Indonesia’s mobile industry is entering a contest that may shape network quality for years to come. The opening of the selection process for 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum has turned frequency rights into a strategic issue for operators, not just a technical one.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital has set the selection to begin in May 2026 under Ministerial Decree No. 175 of 2026. That decision places two highly valued bands at the center of competition, with implications for coverage, capacity, and 5G readiness.
Why these two bands matter
The 700 MHz band is known for wider signal reach. That makes it attractive for strengthening internet service in dense areas while also extending access to regions that remain underserved.
The 2.6 GHz band serves a different purpose. It is better suited to handling higher network capacity, which is increasingly important as mobile data consumption continues to rise.
Together, the two bands address the industry’s biggest pressure points at once. Operators need broader coverage and more room for traffic, and both requirements are growing at the same time.
A race tied to future network performance
Additional spectrum is also seen as important for accelerating 5G deployment. With enough frequency resources, operators are better positioned to maintain stable connections as data traffic keeps increasing.
That is why the selection is being watched closely across the sector. The outcome will influence how much space each operator has to expand network quality and prepare for future demand.
Operators that secure new allocations will likely gain a stronger position in service quality and business competitiveness. They will also have more flexibility to expand networks in areas with heavy data usage.
Those that miss out may face a tougher competitive environment. Limited spectrum can constrain network capacity, especially in regions where internet traffic is already high.
Government goals go beyond competition
Komdigi says the selection is intended to optimize spectrum use. The broader target is to speed up the spread of broadband internet access across Indonesia.
That goal reflects how connectivity demands have changed. Mobile broadband is no longer concentrated only in large cities, and digital services now depend on wider and more reliable access.
The 700 MHz band is expected to play a major role in that effort because of its long reach. It can help operators expand internet services into areas with weaker network availability.
The 2.6 GHz band supports the other side of the equation. Its larger capacity can help operators handle the growing volume of internet traffic in places where demand is already high.
A foundation for the next phase of digital infrastructure
Komdigi views the new frequencies as an important base for national 5G network development in the coming years. The results of the selection are therefore expected to affect not only operators’ businesses, but also the direction of Indonesia’s digital infrastructure.
The benefits are expected to extend across several sectors. Education, health, industry, and digital public services are all named as areas that could benefit from better connectivity.
The 700 MHz band itself has a specific history. It was previously known as digital dividend spectrum, made available after the migration from analog to digital television broadcasting was completed.
That transition cleared the way for the government to prepare the band for newer telecommunications services. The move is now becoming more concrete through the official selection process.
For now, the process is still underway, and no winner has been announced for either the 700 MHz or 2.6 GHz allocation. Even so, the opening of the selection already marks a new stage in Indonesia’s telecom landscape.
