Jakarta, 18 February 2022. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) will soon present 5G services in Mandalika, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Various preparations are currently being carried out in the field so that this super-fast data and internet service can be present to support the MotoGP motorcycle racing event at the Mandalika Circuit, March 18-20, 2022, both for 5G Experience and 5G Showcase purposes. One of the preparatory stages already underway was the limited XL Axiata's 5G trial in the field on February 12, 2022, with satisfactory results.
Director & Chief Technology Officer of XL Axiata, I Gede Darmayusa, said, “We carried out the XL Axiata's 5G trial last February 12. On this occasion, we have tested several technical aspects in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) and several satellite operators to carry out co-existence testing on the 3.5GHz spectrum in the Mandalika circuit area. This co-existence test was intended to ensure that the 5G network to be deployed does not interfere with the existing satellite operational systems around the area. The results are quite satisfactory for the time being, where there are no disturbances in the satellite network due to the use of 5G. We have reported all matters related to the trial process, including the results, to Kominfo.”
Gede continued, in order to provide 5G services in Mandalika, XL Axiata will use the 3.5GHz and 26GHz frequency bands spectrum to provide a real 5G experience for customers, especially for visitors on the Mandalika Circuit. To be able to enjoy XL Axiata's 5G service, visitors must ensure that the smartphone they use supports the fifth-generation cellular network in the 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz frequency bands and that it uses u-SIM.
The plan is that there will be several strategic points of XL Axiata's 5G service that can be accessed for free by customers around the circuit. These access points are located around the circuit and reach the VVIP village area, spectator stands, and other strategic locations where race spectators, journalists and broadcasters, support teams, and MotoGP event work units gather. Access to this 5G service is completely free of charge.
Meanwhile, for the 5G Showcase purpose, XL Axiata will present use cases for 5G immersive games and experiences such as Motorbike Augmented Reality (AR), 360 Degree Camera Live Broadcasting, and other 5G experiences.
Through this 5G deployment, visitors will be able to feel a true 5G experience, which can present several advantages over 4G networks including higher data rates, lower latency, and more connection density than 4G.
Network enhancement throughout Lombok
In addition to 5G service, XL Axiata is also improving the quality of its 4G network in the Mandalika area and throughout Lombok. Currently, XL Axiata’s services are available in 54 districts and 5 regencies/cities in Lombok. In total, there are more than 4,000 BTSs throughout Lombok, with 1,700 of them are 4G BTSs. The number of 4G BTS will continue to increase considering that currently XL Axiata is also still expanding in all regencies in Lombok.
Especially for BTSs reaching the Mandalika circuit area, XL Axiata has implemented the latest technology, namely Massive MIMO. In the future, this technology can provide better data services as it can increase data capacity. XL Axiata also continues increasing its 4G network capacity, both in terms of radio and transmission, as well as through fiberization. Now most of the BTS in Lombok are fiberized and the number will continue to add up.
In some of the most popular tourist areas in Lombok, XL Axiata also particularly ensures the quality of the data network. XL Axiata has prepared 5 4G BTSs in Sembalun, 1 BTS in the Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake areas, 1 4G BTS at Pink Beach of East Lombok, 7 4G BTSs in Gili Trawangan, 1 4G BTS in Sade Village, 11 4G BTSs in Sengigi, and 3 4G BTSs in Narmada. Meanwhile, to support the needs of Mataram as the largest and busiest city, XL Axiata operates 149 BTSs. Meanwhile, XL Axiata operates 3 4G BTSs at Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Lombok International Airport and 2 4G BTSs at Lembar Port.
Currently, the XL Axiata network for the NTB area is supported by more than 5,700 BTSs, including more than 2,200 4G BTSs. XL Axiata's 4G LTE network also continues to be expanded. In addition, XL Axiata continues to invest in fiber networks, transmission, backhaul, network modernization, and various other network upgrades to improve stability, network capacity, and service quality in line with the continued increase in data service traffic.