Editors Note : - Is this a big blow to MTS india ? RCOM and Tata Tele already have 3G GSM spectrum...Do CDMA operators have no fair say at all ? With such actions, isn't the govt sounding the death knell for the CDMA technology ? views invited...
DELHI: The defence forces have again rejected the demand to release third generation (3G) spectrum for CDMA operators thereby ending the possibility of the government carrying out auctions of these airwaves. Reliance Communications (RCOM), Tata Teleservices and Sistema Shaym offer mobile services on the CDMA platform.
The recently concluded 3G auctions, which enables telcos to offer high-end services such as ultra-fast internet, interactive gaming and videoconferencing on mobiles, were held in the 2.1 GHz frequency band. GSM operators migrate to this band for offering 3G services. The government garnered over Rs 67,000 crore from the 3G airwaves auction.
But RCOM and Tatas, which offer mobile services on the dual technologies — both GSM and CDMA — are unlikely to be impacted significantly as they have bagged 3G frequencies in many circles in the recently concluded auctions. These companies are currently in talks with other telcos for roaming agreements that will enable them to offer GSM-based 3G services on a pan-India basis. Besides, they also enjoy the unique advantage of having the provision to shift some of their CDMA customers who require 3G services to the 2.1 GHz platforms (GSM).
CDMA companies can offer 3G services in the three frequency bands — 450 MHz, 800 MHz and 1,900 MHz. They currently offer services on the 800 MHz band which has been largely exhausted, ruling out the possibility of using these airwaves for the auction.
Telecom regulator Trai had recommended that 3G auctions for CDMA be held in 450 MHz and 800 MHz bands, while also adding that the 1,900 MHz frequency band could also be used after the DoT verifies the technical feasibility of the co-existence of this band.
Tests by the CDMA industry lobby AUSPI and the Department of Telecom (DoT) had revealed that 1,900 MHz was feasible and that 3G services could be offered on these airwaves without interfering with the operations of GSM players. The DoT had earlier decided against carrying out auctions in the 450 MHz frequency band for two reasons — this band is currently occupied by state agencies, and internationally, this has not been allotted for 3G services.
The defence forces during a series of meets with representatives from the communications ministry rejected the latter’s demands to vacate spectrum in the 1,900 MHz band, officials with direct knowledge of the development said. Instead, the armed forces sought exclusive rights to frequencies in these bands.
DoT sources said the department has rejected the defence demands intensifying the ongoing standoff between both ministries. As per documents viewed by ET, the DoT has also told the armed forces that the 1,900 MHz band could not be given for defence use as it represented “the only growth path for CDMA operators and had already been allocated for auction”.
It is also learnt that during the meets the defence forces had refused to commit to releasing 10 MHz of 2G spectrums, the frequencies on which all mobile services are delivered today. As per an MoU that both ministries had entered into last year, the defence was slated to release 10 MHz of 2G spectrum in phases, based on the progress of the alternate communication network that BSNL and MTNL are jointly building for the forces. The DoT has sought immediate release on the ground that 90% work on this alternate fibre backbone has been completed.
The recently concluded 3G auctions, which enables telcos to offer high-end services such as ultra-fast internet, interactive gaming and videoconferencing on mobiles, were held in the 2.1 GHz frequency band. GSM operators migrate to this band for offering 3G services. The government garnered over Rs 67,000 crore from the 3G airwaves auction.
But RCOM and Tatas, which offer mobile services on the dual technologies — both GSM and CDMA — are unlikely to be impacted significantly as they have bagged 3G frequencies in many circles in the recently concluded auctions. These companies are currently in talks with other telcos for roaming agreements that will enable them to offer GSM-based 3G services on a pan-India basis. Besides, they also enjoy the unique advantage of having the provision to shift some of their CDMA customers who require 3G services to the 2.1 GHz platforms (GSM).
CDMA companies can offer 3G services in the three frequency bands — 450 MHz, 800 MHz and 1,900 MHz. They currently offer services on the 800 MHz band which has been largely exhausted, ruling out the possibility of using these airwaves for the auction.
Telecom regulator Trai had recommended that 3G auctions for CDMA be held in 450 MHz and 800 MHz bands, while also adding that the 1,900 MHz frequency band could also be used after the DoT verifies the technical feasibility of the co-existence of this band.
Tests by the CDMA industry lobby AUSPI and the Department of Telecom (DoT) had revealed that 1,900 MHz was feasible and that 3G services could be offered on these airwaves without interfering with the operations of GSM players. The DoT had earlier decided against carrying out auctions in the 450 MHz frequency band for two reasons — this band is currently occupied by state agencies, and internationally, this has not been allotted for 3G services.
The defence forces during a series of meets with representatives from the communications ministry rejected the latter’s demands to vacate spectrum in the 1,900 MHz band, officials with direct knowledge of the development said. Instead, the armed forces sought exclusive rights to frequencies in these bands.
DoT sources said the department has rejected the defence demands intensifying the ongoing standoff between both ministries. As per documents viewed by ET, the DoT has also told the armed forces that the 1,900 MHz band could not be given for defence use as it represented “the only growth path for CDMA operators and had already been allocated for auction”.
It is also learnt that during the meets the defence forces had refused to commit to releasing 10 MHz of 2G spectrums, the frequencies on which all mobile services are delivered today. As per an MoU that both ministries had entered into last year, the defence was slated to release 10 MHz of 2G spectrum in phases, based on the progress of the alternate communication network that BSNL and MTNL are jointly building for the forces. The DoT has sought immediate release on the ground that 90% work on this alternate fibre backbone has been completed.
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