en.Wedoany.com Reported - Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has officially announced the winners of the 2026 selection process for users of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz radio frequency bands. Three mobile operators have been awarded varying bandwidths and are required to undertake additional tasks, including providing 4G services to remote villages and advancing 5G coverage.

The three mobile operators participating in this frequency band auction are PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel), PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, and PT Indosat Tbk. In the 700 MHz band auction, XLSmart secured 30 MHz of bandwidth, while Telkomsel and Indosat each obtained 20 MHz. In the 2.6 GHz band, Telkomsel acquired 80 MHz, Indosat 60 MHz, and XLSmart 50 MHz.

In addition to the agreed bandwidth, the winners were assigned supplementary tasks. Komdigi Minister Meutya Hafid stated that operators must provide 4G services to 538 villages and communities currently without signals or with weak signals, distributed from Sumatra to Papua. On July 21, 2026, Meutya noted that the emergence of connectivity will open channels for the public to access education, healthcare services, digital governance, and economic opportunities previously out of reach. Furthermore, the winners must ensure that by the fifth year, 5G service coverage reaches at least 51% of the national population, with a target for gradual improvement in average mobile broadband speed, reaching 100 Mbps by 2029.

Denny Setiawan, Head of Auction Implementation and Director of Digital Infrastructure Strategy and Policy, stated that the 700 MHz low band offers high reliability, covering remote areas down to indoor spaces, while the 2.6 GHz mid-band serves as the primary capacity to support 5G service reliability. The combination of these bands will ensure the achievement of national speed targets. This auction also generates Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) for the government. Through spectrum management via this selection mechanism, an initial PNBP potential of approximately IDR 6 trillion is expected, with total national potential revenue projected to reach IDR 29.9 trillion over ten years. Meutya stated that Komdigi ensures this frequency auction delivers tangible and equitable benefits to the public, with the final outcomes directly felt by grassroots communities.

Meutya also mentioned that after completing the 1.4 GHz band auction (in 2025) and the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz band auctions, Komdigi will proceed with auctions for other bands. Currently, Komdigi is preparing the utilization process for the 900 MHz band to meet connectivity needs that directly impact the public. The 900 MHz band was previously owned by XLSmart and was returned to the state as part of the merger agreement between XL Axiata and Smartfren.