Future Improvements to Bali’s Internet Network

It hits me every time I arrive in Bali, palm trees, ocean breeze, rice-terraces, and the little heartbeat in my pocket telling me to check WiFi. As a remote-worker-traveller, I’ve learned that life on this island can feel like paradise and like a connectivity gamble. But the good news? The island is serious about upgrading its digital infrastructure. Here’s my story, what I found, and how you can plug in smoothly (with a little help from ORA eSIM).

The lay of the land: Where we’ve been

When I first set up a base in Bali (Uluwatu, actually) in late 2024, I had to accept that fiber broadband was patchy in some corners, mobile signals sometimes dipped, and coworking-spaces became my savior when a video call froze at the worst moment.
Fixed broadband was mostly decent around hotspots like Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu but if you went remote, your backup plan had to be strong. Meanwhile, the national drive for digital infrastructure was visible: for example, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs announced that Indonesia was preparing both spectrum re-allocations and satellite/NTN technologies to boost 5G and cover remote zones.

What’s changing

Here’s the cool part, the roadmap is now unfolding, and I’ve lived through some of it.

• In 2025, the operator Telkomsel deployed around 1,000 Huawei EasyAAU units in Bali as part of a “5G City” project on the 2.3 GHz spectrum, meaning faster, more stable mobile data in core areas like Denpasar and Badung.
• In August 2025 a local article noted that starting 2026, the Bali provincial government will be prioritising infrastructure upgrades, digital connectivity included as part of a broader “one island, one governance” approach.
• Even tourist-focused packages reflect this: back in late 2024, a 5G-tourist SIM/eSIM launch for Bali included “Hyper 5G” plans across Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and other hotspots.
• At the same time, the wider Indonesian context shows that as of mid-2025 only ~8.9% of population coverage had 5G and ~4.4% area coverage, so Bali is on the front foot in this respect.

So, as I settled into a coworking space in Seminyak, I noticed the mobile signal was noticeably better than my arrival two years ago. My backup hotspot worked seamlessly. And in a villa on the Bukit, I found a newly installed fiber-line ready for service where previously only DSL had existed.

My personal formula (that I swear by)

As someone who doesn’t just hop around but stays several weeks/months at a time, here’s the three-layer setup I use and recommend:

• Primary – Fiber broadband at home

I pick accommodation that explicitly lists fiber optic internet (IndiHome Fiber, Biznet, Iconnet are names to know). Before booking I ask for a recent speed-test screenshot.

• Secondary – eSIM hotspot in my bag

Even the best fiber can flicker (power cuts, router failing, landlord switching service). I carry an ORA eSIM profile on my phone (or a portable hotspot tethered) so when WiFi falters I switch instantly to mobile data.

• Tertiary – Coworking space membership for mission-critical days

I keep a membership at a coworking hub (in Bali options abound) so on days I must make a flawless call or run a workshop I’m at a known strong-signal, professional infrastructure location.

And yes, the eSIM layer is more than just “nice to have”. When you’re remote-working from Bali, your connectivity is your lifeline, whether you’re sending a large file, doing a webinar, or streaming a design review at 3 pm with the rice-terraces outside the window.

What this means for you (the traveller or remote worker)

If you’re reading this and thinking of working from Bali (or already there), here are some things I’ve found that matter:

• Choose location smartly: Fiber is more available in high-demand zones like Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu. If you go remote (east Bali etc) verify infrastructure.
• Don’t rely on one connection: As above, drop-out risk exists. Having mobile backup makes you resilient.
• Pick your eSIM or mobile data plan carefully: Some tourist SIM packages are good but check data quotas, tethering allowance, 5G access. ORA eSIM makes this easy because you can set it up instantly, no swap out of SIMs, no delays.
• Budget for professional-grade connectivity if you’re working: Remote tourism has lifestyle perks, but if you’re being paid for output, connectivity is part of your tech toolbox.
• Watch the roadmap: With infrastructure improving in 2025 and beyond, things will get better but it doesn’t mean it’s perfect yet. If your work is non-stop business-critical, still plan redundancies.

FAQs

Is the internet in Bali good enough for full-time remote work?
Mostly yes, especially if you choose wisely. In many areas fibre speeds are sufficient for video calls, uploads, downloads. Mobile data (4G/5G) is improving. But “good enough” depends on your standards and redundancy setup.

What areas of Bali have the best connectivity?
Zones like Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud generally lead in infrastructure because of high tourism and digital-nomad demand. More remote or hillside villas may still lag.

Can I rely purely on mobile data and skip villa broadband?
Technically yes, especially if you’re light-work (email, light calls) and you have a strong 5G eSIM plan. But for heavier tasks (large uploads, multiple video conference hours) fibre backed by mobile is safer.

hy should I pick an eSIM like ORA eSIM instead of a local physical SIM?
With ORA eSIM you avoid swapping SIM cards, you’re online straight away on arrival, you can keep your original SIM active for calls/2FA if needed, and you’re setup for mobile data backup instantly. For remote work, speed and reliability matter and being able to activate the plan without visiting a store is a plus.

Will connectivity issues fully disappear in Bali by 2026?
Probably not completely. Infrastructure is improving rapidly, but things like power outages, router failures, remote-villa distance from fiber nodes, or natural terrain still can cause hiccups. The goal is reduction of risk, not elimination of all risk.