en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs of Indonesia (Komdigi) announced the completion of all stages of user selection for the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz radio frequency bands required for mobile cellular network operations in 2026. Following the price auction held on July 7, 2026, and the frequency block selection conducted from July 8 to 10, operators PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel), and PT Indosat Tbk ranked among the top in the selection results for both bands.

This spectrum selection is a key component of the government's strategy to accelerate the universalization of mobile broadband access and expand the deployment of Indonesia's 5G network. With the addition of new spectrum, operators are expected to have greater network capacity to support improved data service quality, particularly in the context of growing internet consumption and national digital transformation. Komdigi emphasized that the announced results are still in the selection status.

All participants still have the opportunity to submit written objections via the e-Auction system by 15:00 WIB on July 14, 2026. The official determination of winners will take place after the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs issues the "Decree on the Determination of User Selection Results for the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz Radio Frequency Bands."

In the 700 MHz band selection, XLSMART became the highest bidder, securing a 30 MHz (2×15 MHz) allocation with a bid of IDR 35.34 billion per MHz, resulting in a total commitment of IDR 1.060 trillion. Telkomsel obtained a 20 MHz (2×10 MHz) block with a bid of IDR 32.125 billion per MHz, totaling IDR 642.5 billion. Indosat ranked third, submitting a bid of IDR 25.374 billion per MHz for a 20 MHz (2×10 MHz) block, valued at IDR 507.48 billion. The 700 MHz frequency is considered strategic spectrum due to its signal propagation characteristics, enabling wider coverage with fewer base stations, making it suitable for expanding broadband service coverage.

In the 2.6 GHz band, Telkomsel became the highest bidder, securing an 80 MHz allocation with a bid of IDR 6.823 billion per MHz, totaling IDR 545.84 billion. Indosat obtained 60 MHz with a bid of IDR 6.2 billion per MHz, valued at IDR 372 billion. XLSMART secured a 50 MHz allocation with a bid of IDR 4.632 billion per MHz, with a total commitment of IDR 231.6 billion. The 2.6 GHz spectrum offers greater capacity to handle high data traffic and is typically used to enhance 4G and 5G services in urban areas.

Operators ultimately determined as winners must pay the Radio Frequency Spectrum Usage Fee (BHP IPFR) as stipulated and fulfill network construction commitments within a maximum of five years. The first commitment is to expand mobile broadband services based on Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G in at least 538 villages and communities designated by Komdigi, aiming to bridge the internet access gap between regions. Another commitment is to accelerate 5G deployment, where winners must provide International Mobile Telecommunications-2020 (IMT-2020) services—the global standard for 5G networks—in committed cities and regencies, targeting coverage of at least 51% of the national population.

Komdigi stated that all stages of the selection process were designed to maintain a fair and transparent procedure for all participants while supporting the sustainable development of the telecommunications industry. After the objection period ends, if no objections are received, the selection team will submit a report and recommendations to the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs as the basis for issuing the official decree determining the winners. Through the addition of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum, the government aims to achieve a more balanced expansion of mobile broadband services, improve network quality in high-traffic areas, and accelerate 5G deployment, ensuring that digital transformation benefits communities across Indonesia.