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The outcome of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) 2023 decided that Indonesia could deploy 5G and 6G in the 7 GHz frequency spectrum. There is a 100 MHz bandwidth in the range of 7025-7125 MHz that can be used for both of these new technologies.

The Ministry of Communication and Informatics is following up on the results of the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) 2023 to discuss the use of spectrum for non-terrestrial networks (NTN), plans for 6G development, and the implementation of cellular technology on WiFi 6 and 7.

Director General of Resources and Equipment of Post and Informatics of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Ismail, stated at the 10th Asia Pacific Spectrum Management Conference (APSMC) 2024 that they are striving to align these discussions with Indonesia's national interests.

"We combine all international agenda interests with national interests, what Indonesia wants. We don't follow everything; we have to choose and sort out the best strategies for Indonesia's interests," he emphasized during the APSMC 2024 Discussion in Central Jakarta, Tuesday (23/04/2024), as quoted from the Kemkominfo press release.

Ismail, who is also the Secretary of the National Team for the Acceleration of Digitalization (Wantiknas), explained that there are differences between Indonesia and other countries in the management of radio frequency spectrum (SFR). He cited that Indonesia uses the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz frequency bands for satellites, while currently, the use of these frequency bands in most countries has shifted to cellular telecommunication technology.

"Our country is unique. Few other countries use the 3.5 and 2.6 GHz frequencies for satellites," he said.

Ismail also stated that the transition of frequency band usage from satellites to cellular technology is quite challenging because there are still satellites that have been in operation for a long time.

"It's quite challenging. These satellites have been in operation for a long time, and suddenly the frequency bands are now being used for mobile. We can't just change them into mobile frequencies because the investment has been made long ago and they are currently operational," he explained.

According to Ismail, the use of the 2.6 GHz frequency band for satellites will soon come to an end. Therefore, the government is currently discussing plans for the utilization of this SFR. Regarding the sustainability of the 3.5 GHz frequency band, he mentioned that the period of usage for satellites in Indonesia is still quite long.

"We are discussing co-existence, so it can be utilized together. If we want to use satellites and mobile together, it requires advanced technical support, such as using filters for the closest distance between two systems," he said.

The Director General of Resources and Equipment of Post and Informatics of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics hopes that the results of the discussions and knowledge sharing at APSMC 2024 will provide input for future policy strategies in Indonesia.

"The conference is indeed for sharing, so the target is not a decision but input that we will receive from experts to regulators in the Asia-Pacific region about the strategies of each country and regional strategies. In the IT forum, there is the Asia-Pacific region, ASEAN region, America, which we need to harmonize," he hoped. (IN)