Predictions for Internet Trends in 2026: From Infrastructure to Service Innovations
Jakarta, IDN Times – November 5, 2025 — At the recently held National Technology Summit 2025, significant insights were shared about the future of Indonesia’s internet ecosystem in 2026. Muhammad Arif, Chairman of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), outlined three key trends expected to shape the country’s digital landscape, emphasizing a transformational shift not only in infrastructure but also in business models and technological innovation.
Shifting Focus: From Mobile Internet to Fixed Broadband
One of the foremost trends highlighted by Arif is the growing transition from mobile internet use toward fixed broadband connections. Data presented during the summit indicate that enhanced internet quality will motivate approximately 61.3% of households currently unconnected to adopt fixed broadband by 2026. “Digitalization is rapidly advancing; everything is increasingly online. The need for reliable, high-speed connections is becoming a top priority,” Arif remarked during his presentation in Jakarta.
This shift reflects evolving consumer demands and the maturation of internet infrastructure across the archipelago. The move to fixed broadband is expected to support activities that require stable and faster connectivity, such as remote work, online education, streaming services, and smart home devices.
Embracing an Open Access Trend: Competition Based on Service Quality
The second major trend centers on the ‘Open Access Trend’, forecasted to transform the competitive dynamics among Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Historically, ISPs have competed by establishing the most extensive infrastructure networks. However, Arif predicts that in 2026, the battleground will pivot to the quality and range of services offered to customers.
“The debate in 2026 will no longer be about who builds the biggest network but about who can sell the best services,” he explained.
This paradigm shift encourages a more customer-centric approach and promotes healthier and more efficient competition focused on service innovation rather than mere infrastructure ownership. Such a model potentially lowers barriers to entry for new providers and fosters partnerships that benefit end-users.
Rising Demand for Edge Computing and Collaborative Networks
The third trend concerns the surge in demand for edge computing capabilities. According to APJII surveys, over half of ISPs (52.94%) expect domestic internet traffic to grow by more than 50% in the coming year. This traffic explosion propels opportunities for collaboration among ISPs, edge data centers, and providers of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).
“Kemitraan semacam ini akan membantu menurunkan latensi serta meningkatkan kualitas pengalaman pengguna secara keseluruhan,” Arif elaborated, meaning these partnerships are key to reducing latency and bolstering overall user experience.
The integration of edge computing infrastructure closer to users decreases data travel distance, enabling faster processing and response times. This technological leap is crucial as digital services become more data-intensive and latency-sensitive.
Interconnected Trends Fueling Indonesia’s Digital Economy
Arif emphasized these three trends as interconnected pillars driving an inclusive and sustainable digital economy in Indonesia. Strengthening broadband infrastructure, adopting open access business models, and expanding edge computing collectively accelerate the nation’s digital transformation, reaching even remote regions.
The summit, themed “We LINK The Nation for Sustainable Future,” was co-organized by Linknet and APJII and served as a prominent platform to discuss responsible AI use and sustainable connectivity. Amidst increasing pressures on telecom and tech companies to align with global sustainability goals—reducing carbon footprints and closing digital divides—the conference brought together leaders in technology, policy, and sustainability to envision a future where digital innovation supports a greener, fairer society.
Looking Ahead
As Indonesia prepares to embrace these evolving internet trends in 2026, stakeholders—from government regulators and ISPs to data center operators and end-users—are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping a robust, innovative, and equitable internet ecosystem. The insights shared at the National Technology Summit 2025 offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by the digital era.
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