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Broadband Info-Tech - Telecommunications Web Extras - Outlook GSM players plan to use existing spectrum for 3G
Thomas K. Thomas New Delhi, April 22 Even though spectrum allocation for third generation (3G) mobile has got delayed, private cellular operators are beginning to use their existing radio frequencies to offer 3G based services to customers. While Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices have already started offering third generation technology based data cards to consumers, GSM players are also now considering utilising their existing spectrum to launch 3G based services. Both RCoM and Tata Tele are CDMA operators and are offering Evolution Data Optimised (EVDO) technology based data cards which can be plugged into a laptop or a PC to access high speed Internet services. Though the GSM operators had earlier complained to the Department of Telecom that the two CDMA players may be violating norms by offering 3G services even before the spectrum was auctioned, they themselves are now planning to launch the service. “The DoT is keeping silent even though two operators have launched 3G services. We cannot sit and watch while they take the first movers advantage so we are also planning to start offering 3G services with our existing spectrum,” said a GSM industry representative. According to senior officials in the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, operators can use their existing spectrum for any type of service. “The Unified Access Licence is technology neutral. So if operators want to offer 3G based services on their available spectrum they can do so,” said a TRAI official. Technically GSM players can offer 3G services using bandwidth in the existing 900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz. However, unlike CDMA players, the GSM operators need at least 5 Mhz of dedicated bandwidth for offering 3G services. The difference being that while CDMA players are using EVDO technology, GSM operators will have to use the Wide band CDMA (WCDMA) technology for evolving into 3G services.
Given that most of the GSM operators are already finding it tough to manage their growing 2G subscriber base in the existing spectrum it may be difficult for them to earmark additional bandwidth for 3G data services. But some of the operators could go for a limited launch now and then beef up operations once the auctions take place later this year.
DoT puts 3G auction as priority for new Govt DoT plans separate 3G policy for CDMA players TRAI agrees with DoT on 3G pricing More Stories on : Broadband | Telecommunications | Outlook
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