XLSMART & ZTE Launch Indonesia’s First 5G Network Nationwide

Indonesia’s telecommunications landscape shifted significantly today with the official launch of XL Ultra 5G+, the country’s first nationwide 5G network. The rollout is a joint effort between XLSMART, a recently merged telecommunications entity, and ZTE Corporation, a global provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions. The launch, announced February 28, 2026, marks a substantial step in Indonesia’s digital transformation and aims to connect millions of users with enhanced mobile connectivity.

The XLSMART-ZTE Partnership: A Post-Merger Boost

The foundation for this nationwide 5G deployment was laid in May 2025 when XLSMART – formed from the merger of PT XL Axiata Tbk and PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk – entered into a strategic partnership with ZTE. ZTE’s involvement centers on delivering advanced technology solutions, particularly in wireless and energy infrastructure, to support the integration of XLSMART’s networks following the merger. The agreement, signed by Richard Liang, President Director of ZTE Indonesia, and Shurish Subbramaniam, Director & Chief Technology Officer of XLSMART, signaled a commitment to bolstering Indonesia’s digital infrastructure. Senior executives from both companies, including ZTE Chairman Fang Rong and Sinar Mas Telecommunications and Technology Chairman Franky Oesman Widjaja, were present at the signing ceremony.

Expanding 5G Coverage Across Indonesia

Prior to this partnership, Indonesia’s 5G rollout had been limited, primarily concentrated in major urban centers. XLSMART’s collaboration with ZTE aims to overcome these limitations and provide blanket coverage across the archipelago. Telcomagazine.com reports that the partnership is “pivotal in enhancing Indonesia’s telecommunications landscape” and accelerating the country’s digital transformation. The XL Ultra 5G+ service is now commercially available, offering faster speeds and lower latency to users throughout Indonesia. The launch event in Surabaya highlighted the network’s capabilities and its potential to drive economic growth and innovation.

The Financial Implications and Market Context

While specific financial details of the partnership and rollout costs haven’t been publicly disclosed beyond the initial agreement, the investment represents a significant commitment to Indonesia’s telecommunications sector. Both XL Axiata and Smartfren have been major players in the Indonesian mobile market for years, and their merger created a stronger entity capable of competing with other providers. PT XL Axiata Tbk, prior to the merger, reported substantial revenue and subscriber numbers, and the combined entity is expected to leverage these strengths to expand its market share. The rollout of 5G is expected to generate new revenue streams for XLSMART through increased data consumption and the introduction of new 5G-enabled services.

Impact on Consumers and Businesses

The nationwide 5G network is poised to have a broad impact on both consumers and businesses in Indonesia. For consumers, it means faster download and upload speeds, improved streaming quality, and a more responsive mobile experience. For businesses, the enhanced connectivity will enable new applications such as industrial automation, remote healthcare, and smart city initiatives. The improved network infrastructure will also support the growth of Indonesia’s digital economy, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The availability of 5G is expected to attract foreign investment and create new job opportunities in the technology sector.

ZTE’s Role and Global Strategy

ZTE’s partnership with XLSMART aligns with the company’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in emerging markets. ZTE is a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and services, and it has been actively involved in 5G deployments around the world. The company’s expertise in wireless and energy infrastructure makes it a valuable partner for XLSMART in building a future-ready network. ZTE’s involvement in Indonesia’s 5G rollout also demonstrates the growing importance of international collaboration in driving digital transformation. The company’s commitment to delivering advanced technology solutions is evident in its ongoing investments in research and development.

Navigating Regulatory Hurdles and Future Expansion

The rollout of a nationwide 5G network requires navigating a complex regulatory landscape. XLSMART has been working closely with Indonesian regulatory authorities to secure the necessary licenses and approvals. The company is committed to complying with all applicable regulations and ensuring the security and reliability of its network. Future expansion plans include increasing 5G coverage to more remote areas of Indonesia and introducing new 5G-enabled services. XLSMART is also exploring the potential of using 5G to support the development of smart cities and other innovative applications. The company’s long-term vision is to create a fully connected Indonesia that leverages the power of 5G to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Looking Ahead: Network Integration and Service Development

The immediate focus for XLSMART and ZTE will be on the continued integration of their networks and the optimization of the 5G infrastructure. This includes ensuring seamless handover between 4G and 5G networks and addressing any potential challenges related to network performance and security. XLSMART will also be working to develop new 5G-enabled services that cater to the specific needs of Indonesian consumers and businesses. This could include offerings in areas such as entertainment, education, and healthcare. The success of the XL Ultra 5G+ launch will depend on the company’s ability to deliver a reliable and affordable 5G experience to its customers.