Central News Agency

(Jakarta, 28th) The Indonesian government and telecommunications operators are deliberating on the shutdown of the 2G mobile network. The industry indicates that there are still approximately 29 million users primarily using 2G services, making the transition of these users to 4G or 5G the main challenge facing the phase-out of 2G.

According to today's report by Indonesia's national news agency, Antara, Marwan O. Baasir, Chairman of the Association of Telecommunication Industry in Indonesia (ATSI), stated in an interview that the consideration to shut down the 2G mobile network is part of accelerating digital transformation. He noted that the 900MHz frequency band currently used for 2G services can be reconfigured to support newer technologies such as 4G and 5G.

However, he pointed out that based on cumulative SIM card registration data reaching 297 million from early this year to August, 2G users account for approximately 8% to 10% of the country's mobile communication users. Additionally, some areas in eastern Indonesia are geographically remote, making it difficult to build telecommunications infrastructure. Many people in these regions still use feature phones, which increases the difficulty of phasing out 2G.

The Indonesian government has continued to expand networks and spectrum resources for 4G and 5G this year. According to data from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the government completed the bidding for the 700MHz and 2.6GHz bands in July. Winning bidders were required to provide at least 4G service to 538 villages with no or weak signals within five years and achieve a 5G coverage rate of at least 51% of the national population by the fifth year.

In addition to expanding spectrum, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs recently solicited opinions on a draft plan for the development of mobile broadband infrastructure. The plan proposes dividing network construction zones according to regional conditions, with telecommunications operators and the government working together to promote development. Necessary assistance will be provided to areas where service provision is more difficult to improve mobile broadband coverage and network quality.

As 4G and 5G networks continue to expand, how to convert existing 2G users to new networks and replace their devices remains a difficult problem. The Association of Telecommunication Industry in Indonesia is currently referencing practices from other countries that have shut down their 2G mobile networks as a reference for related research and policy planning.

Marwan said that in the event of shutting down the 2G mobile network, the Indonesian government needs to pair regulations and incentive measures. These include regulating the circulation of phones that only support 2G after announcing the shutdown policy, and ensuring that phones supporting 4G and 5G are available at affordable prices to reduce the burden on citizens to switch devices. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150928

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