UNIVITY and Telkomsat Partner to Explore VLEO Satellite Connectivity Across Indonesia

As demand for resilient, high-speed communications continues to grow across Southeast Asia, UNIVITY and Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat) have taken an important step toward shaping Indonesia's future telecommunications landscape.

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore future collaboration on advanced satellite connectivity solutions, with a particular focus on Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) architectures, hybrid multi-orbit networks, and emerging Direct-to-Device (D2D) services.

The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic evaluation of how next-generation space infrastructure can complement existing terrestrial and satellite networks while expanding reliable connectivity across one of the world's largest archipelagic nations.

Exploring the Future of Indonesian Connectivity

Indonesia presents unique connectivity challenges due to its geography, with more than 17,000 islands spread across vast maritime regions. While traditional satellite infrastructure has long played a critical role in connecting remote communities, evolving digital demands require more flexible, resilient, and lower-latency communication networks.

Under the newly signed MoU, UNIVITY and Telkomsat will jointly assess a range of satellite-enabled use cases designed to strengthen Indonesia's telecommunications ecosystem.

Areas under evaluation include:

• Future VLEO satellite architectures

• Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity services

• Enterprise communications

• Mobility applications

• Connectivity for underserved and remote communities

The companies will explore how their complementary technologies can support expanding broadband access while preparing Indonesia for the next generation of non-terrestrial network services.

Hybrid Multi-Orbit Architecture Under Evaluation

One of the most significant aspects of the partnership is the evaluation of hybrid multi-orbit satellite architectures.

Rather than relying on a single orbital layer, the companies will study how Telkomsat's established geostationary (GEO) satellite capabilities could work alongside UNIVITY's future Very Low Earth Orbit constellation.

This approach aims to combine the broad coverage and reliability of GEO satellites with the low-latency performance expected from VLEO systems, potentially delivering more secure, resilient, and application-specific connectivity solutions.

The collaboration will also examine sovereign satellite connectivity capabilities through nationally hosted ground infrastructure capable of interfacing with future VLEO constellations. Such capabilities could support both public-sector communications and national security requirements while strengthening Indonesia's long-term digital resilience.

UNIVITY's Vision for Telecom-Centric Space Infrastructure

UNIVITY is developing a neutral, shared satellite infrastructure model designed specifically for telecommunications operators.

Its planned VLEO constellation intends to leverage telecom operators' existing 5G spectrum, enabling high-speed, low-latency connectivity that complements terrestrial mobile networks instead of replacing them.

The company's vision places telecom operators at the center of the satellite value chain, enabling seamless integration between terrestrial and space-based communications as demand for ubiquitous connectivity continues to increase.

Strengthening Connectivity Across Indonesia

As a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia Group, Telkomsat serves telecommunications providers, enterprises, government organizations, and communities throughout Indonesia.

The company has played a central role in extending communications services to remote and geographically challenging regions, where terrestrial infrastructure alone often cannot provide reliable coverage.

By evaluating emerging satellite technologies alongside its existing infrastructure, Telkomsat aims to identify new opportunities to enhance nationwide connectivity while supporting Indonesia's broader digital transformation goals.

Leadership Perspectives

Charles Delfieux, Founder and CEO of UNIVITY, highlighted Indonesia's growing importance as a global connectivity market, noting that the partnership creates an opportunity to explore how future satellite technologies can complement existing telecommunications infrastructure while enabling new services over time.

Anggoro K. Widiawan, Chief of Development at Telkomsat, emphasized that satellite communications remain essential for connecting Indonesia's dispersed geography. He noted that the collaboration will allow both companies to evaluate how emerging satellite architectures and future non-terrestrial network capabilities can address the country's evolving connectivity requirements.

Looking Ahead

Although the agreement is exploratory, it reflects a broader industry trend toward integrating terrestrial, GEO, and low-Earth-orbit satellite technologies into unified communications ecosystems.

For Indonesia, where reliable nationwide connectivity remains both an economic and strategic priority, the collaboration between UNIVITY and Telkomsat represents an early step toward evaluating technologies that could support future broadband expansion, enterprise services, government communications, and next-generation mobile connectivity.

As satellite operators increasingly embrace hybrid network architectures, partnerships like this may help define how space-based communications evolve across rapidly growing digital economies.