XLSmart Accelerates 5G Rollout, Aims to Propel Indonesia’s Global Internet Ranking

Surabaya, East Java – September 4, 2026 – XLSmart, a leading telecommunications operator in Indonesia, has declared its unwavering commitment to not only solidify its leadership in the nation’s burgeoning 5G market but also to significantly elevate Indonesia’s standing in global internet service rankings. The ambitious declaration was made by Merza Fachys, Director and Chief Regulatory Officer of XLSmart, during a pivotal media gathering held in Surabaya, East Java, underscoring the company’s dual mandate of commercial success and national digital advancement.

Fachys articulated a clear vision for the immediate future, stating that XLSmart’s aggressive 5G network expansion is meticulously designed to ensure widespread accessibility and enjoyment of fifth-generation services across the Indonesian archipelago. "We anticipate that by the end of this year, 5G services in Indonesia will truly be experienced by a substantial majority of the population," Merza stated, highlighting the urgency and scale of their deployment strategy.

Deepening the Ambition: Beyond Market Share

XLSmart’s strategic push for 5G dominance transcends mere market share objectives. Fachys emphasized that the ongoing investment in robust 5G infrastructure is fundamentally an act of national contribution. This broader perspective positions XLSmart as a critical enabler of Indonesia’s digital transformation agenda, aligning corporate growth with national development goals.

"This aspiration is not merely about delivering the finest services to our customers," Merza elaborated. "It is, in essence, our contribution to the nation. Through these efforts, we sincerely hope that Indonesia’s global ranking in internet services will dramatically improve, ascending to a much higher position." This sentiment underscores a profound understanding within XLSmart that a high-quality, pervasive digital infrastructure is a cornerstone for national competitiveness, economic growth, and social inclusion in the 21st century. The deployment of 5G, with its promise of ultra-fast speeds, minimal latency, and massive connectivity, is seen as a catalyst for innovation across various sectors, from smart cities and industry 4.0 to advanced healthcare and immersive entertainment.

Indonesia’s Digital Standing: A Call to Action

Fachys openly acknowledged Indonesia’s current standing in global internet service rankings remains a significant challenge, often cited as a "homework" that requires concerted effort from all stakeholders. He referenced reports from the previous year that placed Indonesia relatively low on the global index, a position XLSmart is determined to help rectify.

"It has been widely reported that last year, Indonesia’s ranking was still quite low," Merza noted, his tone reflecting a shared national ambition. "XLSmart is resolute in its determination to improve Indonesia’s rating, at least within Asia. From what might have been among the lowest, we hope to see it rise to the middle, and with continued effort, perhaps even reach the top three. This is our hope." This bold aspiration reflects not only XLSmart’s confidence in its technical capabilities and investment strategy but also its deep-seated commitment to leveraging its commercial prowess for the greater good of the nation. Improving internet rankings goes beyond pride; it directly impacts foreign investment appeal, the growth of the digital economy, the efficiency of public services, and the overall quality of life for citizens. A higher ranking signifies better average speeds, wider accessibility, and more affordable data plans, all of which are critical for an emerging digital economy like Indonesia’s.

Aggressive Expansion: Doubling Down on 5G Rollout

The company’s commitment to these lofty goals is visibly supported by an aggressively revised 5G expansion roadmap. XLSmart has significantly upped its target for 5G network coverage, initially aiming for 88 cities by the end of 2026, a figure that has now been dramatically increased to 101 cities. This accelerated rollout is a testament to the company’s robust financial health, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.

The previous target of 88 cities was estimated to cover approximately 50% of Indonesia’s vast population. By extending the reach to 101 cities, XLSmart anticipates an even broader segment of the populace will gain access to the transformative power of 5G. This expansion is not merely about adding more locations; it’s about ensuring a comprehensive and ubiquitous 5G experience. Merza Fachys explicitly stated that XLSmart’s 5G signal will not be limited to specific hotspots but will be available comprehensively, akin to its well-established 4G network. "Our 4G and 5G networks will truly stand at the same point in terms of coverage and reliability. This is what we are working to achieve in the future," he affirmed, highlighting a seamless integration strategy between the two generations of mobile technology. This integrated approach aims to provide a consistent and high-quality user experience, allowing devices to intelligently switch between 4G and 5G depending on availability and demand, thus maximizing connectivity and efficiency for users across diverse geographical landscapes.

Strategic Spectrum Acquisitions: Fueling the Future

A significant catalyst for this ambitious expansion is XLSmart’s recent success in securing additional spectrum during the frequency auction conducted by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) in July 2026. This strategic acquisition provides the necessary "ammunition" for XLSmart to power its enhanced 5G network.

In the highly competitive auction, XLSmart emerged victorious, securing a substantial 30 MHz (2×15 MHz) in the coveted 700 MHz band, alongside an additional 50 MHz in the 2.6 GHz band. This translates to a formidable total of 80 MHz of new spectrum, significantly bolstering the operator’s capacity and coverage capabilities. The acquisition of the 700 MHz band is particularly crucial for wide-area coverage and penetration, making it ideal for rural and suburban areas, as well as for improving indoor coverage in urban environments. Its lower frequency allows signals to travel further and penetrate obstacles more effectively, thus reducing the number of base stations required for broad coverage. Conversely, the 2.6 GHz band provides excellent capacity for high-speed data in dense urban areas, supporting a large number of users and data-intensive applications.

With these new allocations, XLSmart’s total spectrum dedicated to 5G services now stands at an impressive 90 MHz. This includes 40 MHz previously allocated in the 2.3 GHz band, combined with the newly acquired 50 MHz in the 2.6 GHz band. This robust spectrum portfolio positions XLSmart favorably to deliver a superior 5G experience, characterized by ultra-high speeds, incredibly low latency, and enhanced reliability across the cities where its next-generation network has been launched. The combined power of these diverse frequency bands allows XLSmart to intelligently manage network traffic, optimize resource allocation, and support a wide array of 5G use cases, from enhanced mobile broadband to mission-critical communications and massive machine-type communications for IoT.

Massive Investment: Bolstering Infrastructure for a Digital Nation

To underpin this monumental expansion and capitalize on its newly acquired spectrum, XLSmart has significantly increased its capitalized capital expenditure (capex) guidance for 2026. The initial capex projection of Rp15 trillion has been revised upwards to an impressive Rp20 trillion, signaling a profound commitment to infrastructure development. This substantial increase in investment underscores XLSmart’s long-term vision and its confidence in the growth potential of Indonesia’s digital economy.

This colossal investment is strategically earmarked for several critical areas. A significant portion will be channeled towards supporting the operation and expansion of XLSmart’s extensive network, which already boasts over 265,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS). Furthermore, a substantial sum will be dedicated to the aggressive rollout of 5G services across the expanded target of 101 cities, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the advanced capabilities of 5G technology. Crucially, the investment will also facilitate the seamless integration and optimal utilization of the newly acquired 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrums, maximizing their potential to deliver superior connectivity.

XLSmart’s infrastructure strategy is not solely focused on areas with high traffic density, which naturally demand robust network capacity. The company has also emphasized its commitment to improving connectivity quality in regions that currently lag behind, recognizing the importance of digital equity. This dual-pronged approach ensures that the benefits of advanced connectivity are extended to all segments of Indonesian society, fostering inclusive growth and bridging the digital divide that still persists in many remote and underserved areas of the vast archipelago. This investment in remote areas is not just about social responsibility but also about unlocking new economic opportunities and empowering communities that have historically been marginalized from the digital economy.

The Transformative Power of 5G: User Experience and Beyond

The implications of XLSmart’s aggressive 5G strategy extend far beyond faster internet speeds for individual consumers. The widespread availability of 5G is poised to unlock a new era of digital innovation and economic transformation across Indonesia. For consumers, this means access to cutting-edge applications such as ultra-high-definition streaming, immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, cloud gaming with virtually no lag, and seamless connectivity for a growing array of smart home devices. The enhanced bandwidth and lower latency of 5G will redefine mobile computing and entertainment, offering experiences previously unimaginable on mobile networks.

Beyond individual users, 5G is a foundational technology for Industry 4.0. Its capabilities will enable smart factories with automated systems, real-time data analytics, and connected machinery, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency. In the healthcare sector, 5G can facilitate remote surgeries, real-time patient monitoring, and rapid transmission of large medical images, improving access to specialized care, particularly in remote areas. Agriculture can benefit from precision farming techniques, utilizing IoT sensors and drones for optimized crop management. Smart cities will leverage 5G for intelligent traffic management, public safety, and environmental monitoring, creating more livable and sustainable urban environments. XLSmart, through its extensive 5G rollout, positions itself not merely as a network provider but as a key enabler of these transformative applications, fostering an ecosystem of innovation and digital entrepreneurship across the nation.

Competitive Landscape and Market Dynamics

Indonesia’s telecommunications market is dynamic and highly competitive, with several major players vying for market share and technological leadership. XLSmart’s intensified focus on 5G and its substantial investment signal a clear intent to maintain and extend its competitive edge. This aggressive posture is likely to spur further innovation and investment from other operators, ultimately benefiting Indonesian consumers and businesses through improved services and competitive pricing.

The strategic acquisition of new spectrum and the significant capital injection place XLSmart in a strong position to differentiate its 5G offering. While other operators are also investing in 5G, XLSmart’s scale of expansion and commitment to comprehensive coverage, as articulated by Fachys, could allow it to capture a larger segment of the early 5G adopters and establish a strong foundation for future growth. The company’s focus on national ranking improvement also suggests a strategy that transcends immediate commercial returns, aiming to build a reputation as a responsible corporate citizen contributing to national progress. This could resonate strongly with policymakers and the wider public, further solidifying its market position.

Government’s Vision and Regulatory Support

XLSmart’s ambitions align seamlessly with the Indonesian government’s broader vision for digital transformation, championed by Komdigi. The Ministry has been proactive in creating a conducive regulatory environment, including the transparent allocation of crucial spectrum resources, to foster the development of a robust digital economy. The government recognizes that advanced digital infrastructure is vital for achieving its economic growth targets, enhancing public services, and ensuring Indonesia remains competitive on the global stage.

The successful spectrum auction in July 2026 is a testament to Komdigi’s commitment to facilitating the growth of next-generation networks. By providing operators like XLSmart with the necessary frequency bands, the government empowers them to invest and deploy cutting-edge technology. XLSmart’s commitment to extending 5G to underserved areas also echoes the government’s mandate for digital inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of technology are not concentrated solely in urban centers but are distributed equitably across the vast Indonesian archipelago. This symbiotic relationship between regulatory support and private sector investment is crucial for accelerating Indonesia’s journey towards becoming a truly digital nation.

Conclusion

XLSmart’s resolute drive to enhance its 5G footprint and elevate Indonesia’s global internet ranking marks a significant milestone in the nation’s digital journey. Through substantial investment, strategic spectrum acquisition, and an aggressive expansion roadmap targeting 101 cities by the end of 2026, the company is not merely pursuing commercial objectives but actively contributing to a larger national agenda. Merza Fachys’s vision of widespread 5G adoption and a higher global standing for Indonesia’s internet services underscores a future where advanced connectivity serves as a cornerstone for economic prosperity, social empowerment, and global competitiveness. As XLSmart continues its rapid deployment, the transformative potential of 5G is set to become a tangible reality for an ever-increasing number of Indonesians, propelling the archipelago further into the digital age.

(agt/agt)