Ericsson to build two major 4G networks in Indonesia

Ericsson has announced two major contracts to build mobile telecoms infrastructure in Indonesia, for rival operators Telekomsel and Indosat.

Indonesian mobile operator Indosat is to use Ericsson to build its 4G/LTE network in Greater Jakarta. The partnership covers 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE network technology, implementation services and network performance optimization. Under the agreement, the systems are to work along with Ericsson’s existing 2G and 3G.

Ericsson will supply equipment from its RBS 6000 base station family as Indosat aims to get higher speeds, more responsive applications and greater efficiency, according to Alexander Rusli, Indosat’s CEO, who said the company needed more stable connections. “The upgrade helps our customers to enjoy a superior experience using our network, while also better positioning us to serve our country’s need for a strong data network,” he said.

Customers will notice faster speeds, rapid new connections, quick web page loads and a much more responsive applications feel, predicted Thomas Jul, Head of Ericsson for Indonesia and Timor-Leste. “Consumer studies in Indonesia show that network performance is the main consideration for mobile phone users’ loyalty,” he said.

Meanwhile Ericsson is helping Telkomsel to upgrades existing GSM and WCDMA/HSPA mobile networks in preparation for 4G/LTE in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Again, the multi-standard RBS 6000 platform has been selected for the task of radio network transformation.

In this project the upgrade will ensure that Telkomsel’s network is equipped with multi-standard radio base stations for GSM and WCDMA/HSPA(3G). Ericsson will install its RBS 6320 which is a cheap remote enclosure product, developed for tropical climates.

“This contract makes us a key partner for Telkomsel,” said Jul.