Some GSM operators have anticipated the implementation of 4G LTE (long-term evolution) as the fourth generation of cellular wireless standard. In fact, some operators have been holding trials of LTE in the country. 4G technology offers WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) in Indonesia. If LTE is still the test phase, WiMAX has been held officially by Sitra WiMAX, a unit of First Media company, since last June.
According to the Regulation of Technology Indonesia (BRTI), there are several technical issues that present an obstacle for the regulator to roll out 4G technology, especially the frequency.
From experiments already under way, the allocation of frequencies used is at 2.3GHz. Well, this is still studied and evaluated whether the future really going to use the remaining frequencies in the 2.3GHz or 2.6GHz.
There are several candidates of other frequencies that can be allocated to LTE, including 1.8GHz, 900MHz, and 700MHz. To 1.8GHz, it is possible if done refarming 2G and 3G technologies before, only investment that comes out will be much greater.
While the frequency of 700MHz is still occupied by some organizers of free to air television broadcasts nationwide, of which net new frequencies in 2018 after all the national TV channel to migrate to digital TV.
India and China have held a first commercial LTE in 2.3GHz frequency. The technology used is TDD (Time Division Duplex)-LTE. Studies in both countries with a character similar to Indonesia.
