Indosat and ZTE expand Indonesian digital experience

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) and ZTE Corporation, a global integrated information and communication technology solutions provider, are transforming digital experience across Indonesia with a partnership leverages ZTE’s microwave technology to bring the Marvelous IOH 4G network to remote islands and rural areas.

Indonesia, with its 17,000 islands and challenging geography, faces significant hurdles in building communication infrastructure. Traditional wired communication struggles with the country’s rugged terrain and high costs, leaving many areas digitally disconnected. This lack of access hinders economic opportunities and limits societal development, emphasising the urgent need for cost-effective and accessible solutions. To tackle these challenges, IOH and ZTE have deployed over 550 ultra-capacity backbone microwave links across Indonesia, covering nearly 80% of major cities and remote islands.

ZTE’s iFlexiTrunk microwave technology has been tailored to Indonesia's needs, providing ultra-capacity and long-distance transmission. Built to withstand Indonesia’s harsh weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, and corrosion, the equipment ensures long-term reliability. ZTE’s multifrequency ultra broadband antennas (UBA) allow flexible frequency selection, reducing tower load and rental costs. Customised branching units minimise hardware requirements, enhancing cost efficiency while maintaining high performance. The integration of advanced 4T4R Modem boards and intelligent energy-saving technology enables rapid deployment with minimal resource consumption. Moreover, the scalable design supports seamless upgrades, allowing for capacity expansion by up to eight times and coverage extension to new areas.

Kevin Chen, Sales Director, ZTE Indonesia said: “We believe this successful collaboration will breathe fresh life into Indonesia's digital transformation journey. When residents in remote areas of Indonesia went online and enjoy the high-quality Internet service, we were as excited as they were! ZTE are committed to seizing strategic opportunities in digitalisation, intelligence, and low-carbon development. ZTE Microwave Backbone connects ZTE, Indosat and Indonesian residents together, will explore more new possibilities in communication ways, contributing to the digital economic growth of Indonesia and the global community.”

The initiative has significantly boosted IOH’s subscriber numbers, particularly in remote areas, where backhaul capacity in regions like Sumatra and Kalimantan has surged to 2-3 Gbps, with peaks reaching 6 Gbps. Residents now enjoy uninterrupted access to real-time information, online education, and digital entertainment. The enhanced connectivity has also catalysed local economic growth by creating jobs, boosting tourism, and fostering knowledge sharing, all while supporting advancements in healthcare and education.

Desmond Cheung, Director and CTO Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison said: “At Indosat, we are committed to empowering Indonesia by bridging the digital divide. This partnership with ZTE reflects our dedication to connecting communities across the nation, regardless of geographic challenges. By deploying advanced technology, we are not only improving digital experience but also unlocking opportunities for economic and social progress, creating a brighter digital future for Indonesia.”

IOH and ZTE aim to deepen their collaboration to further expand network coverage across Indonesia, ensuring that more communities can benefit from improved communication infrastructure. Both companies remain committed to enhancing product capabilities, reducing costs, and delivering innovative solutions to connect Indonesians and help them thrive in the digital era.