Medan, 27 September 2021. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) continues to strengthen its 4G network in the area around Lake Toba, North Sumatra Province. In the seven regencies, XL Axiata's 4G network has reached at least 70 villages and 28 districts. The strengthening of this quality data network is also XL Axiata's effort to participate in supporting the existence of Lake Toba as one of the super priority and world-class destinations in accordance with the provision by the government. This initiative is part of the implementation of XL Axiata's commitment to enter the 25th anniversary in an effort to Build a Digital Indonesia.
Group Head of XL Axaita West Region, Desy Sari Dewi, said, "The strengthening of the 4G network in Lake Toba area covers a very wide area because around the largest lake in Indonesia, there are seven regencies. The existence of 4G network will support the existence of Lake Toba as a super priority and world-class tourist destination, and of course it will also be very useful to support the economic and social activities of the local community. In addition, large and small industry players there can also take advantage of our services. Currently, XL Axiata's services have reached 77% of the Lake Toba area in seven regencies."
According to Desy, XL Axiata’s network in Lake Toba area is supported by a total of more than 315 BTS, including 115 4G BTS. Most of 4G networks are located in Balige and Ajibata Districts, on Samosir Island, that are included in Toba Samosir Regency, which is a tourist area with many lodgings and tourist sites. In addition, the 4G BTS also supports the economic activities of the community in Parapat, Simalungun Regency, which is the main entrance to Lake Toba area with a ferry port. Other 4G BTS are located in the middle of rural settlements around the lake, which are included in North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, Dairi, Karo, and Samosir Regencies.
In the last two years, traffic of 4G data service usage has continued to grow up to 250% in the Lake Toba area, even though tourism activity has decreased drastically compared to the period before the pandemic. According to Desy, this shows that the 4G network there is utilized optimally by local residents for various purposes, including productive, social and entertainment activities. Moreover, during the pandemic, school children must also carry out distance learning from home. There are about 650 thousand subscribers in the region that are included in the seven regencies, out of a total of about 3.70 million subscribers throughout North Sumatra.
"We believe that when the pandemic is under control and tourist areas begin to reopen, data traffic will increase rapidly. Moreover, Lake Toba has been designated as a super priority destination. As a super priority destination, this area will also be a priority location for implementing 5G networks. While waiting for the implementation of XL Axiata’s 5G there, we have also prepared the supporting infrastructure, including by fiberizing the network around Lake Toba," Desy continued.
The increase in data traffic and the need to support the revival of the Lake Toba tourism industry has encouraged XL Axiata to continue to strengthen its 4G network by expanding its service area coverage. In the last two years, there have been recorded additions of around 83 4G BTS in 23 villages, including those in Simanindo District in Samosir Regency, and in Ajibata District, Toba Samosir Regency. Meanwhile, network fiberization has been carried out in areas that become tourist routes, such as along the Silangit Airport area in North Tapanuli, as well as along toll and non-toll roads from Medan to Lake Toba, a total distance of 90.1 km.
Special promo for XL Axiata products
Currently, there are product promos that can be used by subscribers and the public in Lake Toba area to access data services on 4G network, namely XL Unlimited Turbo 28 GB at a price of around Rp 65 thousand. The benefit offered by this product is that subscribers get a quota of 28 GB Full 24 Hours Unlimited Turbo.
To ensure that it is easy for the public and subscribers to get XL Axiata products, both XL and AXIS, currently in Lake Toba area there are around 300 credit shops that provide XL Axiata products. These shops are spread out to districts and villages that are already covered by XL Axiata services. Through these distribution network stores, subscribers can also get information and also submit complaints, which the store manager will then forward it to XL Axiata customer service.