NEWS
Nokia partners with Surge to bring affordable high-speed internet services to Indonesia
Nokia has signed a multi-year partnership with Indonesian digital and telecommunications provider Surge to deploy a nationwide 5G Fixed Wireless Access( FWA) network aimed at expanding highspeed internet access across the country.
Under the agreement, Nokia will roll out its advanced RAN and Customer Premises Equipment( CPE) solutions to deliver fast, lowlatency broadband in regions with limited fiber connectivity, including Java, Papua and Maluku.
The deployment is scheduled to begin in December 2025 and aligns with Indonesia’ s national digital inclusion and Affordable Broadband programs.
The initiative will utilize the n50 spectrum band, leveraging Nokia’ s FTTx, IP, and Optics infrastructure for reliable backhaul and transport. Nokia’ s AirScale Radio Access Network portfolio, its latest AirScale Baseband, and Remote Radio Head technology will support broad coverage while maintaining strong energy efficiency through ReefShark System-on-Chip components. operational support. The partnership includes deployment, maintenance, and managed services designed to improve performance, efficiency and long-term network resilience.
Shannedy Ong, Director at Surge Indonesia, said the collaboration will help deliver a best-in-class 5G experience and expand affordable connectivity to underserved communities. Mark Atkinson, Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, added that the agreement represents a major step toward accelerating Indonesia’ s digital transformation through high-performance wireless broadband. Both companies expect the project to significantly boost regional economic growth, support new digital services and improve overall network resilience as Indonesia accelerates its transition toward a more connected, technology-driven future.
Surge will also adopt Nokia’ s MantaRay NM network management system, which offers integrated monitoring and AI-enhanced
Japan’ s Digital Nation report calls for targeted action to unlock digital growth
GSMA has released Japan’ s Digital Nation: Pathways for
Transformation – a report assessing the country’ s readiness to achieve its digital-transformation ambitions and the policy actions needed to close remaining gaps.
Using the GSMA Intelligence Digital Nations Index, the study ranks Japan as a Leading Digital Nation – third in Asia Pacific with a score of 76 – and highlights global leadership in data governance and a strengthening cybersecurity posture.
While noting strong infrastructure and human-capital foundations, the report warns that difficulties in commercialising world-class research may limit long-term competitiveness. It calls for a targeted innovation strategy to advance concepts such as IOWN and Open RAN, greater investment in cybersecurity resilience and strategic programmes to expand Japan’ s pool of advanced AI and cloud specialists.
“ Japan has built the foundations of a digital society, but bold, coordinated action is now needed to translate technical excellence into economy-wide transformation,” said Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA.“ By enabling innovation-friendly regulation, reinforcing cyber resilience and deepening the digital-skills pipeline, Japan can set a global benchmark for digital nations.”
The report outlines three imperatives: a focused innovation strategy to scale next-generation network leadership; sustained cybersecurity investment and talent development to achieve world-class resilience; and strategic human-capital initiatives to expand specialist skills and ensure an inclusive, future-ready workforce.
Additional insights note Japan’ s progress toward 6G-ready networks, the need to strengthen its start-up ecosystem, the importance of future-proof privacy rules and efforts in regional anti-scam collaboration.
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