Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian Telecommunications Operators Association (ATSI) is reviewing a potential shutdown of 2G networks in Indonesia as part of efforts to accelerate the country’s digital transformation. However, an estimated 29 million users are still believed to rely on the legacy technology.
ATSI Chairman Marwan O. Baasir said discussions on a potential 2G shutdown are still at an early stage with the government, as some communities continue to depend on 2G networks for basic voice calls and SMS services.
“We are still discussing this with the government at an early stage. If we want to accelerate the development of the digital ecosystem, we need to start preparing. The key questions are when the transition should take place and what kind of incentives should be provided,” Marwan said in an interview in Bandung on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
900 MHz Spectrum Could Be Reallocated for 4G and 5G
Marwan explained that phasing out 2G could allow spectrum in the 900 MHz band to be reallocated to technologies better suited to the country’s digital development, including 4G and 5G.
ATSI estimates that 2G users currently account for around 8% to 10% of Indonesia’s total mobile subscribers.
Based on biometric SIM card registration data recorded from the beginning of the program through August 2026, which reached 297 million registered cards, around 29 million users are estimated to still rely on 2G networks.
Beyond the number of users, Indonesia’s geographical conditions are also an important consideration in evaluating a potential 2G shutdown.
“Eastern Indonesia could be challenging for us because there are still many users relying on feature phones,” Marwan said.
ATSI believes that the relatively large number of 2G users, combined with Indonesia’s geographic challenges, means that any network shutdown must be carefully planned to ensure that people’s access to basic communication services is not disrupted.
ATSI Calls for Incentives to Support the Technology Transition
ATSI is also monitoring 2G shutdown policies implemented in other countries as a reference for its assessment and for preparing a potential policy framework in Indonesia.
Marwan said the government would need to provide regulatory support and incentives if a decision is ultimately made to phase out 2G networks.
One potential measure would be to regulate the distribution of devices that only support 2G networks once a shutdown policy is officially announced.
At the same time, devices supporting digital services through 4G LTE and 5G are expected to become increasingly available at affordable prices, allowing consumers to migrate to newer technologies without facing excessive costs.
Conclusion
The potential phase-out of 2G networks in Indonesia reflects the country’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation and optimize spectrum resources for 4G and 5G technologies. However, with an estimated 29 million users still relying on 2G, particularly in areas where feature phones remain common, ATSI emphasizes the need for a carefully planned transition supported by government incentives, affordable devices, and adequate regulatory measures.
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