Indosat & Transsion partner to boost rural digital access

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Transsion Holdings to promote digital inclusion in Indonesia by combining connectivity services with affordable smart devices.

The new partnership seeks to integrate Indosat's IM3 and Tri services with Transsion's devices, aiming to make digital access more accessible in rural and underserved parts of Indonesia. Through this collaboration, the companies plan to reach communities where affordable and reliable digital connection remains a challenge.

Retail and service integration

As part of the agreement, Indosat will expand its network through over 10,000 Transsion retail outlets nationwide. These outlets are set to serve not only as points for Indosat SIM card distribution, but also as local channels for a broader range of digital services.

Transsion's smart devices will be pre-installed with Indosat's myIM3 and bima+ applications. This enables customers to manage their data plans, access digital content, and remain connected immediately upon purchasing their devices.

Enhanced affordability

Both companies will introduce 0% installment plans to improve affordability for consumers. This effort is designed to reduce the financial barrier to smartphone ownership and digital connectivity for millions of Indonesians. Additionally, bundled offerings will include eSIM support, enabling users to activate and switch between services with greater ease and flexibility.

Addressing the digital divide

Statistics from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association indicate that internet penetration across Indonesia reached 79.5% in 2024. However, access is uneven, with only 30.5% penetration in rural areas, compared to significantly higher rates in urban regions. The companies expect their partnership to help address these disparities by expanding network access to less connected communities and raising the quality of digital connectivity in these regions.

Vivek Mehendiratta, Chief Marketing Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, stated, "This collaboration represents a meaningful step forward in our efforts to empower every Indonesian with accessible, affordable, and relevant digital solutions. By leveraging Transsion's distribution reach and Indosat's network reliability, we are creating opportunities for more communities to participate in the digital economy. This partnership is a continuation of our mission to build an inclusive digital nation."

Similar sentiment was expressed by Transsion Holdings, with a focus on growth in the region.

Benjamin Jiang, Vice President of Transsion Holdings, shared, "Indonesia is a key strategic market for Transsion in Southeast Asia. By leveraging IOH's strong local brand influence and combining it with our technological innovation and services, we aim to continue providing Indonesian consumers with high-quality, high-value smart products and digital experiences, accelerating the country's digital evolution."

Future areas of cooperation

Beyond the immediate implementation of bundled connectivity and device solutions, both Indosat and Transsion are exploring potential collaborative innovations in the future. These may include co-branded device lines, further application integration, and the development of digital services tailored to the specific needs of regional user groups.

The companies have indicated that their aligned visions and complementary capabilities will support long-term cooperation in expanding technology access and supporting community empowerment across Indonesia.

Both organisations view the partnership as part of a broader plan to foster digital participation and bridge the connectivity gap in one of Southeast Asia's largest and most diverse markets.