by : Daniswara Pandina (PT. Telkomsel Indonesia)

Start in 2008, costly network will not longer be the first issue as Telkomsel, introduced its innovative rural solution by using IP Pico BTS over VSAT IP Transmission- It’s opportunity for Industry!!

Telkomsel is the biggest GSM Operator in Indonesia with mobile subs 58 million in urban and Suburban. 13.000 site will be deployed till the end of 2008, including in outer islands and Indonesian border.

The solution gives deployment advantages for rural connectivity, It will open new possibilities for industry to reevaluate rural market by providing expandable GSM hotspot.

Network Configuration	Network Info	Deployment Advantages
Access	Pico Cell/ BTS GSM, 1TRX	Min SITAC, No Tower Fast Install, Low Power, Low Capex, Low Opex, No Dependencies on Geography, Low cost transmission backhaul, Hotspot Coverage approach
Access Controller	IP BSC connected to MSC Telkomsel and IP VSAT satellite system
Transmission	VSAT IP
Power	Gov. Elcty/Battery back up charged & discharged by Solar Cell System.

In July 2008, Telkomsel announce its program to provide rural connectivity with project called “Telkomsel Merah Putih”. The programs run to be complementary to USO (Universal Service Obligation). Program held by government : Up to 13.000. sites will be deployed by the solution until the end of 2009.

The solution technology is PICO GSM IP BTS platform over VSAT IP transmission. All solution powered by Solar Cell where government electricity does not exist; Voice & data over 2G ; The program is Key initiative to help the nation and solve first issue in providing connectivity in rural Area as well as to penetrate new market.

ICT industry in Indonesia is now ready to engage the nation’s connectivity by low cost and effective solution. rural connectivity is never ending process.

Raise the potential undeveloped local community at of community, and the same time create new business. By cooperation between industry, government and local community can create value for all and inspire private sector to participate participate.

It is proven that rural market could be profitable with the right approach, although difficulties and challenges in developing economies still have to be overcome.

Source :
http://www.mtc.gob.pe/portal/apectel38/lsg_industry/08_tel38_lsg_ir_003_industry-telkomsel_DaniswaraPandina%20%5BCompatibility%20Mode%5D.pdf

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In January 2009, the Indonesia Information and Communications ministry announced PT Telkomsel as the winner of five of the project's seven tender packages that aim to ensure basic fixed lines and that all affordable wireless services for citizens across the country. The packages also offer specialized tariff schemes for low-income people with fixed network connections, Internet access and public call boxes.

Three state universities signed an MoU with PT Telkomsel on Friday (05/08/2009) to research the impact of telecommunication services in rural areas.

The Universal Service Obligation (USO), will affect the cultural, economical, social and political conditions of the people living in the areas, the Indonesian government is targeting to connect 38,000 remote villages by 2010.

The research will provide information on market-mapping, operational constraints, social segmentation and communication behavior among villagers, also serve as a means for the government to monitor the progress of the project and its impact on the societies, and to better understand the social expectation on the project.

And PT Telkomsel announced six network vendors to provide 6000 VSAT-IP Satellites for the universal service obligation (USO) project will implemented in the 24.056 villages.

The vendors is AJN Solusindo, Tangara Mitrakom, Patrakom, Telkom Divisi Enterprise, Konsorsium Aprotech, and Transnetwork Asia, each vendors provide 1000 VSAT for four months until September 2009.

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