Telkomsel (Telekomunikasi Selular) has switched on its 5G signal in three Indonesian cities, namely Balikpapan, Medan and Surakarta, as it forges ahead with its pledge to be ‘the first 5G operator in Indonesia’. From launch, the cellco’s commercial service is only available in some areas in the target cities, but Telkomsel – majority owned by the country’s largest telecoms company Telkom – says this will be ‘gradually expanded’ over time.
Commenting, Telkomsel President Director, Hendri Mulya Syam, said: ‘As the first 5G operator in Indonesia, Telkomsel continues to make gradual and measurable efforts in expanding the availability of Telkomsel 5G services in Indonesia so that in the future anyone can experience the best 5G experience with the support of a reliable 5G network … The presence of Telkomsel 5G is a symbol of our commitment to advancing each region as the foundation of an inclusive and sustainable national digital ecosystem.’
As previously reported by CommsUpdate, Minister of Communication and Information Johnny G Plate stated in a recent interview: ‘5G services will be launched on 27 May 2021, and be available for use by limited and gradual steps in six residential locations in Greater Jakarta and other cities: Surakarta (also known as Solo), Medan, Balikpapan, Denpasar, Batam, Surabaya, Makassar and Bandung. Other cities will follow’. In the event, the launch has apparently been scaled back still further.
Source: https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2021/06/04/telkomsel-launches-5g-in-three-cities/