On April 23, 2026, the Ministry of Communication and Digital of Indonesia officially announced the opening of the selection process for the allocation of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz radio frequency bands for national mobile cellular network operations. This initiative is grounded in Ministerial Decree No. 175/2026 and aims to optimize the use of radio spectrum for mobile broadband services, supporting the acceleration of infrastructure deployment and improving both the speed and coverage of mobile internet access across Indonesia.

The selection is open to licensed mobile network operators that meet strict legal, financial, and technical requirements. Applicants must submit a range of documents, including participation guarantees, coverage expansion commitments for both 4G and 5G technologies, and detailed business plans for the use of the awarded frequency bands over a 10-year license period.

The process will be conducted via electronic auction (e-Auction), with several blocks available in both the 700 MHz (703–738 MHz uplink paired with 758–793 MHz downlink, FDD mode) and 2.6 GHz (2500–2690 MHz, TDD mode) bands. The selection process is designed to ensure transparency, fair competition, and alignment with national digital connectivity goals.

Key dates and procedures for obtaining e-Auction accounts, downloading selection documents, and submitting applications are clearly outlined. The regulation also details the obligations for network expansion, particularly in underserved areas, and the minimum technology standards required for service provision.

This regulatory development is a significant step in modernizing Indonesia’s telecommunications sector, fostering the adoption of advanced technologies such as LTE and 5G, and bridging the digital divide nationwide.

This regulation is assessed as High Impact.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Mandatory and final allocation of major spectrum bands (700 MHz and 2.6 GHz) for mobile broadband services.
• Direct effect on licensing, operation, and expansion obligations for all national mobile network operators.
• Introduction of new requirements for coverage, technology standards (minimum LTE/4G, 5G commitments), and business planning.
• Impacts a wide range of devices and services, including mobile phones, routers, IoT, and broadband modems.

Who is affected?

Mobile network operators, device manufacturers, infrastructure providers, and end users relying on mobile broadband services.

Conclusion:

The regulation will reshape the competitive landscape, drive infrastructure investment, and require compliance with new technical and operational obligations for all stakeholders in Indonesia’s mobile broadband ecosystem.