to mention the potential presence of spectators from abroad. As more and more people come to the area, the need for quality telecommunications and data networks will certainly increase. XL Axiata has also prepared a ball pick-up effort to facilitate foreign guests who will watch the MotoGP event, including for guests supporting the MotoGP organisation.
In addition to preparing networks throughout Lombok, XL Axiata has also prepared a number of service points for foreign and domestic tourists to get XL Axiata service products, including card registration. For foreign tourists, XL Axiata provides booths, including at Lombok International Airport, Raja Mandalika Hotel, Panvilla Mandalika Hotel, Golden Palace Hotel Mataram, Jayakarta Senggigi Hotel and a number of designated official retail outlets.
A number of product options that can be utilised by the community to support their productivity. Currently, there are product promos that can be utilised by customers and communities in Lombok to access data services on the 4.5G network, namely the Xtra Combo Flex internet starter pack starting from 2.5 GB - 100 GB 30 days with Tiktok and Youtube Bonuses and free calls and SMS. In addition, customers can also choose a pretty number or as desired for free by accessing the web https://pilih.xl.co.id/. To purchase other data packages, customers can also access MyXL or AXISNET applications.
XL Axiata has released an electronic SIM card or e-SIM service a few months ago. By using e-SIM, customers do not have to buy physical SIM cards at the store. To make it easier for customers who want to use e-SIM services, all XL Centers in the East Region area can serve the replacement of physical cards to e-SIM. The advantages of using e-SIM include a fast and instant purchase process, meaning customers do not need to come to the store and there is no physical card delivery process. For multiple number users, there is no need to worry about SIM card loss or damage, as the eSIM is already attached to their smartphones. In addition, customers can get a bigger and longer loyalty quota bonus for 1 year. Especially for Prepaid, iPhone users can now use 2 numbers at once, 1 physical card and 1 e-SIM.
"XL Axiata's support for this world event is also in line with our efforts to strengthen infrastructure and services in NTB, which is one of the winning areas, where XL Axiata's market share is the largest. In addition, our support also confirms our commitment for 27 years of operation to continue supporting the government in carrying out national development, including the success of various major national and international events that have the potential to drive the national economy." continued Dodik.
Lombok as a winning area
Dodik emphasised that the improvement of 4G network quality is not only limited to Mandalika. XL Axiata is also expanding the 4G network to all corners of Lombok, both to improve the quality of data and voice services in urban areas, as well as expansion to areas that were previously unreachable. Currently, XL Axiata's 4G network is available to serve customers in 598 rural/urban villages, 53 districts, and 5 regencies/cities in Lombok. In total there are more than 4,000 BTS throughout Lombok, with around 2,400 of them 4G BTS.
The number of 4G BTS will continue to increase considering that XL Axiata is still expanding in all regencies in Lombok. Now most of the BTS in Lombok have been fiberized and will continue to increase. Meanwhile, since the beginning of 2022 until now around 800 BTS have been upgraded. Since the beginning of 2023 until now XL Axiata data traffic in Lombok has continued to increase by around 3%, with the highest traffic increase in North Lombok Regency.
In some of Lombok's most popular tourist areas, XL Axiata also specifically ensures data network quality. XL Axiata has prepared 5 4G BTS in Sembalun, 1 4G BTS in Pink Beach East Lombok, 5 4G BTS in Gili Trawangan, 1 4G BTS in Sade Village, 20 4G BTS in Sengigi, and 19 4G BTS in Narmada. Meanwhile, to support the needs of Mataram as the largest and most crowded city, XL Axiata operates 145 BTS, while at Lombok Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, 1 4G BTS is already operating and Lembar Harbour 5 4G BTS.
All 19 tourist villages that are popular destinations for travellers have also been served by XL Axiata's 4G network, including Selong Belanak Village, Kopang Rembiga Village, Bilibante Village, Aik Dareq Village, Kembang Kuning Village, Sembalun Village, and Pringgasela Village. Then Seruni Mumbul Village, Sembalun Bumbung Village, Paremas Village, Sugian Village, Mamben Baru Village, Senaru Village, Malacca Village, Jenggala Village, West Pemenang Village, Sesaot Village, Central Sekotong Village and Sedau Village. With the available capacity and infrastructure, XL Axiata is optimistic that it will be able to provide maximum telecommunication and data services in these tourist areas.
XL Axiata's network for the entire NTB region is currently supported by more than 5,800 BTS, including more than 3,300 4G BTS. XL Axiata's 4G LTE network also continues to be expanded, and XL Axiata continues to invest in fibre networks, transmission, backhaul, network modernisation and various other network upgrades to improve stability, network capacity, and service quality in line with the increasing data service traffic.