XL Axiata Boss Explains Development of XL-Smartfren Merger Getting Closer

Dian continued, consolidation or merger of two operators is not only good for the two companies that will consolidate, but will also take the industry in a healthier direction.

“At XL, we always say, we do business not only about making money, but we also do business to have an impact on the community around us, on customers and on the country,” he said.

Dian also hopes that in the future, if the merger actually occurs, XL Axiata’s tagline of continuing to provide the best for Indonesia can be continued.

Merger Challenges and the Possible Spectrum

When asked about the long merger process related to approval from the government, Dian said that from the experience of XL Axiata’s acquisition of Axis which occurred several years ago, the longest process was resolving problems regarding the frequency spectrum owned by the two merging companies.

“So how much spectrum can be kept and how much must be returned, I’m sure yesterday IOH (merger of Indosat Ooredoo with Hutchison 3 Indonesia) was also the biggest issue yesterday, in terms of permits from the Minister of Communication and Information regarding spectrum,” said Dian.