Indonesian mobile network operator (MNO) XL Axiata has announced that under its ongoing rollout programme, its 3G/4G network is now live in around 54 cities/regencies in the Kalimantan Islands, serving more than 96% of the population, supported by over 7,000 base transceiver stations (BTS), more than 5,400 of which offer 3G/4G mobile internet. XL’s deployment is supported by the installation of 2,500km of inter-regional fibre-optic cable it notes, adding that in H2 2019 it will continue to build out its data network capabilities to reach remote areas in Kalimantan – with a focus on areas in West Kalimantan and North Kalimantan.
At July 2019 XL’s 3G/4G data network had reached nine cities/regencies in East Kalimantan, underpinned by more than 2,000 BTS, while its 4G LTE network was available in seven of those areas (650 BTS). In addition, the MNOnoted that its mobile data network in West Kalimantan served the areas of: Pontianak, Singkawang, Bengkayang, Ketapang Kubu Raya, Landak, Mempawah, Sambas, Sanggau, Sekadau, and Sintang. Central Kalimantan: South Barito, Barito Timur, Barito Utara, Gunung Mas, Kapuas, Katingan, Palangkaraya City, Kotawaringin Barat, Kotawaringin Timur, Lamandau, Murung Raya, Pulang Pisau, Seruyan, and Mukamara, South Kalimantan: Balangan, Banjar, Barito Kuala , Hulu Sungai Selatan, Hulu Sungai Tengan, Hulu Sungai Utara, Kota Banjarbaru, Kota Banjarmasin, Kotabaru, Tabalong, Tanah Bumbu, Tanah Laut, and Tapin.
IndoTelko notes that by end-2019, XL hopes to have deployed another 1,400km of fibre-optic backbone network in Kalimantan, reaching all provinces and connecting it to the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok and Sulawesi.