XLSMART and ZTE Corporation have entered a strategic partnership to build a blanket 5G network across Indonesia [1, 2].
The initiative aims to modernize the country's digital infrastructure to support a rapidly growing subscriber base. By expanding high-speed connectivity, the partnership seeks to create a future-ready network that can handle increased data demands across the archipelago.
According to reports, the rollout has seen the addition of 7,000 5G sites [1]. This expansion was completed over a period of eight months [1]. The resulting blanket network now serves approximately 73 million subscribers [1].
The collaboration began following a press release from ZTE on May 30, 2025 [2]. The partnership focuses on enhancing digital connectivity to ensure a boundless digital environment for Indonesian users [1, 2].
ZTE and XLSMART said the partnership is designed to provide the necessary infrastructure for the country's digital evolution [2]. The deployment of these sites represents a significant increase in the availability of 5G services in regions that previously lacked high-capacity wireless coverage [1].
The scale of the rollout indicates an aggressive push to capture the 5G market in Southeast Asia. By focusing on a blanket coverage model, the companies are attempting to minimize connectivity gaps that often hinder economic growth in rural, and semi-urban areas [1].
“The partnership added 7,000 5G sites over eight months.”
The rapid deployment of 7,000 sites suggests a shift toward comprehensive national coverage rather than targeted urban hotspots. For Indonesia, this infrastructure surge could accelerate the adoption of digital services and IoT applications, while for ZTE, it solidifies a major footprint in one of the world's most populous mobile markets.
