In a bid to arrive at a consensus on allocating spectrum for third generation (3G) mobile services, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is exploring the option of giving 1900 Mhz for CDMA operators as per their demand. TRAI has asked vendors manufacturing CDMA equipment such as ZTE, Lucent-Alcatel and Nortel to prove claims that there would be no interference with GSM-based cellular services in case spectrum was released in the 1900 Mhz frequency band.

ZTE, supported by the Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India, is expected to make its presentation to TRAI this week.

CDMA operators have said that if TRAI releases spectrum in 1900 Mhz, the the cost of offering 3G services would be drastically lower. 3G services will enable subscribers to access high-speed data services such as the Internet, video, TV and e-mail on their mobile phones. TRAI, in its earlier recommendations, had suggested releasing capacity only in the 2 Ghz frequency band. CDMA operators said that since there was no equipment suitable for operating in the 2 Ghz band, it would make 3G services unviable for them.

On the other hand, GSM operators, lead by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have sought spectrum in the 2 Ghz band only. The GSM operators said that allocation frequency in 1900 Mhz would create interference with their services and therefore should not be given to the CDMA operators. Some of the equipment manufacturers, who are strong on GSM gear supply, also support the stand taken by COAI.

TRAI is looking at taking a middle path where the CDMA operators may be given frequency in the 1900 Mhz band and the GSM operators allocated spectrum for 3G services in the 2 Ghz band. It may also propose to release both frequency bands at the same time so that no side gets the first mover advantage. TRAI is also likely to suggest an entry fee for operators wanting to take this spectrum for 3G services.

Taken from Business Line

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