Date:11/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/11/stories/2004091101340500.htm

Back Spectrum row intensifies

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Sept. 10

THE Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI) has accused the GSM-based cellular operators of deliberately blocking growth of mobile operators using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology.

AUSPI, representing operators such as Reliance Infocomm and Tata Teleservices, said the cellular operators were objecting to release of radio frequency in the 1900 Mhz band, to CDMA operators, with a view to blocking the growth of CDMA services. Both GSM operators and CDMA players have been claiming rights to the use of the 1900 Mhz frequency band.

While GSM operators say that the 1900 Mhz was globally reserved for the 3G services, CDMA operators say that they cannot use any other frequency band since there is no equipment or handset available that is compatible with bands other than 1900 Mhz. ".

Claims made by the GSM lobby that 1900 Mhz was reserved by the International Telecommunication Union for 3G services only, is incorrect. ITU has recommended flexibility to the local administration for efficient use of radio frequency," said Mr S.C. Khanna, Secretary General, AUSPI.