Jakarta, INTI - OpenSignal has urged Indonesia to accelerate the release of the 3.5 GHz spectrum band, describing it as a critical step toward expanding the country's 5G network. The mobile network analytics firm noted that the 3.5 GHz band has become the primary spectrum for 5G deployment across most Asia-Pacific markets due to its ability to balance network coverage and capacity.
In its report, Indonesia's Spectrum Auction: A Much-Needed Shot in the Arm for 5G, OpenSignal stated that limited spectrum availability remains one of the main reasons Indonesia's 5G rollout has progressed more slowly than many neighboring countries.
At present, Indonesia's 5G services primarily operate on the 2.1 GHz and 2.3 GHz bands, which continue to support 4G networks. As a result, much of the available capacity on these frequencies is still dedicated to fourth-generation services, leaving limited resources for large-scale 5G deployment.
OpenSignal's data shows that approximately 82% of the 2.3 GHz spectrum and 96% of the 2.1 GHz spectrum in Indonesia are still occupied by 4G services. This contrasts with many Asia-Pacific countries that have already adopted the 3.5 GHz band as the foundation of their national 5G networks.
The company described the 3.5 GHz spectrum as the "sweet spot" for 5G because it delivers an optimal balance between signal reach and network performance. Countries including South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Cambodia, and Taiwan have already made the band central to their 5G infrastructure.
Indonesia, however, has yet to utilize the 3.5 GHz band because it is currently occupied by fixed satellite services. According to OpenSignal, this structural limitation has contributed to Indonesia's relatively lower 5G performance in terms of network availability and download speeds compared with other regional markets.
Based on OpenSignal data collected between March 1 and May 29, 2026, Indonesia's 5G Availability reached only 33.6%, trailing the Philippines (47.7%), Malaysia (54%), Singapore (67.1%), Japan (68.2%), and Thailand (88.1%).
Indonesia's average 5G download speed was recorded at 85.2 Mbps, below Thailand (91.8 Mbps), the Philippines (135.9 Mbps), Japan (150.4 Mbps), Malaysia (224.5 Mbps), and South Korea, which led the region with 486.2 Mbps.
Additional Spectrum Needed to Strengthen 5G Rollout
OpenSignal welcomed the Indonesian government's ongoing efforts to auction the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum bands, following the earlier allocation of the 1.4 GHz band for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). The company believes the additional spectrum will enhance both the coverage and capacity of Indonesia's 5G networks.
The 700 MHz band is expected to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas thanks to its superior propagation characteristics, while the 2.6 GHz band will help increase network capacity in densely populated urban centers and major economic hubs with high data traffic.
Nevertheless, OpenSignal emphasized that allocating the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands alone will not be sufficient for Indonesia to close the regional 5G gap without making the 3.5 GHz spectrum available. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is reportedly planning to release the band after completing the ongoing 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz auction process.
According to OpenSignal, the availability of the 3.5 GHz spectrum will be one of the most important factors determining whether Indonesia's 5G deployment enters a phase of accelerated growth over the next 12 months.
The company also noted that successful 5G implementation depends not only on spectrum availability but also on the widespread availability of affordable devices compatible with the newly allocated frequencies, ensuring broader adoption and greater public access to next-generation mobile services.
Conclusion
OpenSignal believes that releasing the 3.5 GHz spectrum is essential for Indonesia to unlock the full potential of its 5G network. While the planned allocation of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands will improve coverage and capacity, broader 5G adoption will also depend on timely spectrum availability and affordable compatible devices, enabling faster and more inclusive digital connectivity nationwide.
Read more: Indonesia Concludes 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz Spectrum Auction to Accelerate Digital Transformation