Telkomsel is making waves in Batam, Indonesia, with its latest expansion of 5G network infrastructure, enhancing high-speed connectivity in bustling residential and commercial districts such as Harbour Bay, Nagoya, Batam Center, Engku Putri, and Hang Nadim Airport. This initiative, executed in collaboration with long-time partner Ericsson, has increased the number of Telkomsel’s 5G base transceiver stations (BTS) in Batam City to an impressive 112.
Indra Mardiatna, Telkomsel’s Network Director, describes this upgrade as a pivotal move aimed at delivering seamless 5G coverage while stimulating economic growth and fostering digital transformation in the region.
Batam’s close proximity to Singapore and its status within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle free trade zone have positioned it as a burgeoning hub for digital investment. Since its designation as a special economic zone (SEZ) in 2021, Nongsa Digital Park has emerged as a magnet for businesses, serving as a key data center and innovation center.
Telkomsel’s expanded infrastructure is designed to support both public and private 5G applications. A standout project involves powering Pegatron Group’s smart factory in Batam with a private 5G standalone (5G SA) network. By utilizing 1,200 Telkomsel Internet of Things (IoT) SIM cards, the facility connects thousands of machines and sensors in real time, facilitating predictive maintenance, performance monitoring, and remote production control, all delivered with ultra-low latency. Talk about a machine’s dream!
With this network expansion, Telkomsel reinforces its “Hyper 5G” services, crucial for bolstering the island’s rising manufacturing sector. The operator emphasizes its dedication to enhancing productivity, operational efficiency, and competitiveness among industrial players, aligning with Indonesia’s broader Industry 4.0 vision.
Thanks to the newly deployed BTS units, Telkomsel subscribers in Batam can now enjoy download speeds surpassing 610 Mbps—four times faster than 4G—upload speeds eclipsing 100 Mbps, and a latency as low as 14 milliseconds. These enhancements cater to high-demand applications like ultra-HD video streaming, cloud gaming, real-time communication, and AI-enabled enterprise tools.
Currently, 23% of Telkomsel’s subscriber base in Batam uses 5G-compatible devices, with an average monthly data consumption of 24 GB per user. To further optimize performance, Telkomsel has seamlessly integrated artificial intelligence into its network management system. This AI framework automatically detects disruptions and dynamically adjusts the network in real time, resulting in improved reliability, efficiency, and overall customer experience.
Beyond Batam, Telkomsel has launched 5G services in Denpasar-Badung, Jabodetabek, Surabaya, and Makassar, with ambitious plans to expand into major Sumatran cities including Medan, Pekanbaru, Padang, and Palembang. Currently, the operator boasts over 3,000 5G BTS units across 56 cities in Indonesia.
What is the significance of Telkomsel’s expansion in Batam?
The expansion enhances connectivity in key areas, bolstering economic growth and supporting digital transformation, particularly vital for the island’s manufacturing sector.
How does Telkomsel’s network support industrial applications?
The 5G infrastructure underpins private applications, exemplified by powering Pegatron Group’s smart factory, connecting thousands of devices for efficient production processes.
What are the key performance metrics of the new 5G network?
Subscribers can expect download speeds exceeding 610 Mbps, upload speeds above 100 Mbps, and latency as low as 14 milliseconds, enhancing experiences across various high-demand applications.
