I don’t understand what is the problem with data (wireless) connection in Indonesia. Wait… not only the data connection, but also the voice quality.
At one time, I can get EDGE in GSM/GPRS coverage and 3.5G in UMTS coverage. But at the other time, same day, same place, the network just refused my connection – voice and data. Then when I was doing un-resume-able download, the network just conveniently disconnected me while I was at 90%. Being on a metered access, that’s several MB of wasted bandwidth (and data “minutes”).
But, sadly, I kind of understand the dilemma that network operators are facing.
It’s a race between network capacity v.s. subscriber growth.
How to expand capacity? For 2G network (I’m not really an expert in radio planning, but at least here’s the idea):
- optimize the network through better frequency planning, coverage planning, etc.
- add more GSM carriers and then re-optimize the network.
- reduce cell size, add new BTS site
- add new 1800 MHz cell – if not already
- well, you can also go to 3G and then the above game repeats…
In short it needs money. A lot of.
Ideally subscriber growth also brings revenue growth for financing
network capacity expansion. But if we’re giving away services for free…
then it’s spelled T-R-O-U-B-L-E. No money to invest, lah. 
And at a certain point, statistically, the network will give up. Can not support additional users. No calls can be made. Let alone data connection. And, sadly – like Kompas/detik.com reported few days ago – lives are lost due to unavailability of network for emergency calls…. [Links to follow]
I guess this is serious problem enough for operators and all the technologists and technocrats to think of solutions.
Hey, how do you expect VAS and data service to grow when the network is SOOO BAD…. 
