Date:04/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/04/stories/2005050402311100.htm

Back TRAI to propose 30 Mhz additional spectrum for 3G services

Thomas K. Thomas

New Delhi , May 3

MOBILE users can look forward to better connectivity and faster data speeds with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India set to propose 30 Mhz of additional spectrum in the 2Ghz band meant for offering third generation (3G) services.

TRAI is also likely to suggest releasing 25 Mhz in the 1800 Mhz frequency band by December 2006 to achieve the target of 200 million mobile subscribers.

TRAI is expected to announce the detailed recommendations on spectrum on Wednesday.

According to Government sources, TRAI may also look at the possibility of giving additional spectrum in a new frequency band called WRC 2000 for offering 3G services.

Sources said that even this allocation may be about 10 MHz short of the required frequency, however, it is anticipated that with the increased efficiency of voice handling capability of 3G equipment operators may be able to manage.

Currently, cellular operators get a maximum of 12 Mhz radio frequencies that results in network congestion and slow uptake of subscribers.

3G services allow high-speed data connectivity on mobile phones. While currently data speeds of broadband Internet services go up to an average of 256 kilo bits per second (kbps), 3G services allow more than 380 kbps on a mobile handset.

So one can watch a movie, play interactive games, download data from the World Wide Web on the move. Wide band code division multiple access is the 3G technology choice, commercially available on 64 networks in 33 countries.

However, the biggest block to the roll out of 3G services in India has been the lack of clarity over spectrum allocation.

The telecom regulator will also announce its decision over sharing the 1900 Mhz frequency band between GSM and CDMA operators.

While CDMA operators want to share the frequency band, GSM operators are opposing the move on grounds that it will create interference.

A number of operators have been waiting in the wings for clarity on spectrum. Bharti Tele-Ventures is set to begin trial runs of third generation (3G) mobile services.

The company has sought spectrum from the Department of Telecom to conduct the trial runs.

The company has told the DoT that it has set in place the equipment and the network required to conduct trial runs but was waiting the release of spectrum in the 1900 Mhz, which has been earmarked for 3G services.

The company had earlier said that it was lining up investments of $1 billion for rolling out 3G mobile services across the country.

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd has also invited bids from equipment providers for setting up 3G network in Delhi and Mumbai.