With its white sand beaches, pumping waves, laidback island vibes, and thriving local culture, Rote is becoming an alluring destination for digital nomads.
This remote Indonesian island offers the perfect escape from the hustle of and traffic in islands like Bali, while still providing opportunities to stay connected and productive.
But what’s the reality of internet accessibility in Rote? And can remote workers truly unplug to this off-the-beaten-path isle without going off the grid entirely?
The short answer is a definite YES!
Here is the quick info:
Best local sim for data and coverage: Telkomsel
Average download speeds on mobile data: 5-25Mbps
Wifi availability: Some accommodations and business in Nemberala
Best international eSim: Holafly
But to give some more information, here’s an overview of wifi and connectivity to help you plan your work-from-paradise adventure.
Internet Speeds and Availability
Like much of the Indonesian archipelago, Rote has seen rapid improvements in internet infrastructure in recent years as demand increases.
The Palapa Ring project, completed in 2019, aimed to provide 4G internet access across Indonesia. The US$1.5 billion project includes over 35,000 kilometers of undersea and land cables, to improve connectivity in remote areas like Rote Island. The government plans to install more than 4,000 base transceiver stations in remote areas to further enhance coverage.
In surf and tourism hotspots like Nemberala, mobile data service from major Indonesian providers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo you can now have a fairly reliable data connection, and can generally expect 4G mobile data speeds ranging from 5-30 Mbps using cellular networks like Telkomsel.
These are suitable for your typical online activities like email, browsing, and voice/video calls, but can sometimes struggle with large file transfers or video streaming.
As we write this article we are getting almost 50mbps while using our Telkomsel Sim, here is the screenshot for proof. But it’s worth noting that is not always like this, and the average speed is much lower.
As you travel inland to Rote’s rural villages and valleys, mobile signals can become weak or non-existent.
Accommodations Offering Decent Wifi
Several hotels, resorts, and co-working spaces cater to the digital nomad crowd by providing relatively fast and stable wifi connections. Expect download speeds of 10-30 Mbps at most of the island’s major beach resorts near prime surf breaks like Nemberala.
Locally-run guesthouses and homestays often do not have wifi but they are starting to see the benefits of having internet connections available so this is becoming less common. In the island’s more remote areas, connectivity can be very limited or non-existent.
Check out Balo Surf House if reliable internet is important to you. They have a wired fibre connection, delivering consistently reliable connections. When the power goes out, thanks to their generator it can be one of the only places in Nemberala that can stay online.
Satellite Wifi and Starlink
While high-speed fixed broadband internet remains limited across much of the Indonesian archipelago, satellite broadband is an alternative that provides wider coverage in remote regions like Rote. Services like Telkomsat can fill connectivity gaps, albeit at a higher cost than mobile broadband.
For digital nomads able to invest in more reliable but pricier satellite internet, this could be a worthwhile solution during extended workations on Rote. Just be prepared for potential signal interference during changing weather conditions.
More recently, Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet has started offering it’s service in Indonesia, including Rote Island. This could be a game-changer for digital nomads seeking reliable high-speed internet in off-the-grid destinations. However, Starlink is still in its early stages of rollout, so connection quality and reliability so far have been a little inconsistent.
Several accommodations in Rote now have installed Starlink, but be prepared for potential service disruptions or slower speeds until Starlink’s satellite network is more built out in the region.
What’s The Best Mobile Network for Nemberala
When it comes to reliable mobile data coverage in Nemberala and surrounding areas, Indonesia’s largest provider Telkomsel is the top choice. Independent analysis from nPerf confirms Telkomsel has the most extensive 3G and 4G footprint blanketing Rote Island, including the Nemberala region. Telkomsel was also ranked the outright winner for 4G Coverage Experience, scoring an impressive 8.8 out of 10.
Whether you’re planning to make Nemberala your new office for a while or just need solid internet access while beach-bumming, a Telkomsel SIM card and mobile data package is your best bet. Their network’s island-wide coverage ensures seamless connectivity for remote work, uploading that brag-worthy barrel shot, or just staying digitally tethered throughout your Rote adventures.
Telkomsel also now offer an eSim option!! Making getting a data package easier than ever.
Other major Indonesian operators like XL Axiata and Indosat also provide service in Nemberala, but their coverage maps and real-world testing suggest more dead zones and weaker signals than what Telkomsel’s infrastructure delivers.
Visiting digital nomads and surf travelers can pick up a Telkomsel travel SIM complete with generous data packages at most airports on arrival into Indonesia or at many convenience stores. If you don’t have time before you arrive in Rote, you can pick up a Telkomsel sim at this awesome little shop in Nemberala here –
Do Foreign eSims Work in Rote?
Yes. eSims like Holafly work great in Rote.
If having seamless internet connectivity from the moment you step off the plane in Rote is important to you, consider using an eSIM service like Holafly. This innovative digital SIM lets you download and activate data plans directly on your mobile device, no physical SIM card swap required.
The major benefit for travelers is instant access to local mobile networks and the ability to switch between providers like Telkomsel or XL, helping to avoid patchy wifi to ensure reliable video calls, browsing, and uploads during your island adventures.
With an eSIM like Holafly, you can hit the ground running with premium data speeds without disrupting your existing SIM setup.
Check out this awesome review of HolaFly from the Wanderlover for a more in-depth look at eSims.
Tips for Staying Connected
To ensure seamless productivity during your Rote Island life, consider:
- Purchasing a local SIM card with a mobile data plan from Telkomsel or XL shortly after arrival in Indonesia.
- Get an eSim like Holafly to help avoid patchy coverage and have instant connection
- Opting for accommodations specifically advertising “high-speed internet”.
- Inquiring about internet speeds and contingency plans before booking.
- Having a remote work setup that can rely on lower download speeds. For example, avoid planning large group video calls during your trip.
- Embracing Rote’s “rubber time” philosophy – consume content and upload during off-hours. Accept that sometimes you might be unconnected.
While internet connectivity certainly won’t be as blazing fast as city capitals, with some planning and flexibility, remote workers can absolutely maintain their digital presence while experiencing Rote’s unparalleled island charm
Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or bringing your office with you, Rote welcomes you to blend work and wanderlust in one of Indonesia’s last untouched paradises. Just don’t be surprised if the surf and turquoise water prove to be a distraction from your online routine!
