Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) assesses that satellite-based Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology has significant potential to expand connectivity access to remote, border, and maritime areas not yet covered by terrestrial telecommunications networks.
The Head of BRIN's Research Center for Satellite Technology (PRTS), Wahyudi Hasbi, explained that D2D is one of the latest developments in satellite communications. This technology allows users to connect directly their devices to satellites when they are outside the reach of terrestrial networks. This technology has begun testing in several countries, with its advantages and limitations are still being studied.
According to Wahyudi, Indonesia's geographics, consisting of thousands of islands, border areas, vast waters, and remote areas, make D2D a highly potential application. However, the adoption of this technology requires comprehensive studies and field testing tailored to Indonesian geographical conditions.
BRIN’s Role as Research and Data Provider
BRIN can play a role in providing the scientific and technological data to support policy formulation, such as system performance, service coverage, communication quality, potential interference, security, network resilience, and the technology's suitability to geographic conditions and community needs.
Other aspects that also need to be considered include frequency spectrum utilization, integration with existing networks, service quality, data security, economic feasibility, and public readiness as users.
From an economic perspective, research needs to measure tariff affordability, the public's ability to pay for services, the sustainability of business models, and their impact on investment and the existing telecommunications industry.
D2D as Supporting Tool
Wahyudi emphasized that D2D should be developed as a complement, not a replacement, to existing telecommunications infrastructure like Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and fiber optics. Each technology has its own functions, advantages, and service segments, so D2D development needs to be directed towards strengthening the national connectivity ecosystem as a whole.
If adopted, initial D2D implementation could focus on supporting emergency and disaster communications, fishing and shipping safety, providing connectivity in areas without signal, and connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices in remote locations. This is where BRIN can do field research and evaluate technical and socio-economic impact for the development of evidence-based recommendations for the government.
Conclusion
BRIN assessed that satellite-based Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology has the potential to expand connectivity to remote areas that are not yet covered by terrestrial telecommunications networks. This technology is considered relevant for Indonesia given its geographical characteristics, but its implementation requires a comprehensive study and field testing that cover technical aspects, economics, and public readiness. BRIN emphasizes that D2D should be a complementary technology, not a replacement for base transceiver stations (BTS), fiber optics, and other communication or network infrastructure.
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