08 April 2025
Indonesia has entered a new era of wireless technology with the launch of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, as part of a government push to fast-track the nation’s digital transformation that is expected to unlock $187.6 billion in economic potential in the next six years.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs recently added 24 new 20 MHz channels to expand broadband access, reduce Wi-Fi congestion, and enhance connectivity. It will also connect 1.14 million more people to the internet whilst lowering enterprise costs and boosting productivity.
“By adopting Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 on the 6 GHz frequency band, Indonesia is taking a strategic position on the global digital map,” said Communication Minister Meutya Hafid. “This is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to driving digital transformation as a national agenda.”
The Indonesia Technology Alliance (ITA) estimates almost $200 billion in economic value between 2022 and 2031 associated with allocating the 1200MHz in the 6GHz band — $126.4 billion in economic output, $37.7 billion in producer surplus to Indonesian enterprises, and $23.4 billion in consumer surplus.
By opening the 6 GHz spectrum, Indonesia can implement faster, low-latency, and more reliable Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, benefiting businesses, the public, and basic services. This technology also allows more devices to connect simultaneously whilst maintaining a stable connection. A key challenge in implementing Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 is the availability of digital infrastructure, particularly fibre optic networks.
The ITA said that the new spectrum aligns with the approach adopted by 81% of countries that have implemented Wi-Fi 6 GHz. The maximum 80 MHz channel width ensures optimal performance for high-density deployments, making it ideal for both residential and enterprise use.
One of the major enhancements is the Very Low Power (VLP) category, which allows indoor and outdoor operations for portable devices in the 5925-6425 MHz range. The initiative supports various applications, including ultra-fast file transfers, seamless video conferencing, and high-quality streaming in 8K.
