Mitratel signs MoU with AALTO
Above: The solar-powered Zephyr High Altitude Platform System (HAPS).
Copyright Airbus
Combined with Mitratel’s extensive digital infrastructure portfolio that includes more than 38,000 towers and 37,000 km fibre optic, AALTO’s Zephyr offers game-changing capabilities from the stratosphere that will be transformative for mobile connectivity and earth observation.
Indonesia is the largest archipelago globally with geographic and economic challenges in extending internet access and network availability across 3T, the country’s frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped areas. Capable of flying for months at a time, Zephyr is a payload agnostic platform that can transform into a multifunctional tower in the sky to provide low latency 5G direct to-device mobile connectivity services in hard-to-reach and rural locations.
Working in collaboration with telecoms industry leaders such as Mitratel, AALTO is well-positioned to expand connectivity. This includes extending the coverage of mobile network operators (MNOs) and reducing network white spots.
Theodorus Ardi Hartoko (Teddy), Chief Executive Officer of Mitratel, said: “We support the Government of Indonesia’s plans to deliver equal access to high-quality telecommunication for all citizens. Access to the internet can improve quality of life alongside boosting economic growth in regions. Therefore, we are pioneering various initiatives and adopting new technology that enables Mitratel to expand its network effectively.
“We are confident that collaboration with AALTO will expand existing infrastructure to improve access to affordable and effective connectivity across 3T regions by develop the industrial and commercial pathway for HAPS and Flying Tower Systems (FTS) in Indonesia.”
Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of AALTO, commented: “Zephyr is at the cutting-edge of sustainable technology, with connectivity and observation capabilities that can help bridge the digital divide in Indonesia. There is a unique opportunity for non-terrestrial networks such as HAPS to play a critical role in the telecommunications ecosystem of countries like Indonesia, enhancing existing infrastructure from mobile network operators and tower companies.
“Mitratel continues to be an innovative market leader, recognising the game-changing potential of services from the stratosphere. Our focus now turns to deepening our engagement with Mitratel to build a cohesive HAPS ecosystem in Indonesia.”
