In a significant move towards bridging the digital divide, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a grant to Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics (MCI) for a feasibility study aimed at deploying open radio access network (Open RAN) technology. This initiative targets providing cellular wireless connectivity to 1,621 underserved rural villages in Indonesia.

The partnership between USTDA and MCI underscores a shared commitment to advancing Indonesia’s universal access goals and fostering the deployment of next-generation network technologies. Enoh T. Ebong, Director of USTDA, emphasized the project's potential to leverage private sector financing and create opportunities for U.S. companies to contribute solutions in one of the world's largest telecom markets.

The study, facilitated by the Open RAN industry association Telecom Infra Project, Inc. (TIP), will assess the commercial and technical viability of deploying Open RAN technology in Indonesia. Multiple U.S. technology providers, including Mavenir, Parallel Wireless, IBM, and KCCTech, are actively participating by contributing equipment and technical expertise.

Dr. Ir. Ismail MT, Director General of Postal and Information Resources and Equipment at MCI, welcomed the collaboration, noting its role in bridging the digital divide and achieving national goals for universal access. He highlighted Open RAN's flexibility and cost-effectiveness in connecting remote communities and unlocking their economic potential.

Kristian Toivo, Executive Director of TIP, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership's potential to drive Indonesia's national digital inclusion objectives. The study's outcomes will help unlock investment for the commercial deployment of U.S. and other trusted technology across remote parts of the country.

Open RAN technology offers several advantages for island countries and rural areas, including lower deployment costs, greater scalability, and competition among technology suppliers. USTDA’s support for this project aligns with efforts to develop secure digital infrastructure and facilitate economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region.

The feasibility study represents a landmark milestone in Indonesia's journey towards enhanced connectivity and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving universal access to digital services. As the world increasingly relies on digital connectivity, initiatives like these are crucial steps towards building inclusive and resilient societies.