Comments on: Update: XL’s 3G Internet Problems – it’s seriously broken in Indonesia

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:26:06 +0000

Thanks Chris – I’ve managed to work out where the 3G spots are around my place – not on my desk of course!

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:11:23 +0000

Scott, it really depends on the area where you stay. Most providers are better with better pockets of coverage in other areas than the others. Still, I can only recommend to buy a starter package of all providers and to try them out in the area of your choice. XL, Simpati, IM2, IM3, Axis, and whom did I miss this time? ;)

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:52:31 +0000

Hi all – how are you getting on with your providers in 2011??
I’ve just moved here, living in Legian near the Banjar Legian Kaja and got myself an XL simcard with the rp99k/month 3G internet with my iPhone 3GS. Problem is, I am only on 3G about 2% of the time – the rest I have to make do with EDGE. It is virtually impossible for me to get 3G at home in Legian, although my iPad (also XL, same deal) gets 3G most of the time…

Any thoughts??? What are your experiences with 3G in the Legian area? I am thinking a switch to Telkomsel may be needed!

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:24:34 +0000

Pantelis, on top of that, XL is probably one of the more expensive carriers in Indonesia with the most spotty coverage, at least here in Bali. They advertise that you can get a signal almost everywhere, which is nothing but bullshit. I used them heavily between 2006-2008 here, but finally switched to Indosat IM3 earlier this year, which is much cheaper and offers better and cheaper data packages, important for smartphones. Your mileage in other regions in Indonesia might vary though.

By: Pantelis Karras

Pantelis Karras — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:01:15 +0000

Please tell me how is it possible that XL shows no interest for its clients. It is so very difficult to even send an sms. It takes if it is finally done up to 24 hours to be delivered in Europe. And lets not talk about the connection if somebody wishes to talk abroad. Total disrespect of the client. SHAME!

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:49:15 +0000

Great update, thanks Brice!

By: Brice

Brice — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:48:24 +0000

I second what Chris says above — coverage and 3G data services vary widely depending on location.

I have during the last 2 months (May and June 2009) tested both Telkomsel and XL. I found that Telkomsel actually seems to disallow things like HTTP traffic (I cannot use a browser, but I can use Google Maps on my phone, for example). This is ridiculous. I advise staying away from Telkomsel both for this reason and for the reason that activation is complex and you most likely will not succeed to activate 3G data unless you get in-person assistance at one of their main offices (I went to Denpasar).

I had the most success with XL. I went to their office (on Jl Sunset, I believe) and they had me up and running in about 15 minutes, both via 3G phone and via 3G USB key in laptop. Their customer service is friendly and efficient and they all speak english. Additionally, their instructions manual is dual language — indo and english.

With that said, their service is still not great, but in Sanur and around Seminyak and Kerobokan areas it’s be livable and they do not seem to block any specific protocols or apps. Unfortunately, the service has never been good enough to use Skype voice, even if downstream hits 600+ Kbps at times, upstream is generally quite poor and latency is very high.

My final solution is to stay in houses and hotels that have broadband connections. Outside of this, heavy Internet users and remote workers are going to find nothing but daily frustrations.

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:48:21 +0000

It all really depends on your location. The coverage of most providers in Bali is not very consistent. If you live near a mobile network tower, things are usually brighter than elsewhere.

By: black

black — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:10:23 +0000

wow, i use m2 too,, and that’s working good.. maybe the place you are not recomended the coverage..

By: Philippe

Philippe — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:12:23 +0000

Hi Brice,
Just dont try Indosat 3G : it is NOT working at all. They are thief