ZTE and Telkomsel drive Hyper 5G expansion in Makassar, accelerating high-performance connectivity to Eastern Indonesia

• ZTE has reinforced its strategic collaboration with Telkomsel by expanding the deployment of Hyper 5G in Makassar, aiming to deliver high-performance digital connectivity to Eastern Indonesia
• ZTE and Telkomsel are deploying 5G NSA technology to ensure an optimal user experience
• ZTE has supported 118 5G BTS sites across Eastern Indonesia, delivering download speeds of up to 505 Mbps, upload speeds of 42.5 Mbps, and latency as low as 5 milliseconds

Makassar, Indonesia, November 17, 2025 – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has further strengthened its strategic partnership with Telkomsel by expanding Hyper 5G deployment to Makassar, South Sulawesi. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the joint efforts to deliver high-performance digital connectivity to Eastern Indonesia. The initiative is part of a long-term collaboration aimed at accelerating internet access, enabling low-latency connectivity for education and entertainment applications, fostering Industry 4.0 innovation, and supporting Indonesia's digital economy by unlocking greater opportunities for start-ups and MSMEs.

ZTE plays a pivotal role in the end-to-end implementation of the 5G infrastructure, from 5G network planning and precise site selection to the deployment of advanced Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies. The project also includes hardware installation, software activation, and network optimization to ensure seamless integration of 5G services across the region.  

Richard Liang, President Director of ZTE Indonesia, expressed pride in the deep collaboration with Telkomsel to bring cutting-edge 5G solutions to Makassar. "This partnership represents a major step forward in our shared commitment to empower communities and industries through connectivity. By combining advanced technologies, we are not only enhancing network speed but also reshaping how people interact with the digital world. We are confident this network will support Makassar's digital transformation journey and create a strong digital economy foundation for Eastern Indonesia."

To accelerate 5G expansion in Makassar, ZTE and Telkomsel are deploying 5G Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA) technology, which integrates both 5G and 4G networks to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted user experience. The solution is powered by ZTE's latest Massive MIMO technology with high output power, significantly boosting network capacity and coverage. Combined with multi-band capabilities, this advanced approach enables Telkomsel to optimize costs in expanding its 5G network across various regions, including densely populated urban areas such as Makassar.

As one of Indonesia's leading telecommunications providers, Telkomsel views the expansion in Makassar as a key part of its broader mission to drive digital transformation by providing scalable and inclusive 5G connectivity nationwide. The goal is to enhance productivity, create new economic opportunities, and build a sustainable digital ecosystem. ZTE has played a vital role in supporting Telkomsel's 5G testing since the early stages and has become the main provider for both Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G networks. Through its partnership with ZTE, Telkomsel is accelerating 5G expansion to other regions, including Banjarmasin, Pontianak, Manado, Morowali, Jayapura, Mimika, Banjarbaru, Ambon, Sorong, Merauke and Central Halmahera to deliver socio-economics impacts by supporting the growth of local MSMEs and digital innovation.

Indra Mardiatna, Director of Network Telkomsel, said, "The expansion of Hyper 5G implementation in Makassar reflects Telkomsel's commitment to strengthening its leadership as the leading 5G operator in Indonesia. Together with ZTE, we are delivering broader and high-quality connectivity, which will boost community productivity, accelerate digital transformation, and unclock new economic opportunities across Eastern Indonesia."

The socio-economic potential of enhanced 5G connectivity in Makassar is substantial. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the city's economic growth in 2024 reached 5.56% and it is considered one of the regions with a significant contribution to Eastern Indonesia. With 5G penetration reaching 21% of total devices in circulation and average data consumption hitting 15GB per user per month (Telkomsel data, April 2025), Makassar demonstrates a high level of digital adoption.

With improved internet infrastructure, businesses in Makassar, including MSMEs, can grow, access broader markets, and develop new digital services. The 5G network expansion initiated by Telkomsel and ZTE in Makassar is not merely a technological milestone, but a catalyst for inclusive growth and innovation in Makassar and Indonesia's digital economy.