BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG — XL Smart is targeting the expansion of its 5G services to more than 88 cities across Indonesia by the end of 2026. The expansion is not solely focused on increasing the number of covered areas, but also on developing a full blanket 5G concept to provide more evenly distributed connectivity across cities and regencies.

Through its Smartfren brand, XL Smart currently provides 5G services in more than 50 cities. The company is continuing to expand its network to dozens of additional cities in an effort to reach its target of 88 cities by the end of the year.

Bali is among the key regions targeted for the expansion. Smartfren’s 5G network is already available in several areas, including Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Tabanan and Jembrana.

The full blanket 5G concept is a key part of XL Smart’s network development strategy. Instead of concentrating network deployment primarily in business centers and densely populated areas, the company aims to provide broader coverage once a city or regency is included in its 5G service area.

The network expansion will also be supported by enhanced products. Smartfren offers 5G Unlimited packages starting at IDR 100,000, with validity options of seven, 14 and 28 days.

SMARTFREN Group Head of Marketing Segment Astiyanto Tri Muktiwibowo said demand for connectivity continues to grow alongside the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), digital transactions, streaming services, online gaming, social media and productivity applications.

To strengthen network capacity and coverage, XL Smart plans to utilize additional 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum that the company has secured.

The 700 MHz spectrum is expected to help expand network coverage, while the 2.6 GHz spectrum will be used to increase network capacity and improve service quality. The additional spectrum is expected to begin being utilized in the near future, no later than around September 2026.

XL Smart also said its network quality has received third-party recognition through four Ookla awards covering 5G video experience, 5G network performance, mobile network performance and the fastest 5G network.

The target of reaching 88 cities presents a significant challenge for XL Smart, particularly in ensuring that 5G expansion goes beyond simply adding coverage points. The full blanket approach is expected to deliver more consistent, stable and evenly distributed connectivity for users.

Bali is considered strategically important because of its position as an international tourism destination and its high level of economic and digital activity. This provides XL Smart with an opportunity to accelerate 5G adoption, including through its Unlimited 5G services.

The expansion strategy was presented during the SMARTFREN 5G Media Update Denpasar 2026, held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Oxso Super Lounge, Jalan Dewi Sri No. 08, Legian, Kuta, Badung, Bali.

The event ran from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. WITA, beginning with registration and lunch, followed by a presentation by XL Smart and a question-and-answer session with members of the media.

The forum provided an opportunity for the media to learn more about XL Smart’s 5G expansion strategy, the implementation of the full blanket 5G concept, the utilization of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum, and the strengthening of Unlimited 5G services in Bali.