Kominfo Revokes Frequency Permits of First Media, Bolt

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Communication and Information Ministry (Kominfo) has officially revoked the permits of the 2.3 Ghz radio frequency tape of internet providers PT First Media Tbk (IDX: KBLV), PT Internux (Bolt), and PT Jasnita Telekomindo. The decree takes effect today, December 28, 2018. 

The Ministry's Director General of Resources and Equipment of Post and Information Technology, Ismail, confirmed on Friday, December 28, that KBLV and Bolt could no longer use the radio frequency their telecommunication services. 

Read: First Media Shares Plunge on Frequency Permit Issue

The three operators, Ismail said, failed to pay the rights fee to use the radio frequency spectrum for two years. The total amount of fee in arrears for First Media, Bolt, and Jasnita is Rp364.84 billion, Rp343.587 billion, and Rp2.19 billion, respectively. 

The permit revocation for Bolt and First Media was noted in Kominfo Ministerial Decree No. 1012 and 1011 of 2018, thus both must shut down their network operation centers (NOC) of the core radio. “Customers can no longer use telecommunication services provided by PT Internux and PT First Media Tbk,” Ismail added. 

Read: First Media Revoked Frequency Affecting Bolt Products

The decree, however, will not affect the internet services of FastNet and the Cable TV of PT First Media Tbk,— only the broadband mobile services of Bolt. 

In a release Tempo received today, Bolt has been informed of the decree. “Bolt supports the decision of Kominfo and will stop the 4G LTE services in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), Banten, and Medan as of the date. Bolt will maintain to prioritize and fulfill the rights of its loyal customers.” 

KARTIKA ANGGRAENI