XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk Bolsters Network Leadership in East Java with 5G Blanket Coverage Expansion

SURABAYA – PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk (XLSMART) is significantly reinforcing its network leadership across East Java, a region identified as a critical nexus for digital growth in Indonesia. This strategic initiative involves a multi-pronged approach encompassing the enhancement of network quality and the expansive implementation of 5G Blanket Coverage across various key strategic areas. This undertaking underscores XLSMART’s deep-seated commitment to delivering an unparalleled digital experience to its diverse customer base, encompassing subscribers of XL, AXIS, and SMARTFREN. Furthermore, it aligns directly with the national imperative to accelerate digital transformation within one of Indonesia’s most economically vibrant provinces.

East Java, with its robust industrial base, thriving trade and logistics sectors, esteemed educational institutions, burgeoning tourism industry, and a dynamic ecosystem of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is witnessing a commensurate surge in its demand for advanced digital connectivity. As the digital activities of both individuals and businesses continue to escalate, a reliable and high-performance telecommunications network is no longer a luxury but a fundamental bedrock for sustaining and amplifying regional productivity, fostering seamless collaboration, and driving sustainable economic growth. The company’s investment in this crucial infrastructure is a testament to its foresight in anticipating and catering to these evolving digital needs.

Dodik Ariyanto, Regional Group Head for XLSMART in the East Java area, articulated the strategic importance of the province. "East Java represents one of our most vital strategic regions, characterized by a continuously escalating demand for digital services," Ariyanto stated on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. "Consequently, we are unwavering in our efforts to elevate network quality and broaden the deployment of our 5G Blanket Coverage. Our objective is to ensure that our customers can consistently enjoy internet experiences that are not only faster but also more stable and dependable." This commitment signifies a proactive stance in ensuring that XLSMART’s infrastructure keeps pace with, and ideally outpaces, the digital aspirations of the region.

Strategic Investment in Digital Infrastructure

The substantial investments being channeled into East Java’s telecommunications infrastructure extend beyond mere connectivity enhancements. They are intrinsically designed to empower both the populace and the business community, enabling them to achieve greater levels of productivity and innovation within the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The evidence of this digital momentum is palpable: XLSMART has observed a notable increase in data service traffic, registering a 6% rise compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This growth is further underscored by an impressive average monthly data consumption per customer, which has now reached 25 GB.

This upward trend in data consumption is being fueled by a confluence of factors, including the escalating popularity of streaming services, the indispensable nature of video conferencing for both professional and personal communication, the burgeoning mobile gaming sector, ubiquitous social media engagement, the increasing reliance on digital transactions for commerce and daily life, and the widespread adoption of various Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered applications across diverse domains. To effectively cater to this burgeoning demand, XLSMART is actively engaged in augmenting its network capacity through a comprehensive program of infrastructure modernization and continuous service quality optimization. This includes the strategic deployment of new base stations, the upgrading of existing equipment to support higher bandwidths, and the implementation of advanced network management techniques to ensure seamless performance even during peak usage times.

The 5G Imperative in East Java

The rollout of 5G Blanket Coverage is a cornerstone of XLSMART’s strategy to solidify its network leadership in East Java. 5G technology promises not just faster download and upload speeds but also significantly lower latency and the capacity to connect a far greater density of devices simultaneously. This is crucial for supporting the next wave of digital innovations, including the Internet of Things (IoT), smart city initiatives, advanced manufacturing processes, and immersive digital experiences.

The decision to focus on "Blanket Coverage" signifies an ambition to provide ubiquitous 5G access, ensuring that this transformative technology is not confined to urban centers but extends to a wider geographical area, benefiting a more diverse segment of the population and businesses. This approach is particularly important in a province like East Java, which comprises a mix of densely populated urban areas, industrial zones, and more remote agricultural and coastal communities, each with unique connectivity requirements.

Supporting Data and Trends

The digital transformation in East Java is not merely anecdotal; it is backed by robust data reflecting changing consumer and business behaviors. The 6% increase in data traffic and the 25 GB average monthly data consumption per customer are significant indicators of an increasingly digital-first society.

Key Drivers of Data Growth in East Java:

• Streaming Services: The demand for on-demand video and audio content continues to be a major data consumer. With improved network speeds and broader coverage, users can enjoy higher quality streaming without buffering.
• Video Conferencing and Remote Work/Learning: The normalization of remote work and online education has made stable and fast internet essential for virtual meetings, webinars, and online classes.
• Mobile Gaming: The mobile gaming industry has exploded in popularity, with many games requiring significant data downloads and real-time online play, demanding low latency and high bandwidth.
• Social Media and Content Creation: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube continue to drive data usage, as users consume and create a vast amount of visual content.
• Digital Transactions and E-commerce: The convenience of online shopping, digital payments, and financial services has led to a surge in data-intensive transactions.
• Emerging AI Applications: As AI technologies become more integrated into daily life, from personalized recommendations to smart assistants, the data demands for these applications are expected to grow exponentially.

XLSMART’s proactive infrastructure upgrades are directly responding to these trends, ensuring that its network can effectively support the current and future demands of its subscribers. This includes not only expanding the reach of 5G but also enhancing the capacity and efficiency of its 4G LTE network, which remains critical for widespread accessibility.

Broader Economic and Social Implications

The enhancement of digital infrastructure in East Java has far-reaching implications for the region’s economic development and social progress.

Economic Growth and Competitiveness

A robust digital network is a critical enabler of economic growth. For businesses in East Java, this means:

• Increased Productivity: Faster and more reliable internet allows for more efficient operations, quicker data transfer, and seamless communication, leading to higher productivity.
• Enhanced Market Access: Businesses, especially MSMEs, can leverage digital platforms to reach wider markets, both domestically and internationally, expanding their customer base and revenue streams.
• Innovation and New Business Models: Advanced connectivity facilitates the adoption of new technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing, paving the way for innovative business models and services.
• Attracting Investment: A strong digital infrastructure is a key factor for attracting foreign and domestic investment, as companies seek locations with the necessary tools to operate competitively in the global digital economy.

Empowering MSMEs

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are the backbone of the Indonesian economy, and East Java is a significant hub for these businesses. Improved digital connectivity empowers MSMEs by:

• Lowering Operational Costs: Digital tools can automate processes, reduce the need for physical infrastructure, and streamline supply chains.
• Improving Customer Engagement: Social media, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing allow MSMEs to connect with customers more effectively and build stronger brand loyalty.
• Access to Information and Training: Online resources and digital platforms provide MSMEs with access to valuable market information, business training, and best practices.

Social Development and Inclusion

Beyond economic benefits, enhanced digital connectivity contributes to social development and inclusion:

• Improved Access to Education: Online learning platforms and digital educational resources can bridge geographical divides and provide quality education to students in remote areas.
• Better Healthcare Services: Telemedicine and remote health monitoring can extend healthcare access to underserved communities, improving health outcomes.
• Increased Civic Engagement: Digital platforms can facilitate greater citizen participation in governance and community initiatives.
• Digital Inclusion: By expanding 5G coverage, XLSMART aims to ensure that more citizens have access to the opportunities and benefits of the digital age, helping to bridge the digital divide.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Connectivity in East Java

XLSMART’s strategic focus on East Java signals a long-term commitment to fostering digital advancement in the region. The company’s investments are not merely about deploying new technology but about building a sustainable digital ecosystem that supports the growth and prosperity of its customers and the province as a whole. As the demand for digital services continues its upward trajectory, driven by evolving consumer habits and technological innovation, XLSMART’s proactive approach to network expansion and quality improvement positions it as a key player in shaping the digital future of East Java. The ongoing modernization of its infrastructure, coupled with the strategic rollout of 5G, is set to unlock new possibilities and drive further transformation across various sectors of the provincial economy. The success of these initiatives will not only benefit XLSMART’s subscribers but will also contribute significantly to Indonesia’s broader national digital agenda.