Neutral Host Deployment for 2 GHz Non-Terrestrial Networks in Indonesia: A Techno-Economic and Regulatory Assessment

Karina Nurlita Salsabila; Nachwan Mufti Ardiansyah; Meiditomo Sutyarjoko; Muhammad Irfan Maulana

doi:10.56741/jnest.v5i03.2486

Neutral Host Deployment for 2 GHz Non-Terrestrial Networks in Indonesia

A Techno-Economic and Regulatory Assessment

Authors

Karina Nurlita Salsabila Telkom University
Nachwan Mufti Ardiansyah Telkom university https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9947-4330
Meiditomo Sutyarjoko Telkom University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8368-4270
Muhammad Irfan Maulana Telkom University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/jnest.v5i03.2486

Keywords:

High Altitude Platform Station, Low Earth Orbit, Neutral Host, Non-Terrestrial Networks, Spectrum Regulation, Techno-Economic Analysis, Universal Service Obligation

Abstract

Providing equitable broadband connectivity across Indonesia's archipelagic regions remains challenging due to the high cost and limited feasibility of terrestrial infrastructure deployment. This study evaluates a Neutral Host (NH) model integrated with Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology in the 2 GHz band for broadband services in Papua and Maluku. A techno-economic and regulatory assessment was conducted through link-budget analysis, financial feasibility evaluation, and regulatory gap analysis from the perspective of mobile network operators (MNOs). The proposed hybrid LEO–HAPS architecture achieves a median carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N) of 14.2 dB, 97.2% link availability, 40–65 ms latency, and 5 Mbps throughput per active user. Economically, NH leasing increases the operator's internal rate of return (IRR) from −17.32% to 20.23% while reducing capital expenditure by 96.7%. A viable lease-rate range of IDR 78,203–87,095 per subscriber per month is identified, with mutual financial sustainability achieved at 33–35% market penetration. The regulatory assessment indicates that existing infrastructure-sharing policies provide a foundation for NH implementation, although targeted regulatory refinements remain necessary. The study provides an integrated decision framework for MNOs, Neutral Host providers, and policymakers, while its financial outcomes remain dependent on the market and cost assumptions adopted in the model.

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Author Biographies

Karina Nurlita Salsabila, Telkom University

is a telecommunications engineer with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Telkom University, completed through its Fast Track program. Her research examines the feasibility of neutral host models for non-terrestrial networks integrating LEO satellites and HAPS in Indonesia. She combines expertise in link-budget simulation, financial modeling, telecommunications regulation, 5G, IoT, signal processing, and network architecture, supported by proficiency in MATLAB, Wireshark, LTSpice, and Packet Tracer for technical analysis. (email: karinanurlitas@student.telkomuniversity.ac.id).

Nachwan Mufti Ardiansyah, Telkom university

is a researcher specializing in wireless communications and wireless multihop networks. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Telkom University, formerly STT Telkom, his master’s degree from Institut Teknologi Bandung, and his doctoral degree from Universitas Indonesia. His academic interests encompass the design, analysis, and optimization of advanced wireless network architectures. His research contributes to developing reliable, efficient, and scalable communication systems supporting contemporary telecommunications infrastructure and applications. (email: nachwanma@telkomuniversity.ac.id).

Meiditomo Sutyarjoko, Telkom University

is an Indonesian telecommunications and strategic management expert with more than three decades of experience in satellite systems, spectrum management, information technology, and digital transformation. He earned his doctorate from Universitas Indonesia, a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, and a bachelor’s degree from Institut Teknologi Bandung. His leadership spans satellite engineering, international regulation, enterprise architecture, IT governance, and complex technology projects across government and industry sectors worldwide. (email: meiditomosutyarjoko@telkomuniversity.ac.id)

Muhammad Irfan Maulana, Telkom University

is a researcher and academic at Telkom University, Indonesia. His expertise encompasses transmission engineering, radio propagation, and fiber-optic communication. His scholarly activities include telecommunications research, network performance analysis, technology-enhanced learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He has contributed to studies and community engagement initiatives involving 4G network measurement, communication systems, and educational technology. His work supports the advancement of reliable telecommunications infrastructure and practical engineering education in Indonesian contexts. (email: muhammadirfanm@telkomuniversity.ac.id).

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