2.6 GHz Frequency Will be Wasted if Used Only for 5G: Low Phone Penetration

In the context of telecommunications deployment in Indonesia, a debate is heating up regarding the use of the 2.6 GHz frequency band exclusively for 5G support. Recent statements from the Indonesian Telecommunications Association indicate this approach might offer limited benefits. Concerns are raised by the geographical and socio-economic disparities across different regions of the country, coupled with low penetration of 5G-capable smartphones. ATSI Secretary-General Merza Fachys highlighted that currently around 30% of available phones support 5G, meaning a large portion of the population cannot take advantage of the new network. This makes it economically unfeasible to invest in a technology that is not being fully utilized. The challenge lies in balancing the need to improve digital infrastructure amid such dynamic challenges. As seen in neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand, Indonesia needs to consider multiple factors when making decisions about future network development.