The Minister of Transportation has recently issued Ministerial Regulation No. 2 of 2005 on the Use of Frequency Band 2400 – 2483.5 MHz (“Regulation”). The Regulation confirmed that the frequency may be used for free. Prior to the issuance of the Regulation, the Government receives numerous protests from activist due to the levies and tax it imposed to the public in utilizing the frequency. 2400-2483.5 MHz frequency has been used widely to provide wireless local area network for internet access, popularly known as “hotspot” frequency.

Article 3 of the Regulation clearly stipulates that the frequency shall be used for the purposes of data access or internet access. The frequency band can be used for sharing between users. Outdoor or Indoor use of the frequency is allowed, however the use of the frequency shall not interfere other radio stations or Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipments. The Regulation in its Chapter III also stipulates technical specification that must be complied. It, among others, regulates the maximum power of transmitter used.

The equipments used shall be certified. Supervision and control towards the 2400-2483.5 MHz frequency utilization will be conducted by the directorate general of postal and telecommunication of the Ministry of Transportation. Radio stations may still use this frequency in accordance with the previous regulations, until their respective licenses expired. The use of this frequency for the purposes of microwave link in Jakarta may still be conducted for two-year term. This frequency can be used for free, which means that no levies will be imposed and no license is required. (mma)