The Nokia Group is expanding an analog system in Indonesia, in the face of the deployment of digital systems by numerous other operators there.
Earlier this year, Indonesia’s government gave the state-owned operator the nation’s first license for personal communications services. Other PCS licenses are expected to be offered soon.
The collection of 17,000 islands has become a target market for wireless communications. Not only are there two analog systems, but digital systems using Global System for Mobile communications technology have been launched by three operators, PT Telkomsel, PT Satelindo and PT Excelcomindo Pratama.
Nokia said the contract with Mobisel of Indonesia is valued at $30 million. Delivery of equipment should begin in July, and will include network controllers, base stations, a maintenance center and service assistance for five years.
The Nordic Mobile Telephone-450 network will cover Java, one of the world’s most densely populated areas that includes the capital city of Jakarta (8 million people) and the major cities of Surabaya (2 million) and Bandung (2 million).
The NMT system also will cover southern Sumatra, Lombok and the small island of Bali. The network will have a capacity of 85,000 subscribers, Nokia said.
Japanese, European and U.S. companies have influence in the Southeast Asian nation. The state operator with the new PCS license is PT Industri Telekomunikasi Indonesia, a cordless telecom system designer. Its product, Intacts, was developed by state telecom company PT Telkom and Japan Radio Communications.
Pennsylvania-based InterDigital Communications Corp. recently signed a contract valued at $41 million to sell PT Industri Telekomunikasi its UltraPhone wireless local loop system. Equipment is slated for delivery late this year.
But Tokyo-based NEC Corp. is equipping West Java with a wireless local loop system using Personal Handyphone System technology. NEC’s order is with PT Aria West International and includes 97,000 fixed telephone terminals; the system is scheduled to be installed by 1997.
Stockholm, Sweden-based L.M. Ericsson built a Digital European Cordless Telephone system for PT Telkom. About 4,000 access lines were supposed to be installed in Semaran, Java.
Deutsche Telekom is an owner of nationwide GSM operator Satelindo. New York-based Nynex Corp. is a 23 percent owner in GSM operator Excelcomindo, which also has launched a nationwide network.
An analog NMT system is operated by PT Mobile Selular Indonesia and an Advanced Mobile Phone System system is operated by PT Metro Selular Nusantara, PT Telekomindo Prima Bhakti and PT Komselindo.
