Indosat Ooredoo Spent Rp8 Trillion to Improve "4G Plus" Network Quality

Following Indosat Ooredoo's plan to re-focus to the core business as a cellular operator, Joy Wahjudi, CEO & President Director of Indosat Ooredoo, talked about the aggressive plan to expand "4G Plus" network outside Java (4/18).

Lampung as a pilot project

Indosat Ooredoo outlines its achievements with primary focus on expanding 4G network outside of Java. Lampung is the first location to launch the project. Currently, almost 98% of the area is in Indosat Ooredoo's 4G network coverage, consists of 15 districts, 215 sub-districts, and 600 BTS.

The main reason to focus on Lampung is for preparation to welcome Lebaran 2018. Lampung is known as the most visited area for those traveling across Sumatra.

"Later, the concept in Lampung will be applied to other cities outside Java," Wahjudi said.

By the end of 2018, there will be four cities in Sumatera, two in Sulawesi, and one in Borneo to get the "4G Plus" network.

"The term 'Plus' we used in the 4G network is an additional feature only for Indosat Ooredoo's users," he said.

In that occasion, Indosat Ooredoo also announced the latest promotion to be launched before Ramadhan. The packages are daily unlimited of Rp5000 with 500MB FUP quota and 7-day Unlimited of Rp12,000 with 1GB FUP quota.

Network expansion investment

To improve the quality of its technology and network expansion, Indosat Ooredoo is ready to spend Rp8 trillion, about 80% of this year's budget.

"To support this commitment, we've set a higher capex to Rp8 trillion. It reflects our determination in expanding and improving Indosat Ooredoo network quality all over Indonesia," Wahjudi added.

Regarding the other 20%, Kustanto, Group Head Network Strategy, Architecture, and Solution of Indosat Ooredoo said that the funding will be used to complete the IT (Information Technology) component for registration service and other supporting aspects.

"Indosat wants to return to its core business to build network quality for customers' satisfaction," Kustanto said.

Starting from Lampung in 2018, Indosat Ooredoo targets more cities to enjoy 4G Plus by the end of 2020.

– Original article is in Indonesian, translated by Kristin Siagian