Indonesian Regency Builds Mini BTS to Expand Rural Internet Access

The Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Regency Communication and Informatics Office in South Sumatra is actively working to bridge the digital divide by constructing mini base transceiver stations (BTS). This initiative aims to eliminate "blank spots" – areas with no mobile signal – in several rural communities.

The project, which is scheduled for phased development until 2026, seeks to extend internet service coverage to remote villages that have long suffered from poor or non-existent signal reception. According to the Head of Diskominfo OKU, Mirdaili, the construction is being carried out incrementally due to budget constraints.

This year's efforts are concentrated on strategic locations, including the Goa Putri tourist area in Padang Bindu Village, the SP 8 Peninjauan area, and Negeri Agung Village in Lengkiti District. Mirdaili confirmed that construction in these locations is complete, enabling local residents to access improved internet services.

These mini BTS units are compact telecommunication infrastructure devices, smaller than traditional BTS towers. Their primary function is to enhance cellular signals in areas previously lacking coverage, thereby boosting the quality of telecommunication networks and internet access in rural regions. Mirdaili noted that while the infrastructure is being improved, users will still need to purchase their own data plans to access the internet.

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The construction of mini BTS is aimed at expanding internet service coverage to the corners of the village which have been constrained by signal.