Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia's Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison is positioning its nationwide 5G modernization program as more than a network upgrade, describing it as the foundation for an AI Grid capable of supporting artificial intelligence applications across the country.
The initiative, developed in partnership with Nokia, aims to build an AI-ready network infrastructure that combines high-speed connectivity with distributed computing power to accelerate AI adoption across Indonesia.
AI Grid to Power Indonesia's AI Ecosystem
According to President Director and CEO Vikram Sinha, the company's vision extends beyond improving network performance. Instead, Indosat sees AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network) as the architectural foundation for a nationwide AI platform.
The upgraded network will integrate centralized AI computing facilities with distributed edge computing resources located closer to users, creating an AI Grid capable of supporting AI-powered services with lower latency and higher efficiency.
Sinha explained that the infrastructure is intended to accelerate the deployment of Indonesian-developed AI solutions, including Sahabat AI, allowing AI applications to become accessible across the country regardless of users' locations.
The executive noted that Sahabat AI has already begun supporting multiple sectors, including public administration, healthcare, education, and agriculture. Beyond these applications, the enhanced network is expected to enable more advanced AI services for both consumers and enterprises in industries ranging from public services to digital business.
To further encourage AI adoption, Indosat has established AI Experience Centers in Solo and Jayapura, alongside its AI-RAN Innovation Center in Surabaya and an AI Technology Center developed in collaboration with NVIDIA.
AI-Ready Infrastructure to Support Future Innovation
Sinha believes education, healthcare, and enterprise operations will be among the first sectors to benefit from broader AI deployment.
In education, AI can assist teachers and students with learning activities, while healthcare providers may use AI as a digital assistant to support clinical decision-making. Businesses are also expected to leverage AI to improve human resources, finance, and operational processes.
Looking further ahead, Indosat envisions the AI Grid supporting advanced edge AI applications such as Vision AI for cameras, sensors, and drones. These capabilities could contribute to smarter agriculture, enhanced public safety, faster disaster response, and more efficient urban management.
The company also expects AI Grid infrastructure to pave the way for Physical AI, enabling robotics, industrial automation, and edge intelligence that support Indonesia's manufacturing, logistics, mining, and other strategic industries.
As part of the nationwide modernization project, Nokia will deploy advanced 5G Radio Access Network technologies, including new radio platforms, centralized RAN architecture, and intelligent network automation. The rollout will introduce low-band 5G across Indosat's nationwide footprint while expanding mid-band 5G coverage to approximately 80% of the network within the next three and a half years.
In parallel, Nokia, Indosat, and NVIDIA are jointly advancing AI-RAN development, with field trials in Indonesia scheduled before the end of 2026 following their successful AI-RAN demonstration at Mobile World Congress 2026.
According to Sinha, the modernization initiative is ultimately designed to deliver more than broader network coverage. It establishes the technological foundation for future AI-RAN architecture, enabling next-generation AI services and positioning Indonesia for a more intelligent, AI-driven digital ecosystem.
Conclusion
By combining nationwide 5G modernization with AI-native infrastructure, Indosat aims to transform its telecommunications network into an AI Grid capable of supporting next-generation digital services. The collaboration with Nokia and NVIDIA reflects a broader strategy to accelerate AI innovation, strengthen Indonesia's digital competitiveness, and prepare the country for an AI-powered future.
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