One of the issues is how the government and cellular operators can reduce disparities in infrastructure between regions, and accelerate the distribution of Internet for all regions of the countryJakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communication and Informatics, Johnny G Plate, said the government and cellular operators are prioritizing equal internet access and information technology infrastructure across various sectors in Indonesia.
The priority has been set following a review of the 10-year license and cooperation between the Ministry of Communication and Informatics and cellular operators, as well as plans for the next 10-year period.
"One of the issues is how the government and cellular operators can reduce disparities in infrastructure between regions, and accelerate the distribution of Internet for all regions of the country," Minister Plate said at an online press conference originating from Jakarta on Tuesday.
In the last quarter of 2020, BAKTI Kominfo has extended the provision of 4G services to 1,209 villages and communities, he informed. In 2021, 4,200 villages and communities will get 4G connectivity, and in 2022, as many as 3,704 villages and communities in the outermost, least developed areas will follow, he added.
Plate also said that cellular operators have committed to completing infrastructure development in 3,435 villages and sub-districts to provide 4G signals in non-outermost and least developed areas, or commercial areas.
"We hope that the ministry and cellular operators can jointly present 4G to be completed in 2022," he added.
In addition to internet access, the government and cellular operators have also discussed several plans for the next decade of cooperation, including the potential for the development of the telecommunications industry and digital acceleration.
"Digital acceleration is the (result of the) impact of COVID-19, where telecommunications has served as the backbone of the development of various sectors in the world, including Indonesia," Plate said.
"We must pay attention to new technological developments, such as the use of spectrum sharing for future technologies," he added.
In the health sector, the Minister of Communication and Informatics said that all health facilities in Indonesia will get 4G connectivity in 2020. Meanwhile, tourism will also be the focus of the ministry in the future through the provision of adequate bandwidth speed.
"BAKTI Kominfo and cellular operators have been active in providing adequate information technology infrastructure in super priority tourist destinations, including Mandalika and Labuan Bajo, which will host international events. In 2021, there will be a MotoGP in Mandalika, and a G20 Summit in 2023 in Labuan Bajo," the minister said.
"Cellular operators are committed to increasing the deployment of information technology infrastructure, including BTS in the destination areas, together with BAKTI, to complete development in supporting areas that have been categorized as outermost and least developed (3T),” he added.
He said he hoped cellular operators and the government would continue to maintain good relations and remain committed to building a better, more efficient, competitive, and healthy industry for the advancement of the nation.
"The second 10-year license extension is related to the 800, 900, and 1800 mega Hz frequency bands. I congratulate those who are extending the renewal license, with the hope that they can be more active and progressive for the deployment of communication and information technology and the development of our industry adequately," he concluded. (INE)
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Zafira/Aria Cindy
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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