Last year Bolt entered the scene and became Indonesia’s first 4G internet provider with its two pocket wifi modems. Following nine months of strong growth, the company on Thursday launched its first handsets. Dubbed “Powerphone,” Bolt hopes the Android-powered smartphones will attract more users to the fledgling internet provider.
Bolt Powerphone – compatible with both Bolt’s 4G internet network and other carriers’ SIMs – comes in two variations via partnerships from two manufacturers: China’s ZTE and Indonesia’s IVO. The first model is called ZTE V9820 with the following specifications:
- 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad core processor
- Android OS 4.4.2 (KitKat)
- 2GB RAM, 8GB storage
- 5 inch screen, 1280×720 resolution
- 13MP back camera
- 2,300 mAh battery
The second model is IVO V5 with the following specifications:
- 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad core processor
- Android OS 4.4.2 (KitKat)
- 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM
- 5 inch screen, 960×540 resolution
- 8MP back camera
- 2,300 mAh battery
Both models feature dual SIM card slots, whereby you will need to fill one of the slots using Bolt’s SIM card1 . Remember that Bolt’s SIM card can only be used for internet, so if you want to make phone calls you’ll need to prepare a second one. Besides that, Bolt’s 4G internet network is only available in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek) areas, so you won’t be able to connect to Bolt’s internet network outside those cities.
Bolt Powerphone is now on sale in Indonesia. The ZTE V9820 is priced at IDR 3.1 million (US$265), whereas the IVO V5 is sold at IDR 2.1 million (US$179). Each purchase would include 8GB worth of free internet access from Bolt. It seems Bolt is not selling the phones with a high profit margin, as its main aim is to get more internet users on board.
For those curious about the internet speed using these devices, then check out the following speed test:
Lightning fast growth throughout Jabodetabek
Bolt also revealed some of its milestones during the launch event. In May, the company recorded 500,000 users. Currently, it has 650,000 registered users. Bolt’s infrastructure has also improved. The company now has 2,200 BTS transmitters, an increase from May’s 2,000, and has enveloped 98 percent of the Jabodetabek area. Bolt claims it offers 10 times faster internet speed for 70 percent cheaper (about IDR 6,666 or $0.6 per 1GB) compared to the other mobile internet providers.
Bolt isn’t stopping there. With initial investment of $550 million, the company plans to build more BTS transmitters. CTO Devid Gubiani says that the company wants to have 3,600 BTS transmitters by the end of the year. All the infrastructure development would still be focused on Jabodetabek area only, while the expansion plans to reach outer cities would start next year.
Aiming to get even more users, the team wants to make sure they can serve the Jabodetabek area with stronger infrastructure. Gubiani says the average user consume as much as 500MB of internet quota per day.
Bolt aims to get 1.5 million registered users by the end of the year. One of the ways to get there is by shelling out 500,000 of its new smartphone units.
Bolt is the only 4G mobile internet provider in the country. Telkomsel plans to launch its first 4G network in Bali later this year.
This article is also available in Indonesian.
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