Surge (WIFI) and OREX SAI Launch World’s First 1.4GHz 5G FWA Service in Indonesia, Offering Low-Cost Broadband
Key Takeaways
|
JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — OREX SAI Inc., a joint venture between NTT DOCOMO and NEC Corporation, together with its Indonesian subsidiary PT OREX SAI Indonesia and PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk, or Surge (WIFI), has officially launched the world’s first commercial 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service operating on the 1.4GHz band using Open RAN technology, across Indonesia on Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025.
The collaboration aims to deliver affordable, high-speed internet to underserved and remote areas, aligning with the government’s vision of nationwide digital inclusion and connectivity. Following a comprehensive agreement signed in March 2025, the companies completed technology demonstrations and lab tests before establishing PT OREX SAI Indonesia in June to lead local operations. The firm successfully developed the first Radio Unit to receive Type Approval for the n50 (1.4GHz) band in Indonesia, marking a key milestone in the nation’s 5G FWA innovation.
OREX SAI’s rollout is supported by Japanese government initiatives, including the “Subcontract for Verification and Operation of Open RAN Networks in ASEAN Countries” by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and the “Co-Creation Project for the Future of the Global South” by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. These programs helped fund pre-commercial trials and the deployment of 5G Open RAN networks in Indonesia.
Surge, through its subsidiary PT Telemedia Komunikasi Pratama, holds a Region I broadband license covering more than 60% of Indonesian households — positioning it as the country’s leading broadband infrastructure developer.
To accelerate broadband penetration and reduce access costs, Surge will offer unlimited 5G FWA services with speeds up to 100 Mbps at a flat rate of Rp 100,000 per month, inclusive of installation and free CPE device rental. The initial 2026 rollout will cover 4,800 base stations with full support from OREX SAI.
OREX SAI will serve as the primary provider of the world’s first commercial Open RAN-based 5G FWA system at 1.4GHz, delivering end-to-end solutions that integrate Open RAN architecture and NEC Corporation’s 5G Core. This combination ensures a flexible, efficient, and future-ready network infrastructure.
In parallel, PT Telemedia Komunikasi Pratama has signed agreements with 26 local distributors to accelerate broadband deployment across Region I, creating an end-to-end digital ecosystem for affordable, high-speed internet access for millions of households.
WIFI President Director Yune Marketatmo said the company’s goal is to expand affordable broadband access nationwide. “Through our collaboration with OREX SAI, we are building an innovative 5G FWA ecosystem that bridges Indonesia’s digital divide and drives the country’s digital economy to the next level,” Yune stated.
PT Telemedia Komunikasi Pratama President Director Shannedy Ong emphasized the importance of local distribution. “This launch marks the first-ever commercial implementation of the 1.4GHz 5G FWA network globally. For just Rp 100,000 a month, customers receive unlimited 100 Mbps broadband with free CPE devices,” he explained.
The 26 distribution partners include PT Solusi Internet Indonesia, PT Global Bima Utama, PT Personal Alih Daya Tbk, PT Multi Cipta Arta, and PT Lumina Orbit Digital, among others.
NTT DOCOMO Global President and CEO Hiroki Kuriyama praised the collaboration. “We are pleased that Surge and the Indonesian government recognize the potential of Open RAN broadband. By expanding broadband penetration and digital inclusivity, we are fulfilling our mission of ‘Bridging Worlds for Wonder and Happiness,’” he said.
OREX SAI CEO Hiroshi Kobayashi added that the initiative represents a major step forward for Indonesia in global 5G technology. “We are proud to launch the world’s first commercial Open RAN 1.4GHz FWA initiative in Indonesia and remain committed to delivering empowering technologies that accelerate digital transformation,” he said.