In a run-up to slew of spectrum auctions later this year, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will soon examine the sector regulator-Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)’s proposal of using airwaves in the 800 MHz or CDMA band, as an extended GSM band and combining it along with 900 MHz. The move which will definitely be in the favour of GSM operators, if not CDMA, will be part of plans to review the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) for drawing up a roadmap for allocating airwaves as well vacating the frequencies held by existing users.
DoT, so far, has held in abeyance its decision on the TRAI’s proposal to make 800 MHz part of the international 900 MHz band, known also as extended GSM or EGSM, used by GSM carriers worldwide on account of strong opposition from CDMA players which have argued 800 MHz band is designated worldwide for CDMA-based mobile operations.
However, GSM players are of the view that clubbing the 800 MHz frequencies with the EGSM band would not only generate additional premium bandwidth, but will also help reduce the number of cell towers required, lower network costs and keep tariffs more affordable.
The inter-ministerial panel of Telecom Commission is likely to meet on May 15, mainly to discuss spectrum trading and auction-related matters. The panel includes representatives from Finance Ministry, Planning Commission, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and some others besides the Department of Telecom.
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