ZTE and SURGE Mark Milestone Partnership to Deliver World's First Commercial 5G FWA 1.4GHz Service

Release Time:2026-03-05
  • ZTE and SURGE accelerate Indonesia's digital inclusion through scalable, affordable connectivity beyond fiber infrastructure
  • First commercial 1.4GHz FWA network delivers up to 100Mbps with wider coverage and stronger indoor penetration

 

Barcelona, Spain, March 5, 2026 - ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk, IDX: WIFI ("SURGE"), to commercially deploy Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services using the 1.4GHz spectrum in Indonesia. The collaboration was formalized at MWC Barcelona 2026, reinforcing both companies' shared commitment to expanding inclusive, affordable, and sustainable digital connectivity. The partnership marks ZTE's first 5G FWA 1.4GHz project with SURGE and represents a significant milestone in accelerating fixed broadband access and bridging connectivity gaps for communities across Indonesia.

 

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The announcement follows the official results of the 2025 Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) frequency auction conducted by Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi). PT Telemedia Komunikasi Pratama, a subsidiary of SURGE, was declared the winner for Region-1.

 

Region-1 covers Java, Maluku, and Papua, which represent more than 60% of Indonesia's total population, making it the country's most strategic digital market. Java alone accounts for approximately 56% of the national population, supported by a mature infrastructure and strong fixed broadband demand. The demographic scale and infrastructure readiness of this region create significant efficiencies in spectrum utilization and network deployment.

 

The partnership follows SURGE's successful completion of the Uji Laik Operasi (ULO) for its IRA - Internet Rakyat service, confirming its full regulatory and operational readiness. With this milestone, SURGE is officially recognized as the world's first 5G FWA 1.4GHz operator, launching the first commercial fixed broadband service utilizing the 1.4GHz spectrum globally.

 

The world's first 5G FWA 1.4GHz commercial service, launched under the brand IRA – Internet Rakyat on February 19, 2026, delivers high-speed fixed broadband of up to 100 Mbps at an affordable price of only Rp100,000 (approximately US$6) per month with unlimited quota and free modem rental. IRA – Internet Rakyat is poised to redefine fixed wireless access by combining breakthrough spectrum innovation with true mass-market accessibility. Designed to empower communities, support digital lifestyles, and accelerate economic participation, IRA – Internet Rakyat marks a bold step toward inclusive connectivity. It reinforces the Group's long-term commitment to expanding Indonesia's digital infrastructure, particularly across Region-1 (Java, Maluku, and Papua), while ensuring reliable, high-quality internet becomes truly accessible to all.

 

As SURGE's primary technology partner, ZTE delivers a fully integrated end-to-end FWA solution, including Radio Access Network (RAN) infrastructure, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), and comprehensive technical implementation services. This turnkey deployment model ensures rapid commercialization while maintaining high standards of network reliability and service performance.

 

A key differentiator of the deployment lies in SURGE's existing fiber optic backbone network running along railway corridors across Java. The integration of 1.4GHz wireless access with this established fiber backbone significantly reduces per-subscriber investment costs, enhances bandwidth distribution efficiency, and accelerates time-to-market. This synergy enables cost-efficient expansion of high-speed internet services across urban and suburban areas in Java, while supporting connectivity extension to Maluku and Papua.

 

IRA – Internet Rakyat represents a practical realization of affordable fixed broadband powered by mid-band wireless technology. Designed to broaden digital participation, the service supports Indonesia's national objective of expanding inclusive and equitable internet access, particularly for communities seeking reliable alternatives to traditional fixed-line broadband.

 

The 1.4GHz frequency band plays a strategic role in expanding fixed broadband access through Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology in Indonesia. As a mid-band spectrum, 1.4GHz provides an optimal balance between coverage and capacity, supporting wider service reach and improved indoor signal penetration compared to higher frequency bands. By leveraging wireless last-mile connectivity, this approach can accelerate deployment and reduce infrastructure costs compared to fiber rollouts in underserved or geographically challenging areas. Performance trials have demonstrated download speeds of up to 100Mbps, aligning with the government's broadband development targets to enhance digital connectivity nationwide.

 

Richard LiangPresident Director of ZTE Indonesia, explained that the partnership underscores ZTE's commitment to delivering technology innovations that drive meaningful digital inclusion. "We are proud to collaborate with SURGE on the world's first 1.4GHz 5G FWA implementation. This partnership demonstrates how next-generation wireless technology can provide a practical and cost-efficient solution to expand fixed broadband access at scale, particularly in Indonesia," he stated.

 

Meanwhile, Shannedy Ong, Director of PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk and President Director of PT Telemedia Komunikasi Pratama, noted that the collaboration represents a strategic step toward accelerating nationwide connectivity while supporting the government's digital transformation agenda. "With our experience in developing community-focused digital solutions and our proven operational readiness, we have designed IRA - Internet Rakyat, as an inclusive, reliable, and affordable service. We believe collaboration is essential. With ZTE's technology and expertise, we are confident in our ability to deliver high-quality internet access to more communities across Indonesia," he said.

 

Looking ahead, ZTE and SURGE will continue to strengthen their partnership through ongoing innovation, network optimization, and expanded service coverage. This long-term collaboration aims to establish a strong foundation for high-quality, cost-efficient fixed broadband infrastructure while accelerating inclusive digital transformation throughout Indonesia.