The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) is planning to auction a spare 2×5MHz block of frequencies in the 2.1GHz band, specifically 1975MHz-1980MHz paired with 2165MHz-2170MHz, in an attempt to accelerate the development of 5G services across Indonesia, The Jakarta Post reports.

 In an interview with the head of the Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel), Sigit Puspito Wigati Jarot, it was noted that the 2.1GHz band is considered a ‘sweet spot spectrum’ left from the previous generation that could alleviate pressure on cellcos looking to meet ever-growing demand for data. Sigit told the paper: ‘So, although [the government is only auctioning] 10MHz [in total], it is very likely that cellular operators will fight tooth and nail to win this part of the spectrum’.

Arif Angga, chair of Indonesian Internet Providers Association (APJII), echoed Sigit and added that while mobile network operators (MNOs) have been using the 2.1GHz band to provide mobile broadband services in Indonesia, since the MCI has determined this to be neutral frequency, cell operators can use it for 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G technology.