Bolt-like Services to be Revived, Indonesian Internet Boss Speaks Out

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia –The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) plans to auction the 1.4 GHz frequency, where this frequency is used to provide Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) telecommunications services.

So, what does the association think about this plan?

The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) Muhammad Arif explained that the BWA to be auctioned this time is different from BWA on other frequency spectrums.

This time he believes that the BWA being held provides an opportunity for better internet penetration.

He hopes that Komdigi can wisely consider all the input provided, including from APJII, including the evaluation of tariffs that provide health insurance for this industry.

As well as technical considerations so that the performance of the network built provides comfort for internet services, so that the greatest benefits will be felt by the community.

In an interactive public consultation some time ago, APJII was also invited to provide responses and input openly.

“Hopes and critical responses have also been conveyed. Therefore, we appreciate Komdigi for the opportunity,” said Arif to CNBC Indonesia, Wednesday (5/2/2025).

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Indonesian Telecommunications Providers Association (ATSI) Marwan O Baasir admitted that his party could not comment because they were still studying this plan.

Frequency debt

The BWA service itself is data communication access for the radio frequency spectrum. Services are provided for the provision of fixed location networks with packet switched with International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) technology.

BWA services are wireless internet services that are limited to certain areas. BWA services that used to be popular were Bolt and IM2. However, the development of cellular operator internet services has caused BWA to be abandoned.

All BWA services were closed and the special BWA frequency at 2.3 GHz was returned to the government. In fact, three companies were in arrears in the Frequency Usage Fee (BHP), namely First Media, Internux (Bolt), and Jasnita. The permits of the three companies were finally revoked by the government.

SOURCE : CNBC INDONESIA