Updated: 3G Auction completed after 34 days of bidding

[Arun 795]

Press Trust of India

November 12, 2007 18:47 IST

Steering India towards a new level of wireless telephony, the government on Monday announced immediate release of spectrum for 'third generation' (3G) mobile services and allowed users to switch operators while retaining the cell phone numbers.

"The government has decided to release 3G spectrum in 2.1 ghz band with immediate effect," Communications Minister A Raja said.

Number portability, which would allow users to change their service provider while keeping the numbers unchanged, will be introduced in the four metropolitan cities at the earliest.

The department of telecommunications secretary D S Mathur said about 30 mhz spectrum can be released to accommodate three players in the first phase.

Asked whether only existing 2G players will be allowed to offer 3G services, Raja said: "No, I want healthy competition, I want all the players to bid for it. As far as foreign players are concerned, they will be allowed subject to security clearances by Ministry of Home Affairs."

"The 3G licences will be granted through a controlled, simultaneous ascending e-auction, by a specialised agency to ensure transparency in selection process," the minister said.

3G services will give users a better multimedia experience, with faster data transfer rates. At present, cellular operators offer only 2G services. Raja ruled out mergers among 3G operators during the first five years, and also said that trading and reselling of spectrum will not be allowed.

Although he did not give any time frame for introduction of number portability, Raja said he will try to implement it in the four metros by this year-end. A meeting will be held with existing operators to see their cooperation.

On 3G spectrum, he said besides the initial one-time charge, it has been decided that the successful bidder will pay additional spectrum charge of 0.5 per cent of the total adjusted gross revenue as recurring annual fee.

This additional revenue share is proposed to be doubled to one per cent of AGR after 3 years from the date of spectrum assignment.

DoT to introduce number portablility in metros

Business Standard / New Delhi November 12, 2007

In a major bonanza for over 3.75 crore mobile customers in the country’s four metros, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) today announced the introduction of 'number portability' in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

The facility will be available to mobile customers by the fourth quarter of 2008. Under this system, subscribers do not have to change their mobile numbers even if they shift from one operator to another operator.

Communications Minister A Raja, who announced the decision, said while portability could not be implemented on a nationwide basis immediately, DoT has decided to initially implement it in the four metros (which constitutes 18.29% of the total mobile subscriber base in the country).

Industry estimates that operators have to fork out around Rs 180-200 crore in order to make portabality operational (it was estimated that portability across India would cost the industry over Rs 823 crore) in the metros.

The DoT announcement comes nearly twenty months after Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(Trai) had recommended a phase-wise introduction of number portability across the country. It had also mandated that number portability in a limited way should be rolled out by April 2007.

Opposition from GSM players as well as state-owned telecom companies had delayed the process.

Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) secretary general T V Ramachandran, while welcoming the move, is skeptical and says: "Why is portability being announced only for mobile and not for fixed line and that also only in cities where connectivity is not a problem unlike other cities? We are concerned at these half measures."

Industry experts say that number portability is expected to increase the overall churn in the industry, especially for the top operators in each circle."The average churn in the industry is around 3-4% but with portability it would go up to 8-10% at least in the first few months. It is bound to impact incumbent operators who will lose some of their high paying customers" an analyst said.

PTI adds: Raja, while announcing the policy for releasing 3G spectrum, said only three players are being permitted in the first phase of 3G services.

Existing as well as new players would be allowed to offer 3G services.

Foreign players can be allowed to offer 3G services subject to security clearance, Raja said.

[Himanshu Singh 19]

Trai Favours Auctioning 3g Spectrum

Sify.com - November 12, 2007

Telecom regulator TRAI on Monday favoured auctioning spectrum for third generation (3G) mobile services to firms which already provide second generation (2G) services, a development that could be a setback to new players who wish to offer only the advanced telephony system.

The auction of 3G spectrum should be restricted to existing operators who are already providing 2G services, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India chairman Nripendra Misra said at a FICCI seminar here.

Delivering the keynote address at the FICCI Workshop on Spectrum Management today TRAI chairman, Nripendra Misra said that the regulatory body recommended that all spectrum for broadband wireless should be auctioned.

He expressed confidence that that this approach would be recognised by the department of Telecom. “There can be some mismatch of pace, but there cannot be any difference of opinion over the management of 3G,” Misra said.

He further said, “ Our thinking is that but for 20/30 MHz of 2G spectrum which has to be subject to certain administrative intervention, all spectrum should be auctioned.” Clarifying the position, he said, “if we do decide to auction this part of the spectrum then there would be one set of players who already have spectrum and therefore would have a claim to eligibility of licenses; and another set of licensees, who have been waiting for a year, would have to go through the auction route.”

All of us, he said, need to have a vision. This must be reflected in the quality of service, penetration in rural and urban areas, there should be an auction system, broadband must be facilitated and the entire approach to Voice over Internet (VOI) be revisited.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, member of parliament and member of the parliamentary standing committee on IT and vice president, FICCI described the current controversy of companies lining up for spectrum or license allotment as “needless” and called for addressing it cleanly and transparently.

He said there was general political consensus on the need for more competition and commended an open, transparent bidding process for the allotment of new spectrum or licences bearing spectrum for each distinct circle. Further, the terms of allotment or sale of spectrum must be market determined and looked at as a monetising process by the country and not as a give away.

Andrew Wright, MD, Analysis Consulting, the UK, spoke about the design option, the global experience and lessons for India with respect to 3G auctions.

He said open auctions in 3G licensing processes represent international best practices. “The more open the auction, the higher the intensity of competition in the 3G mobile market. The government stands to benefit by way of realising the economic value of public scarce resource, promotion of economic efficiency and potentially higher revenues.”

Nick Schulz, editor-in-chief, TCS Daily and research scholar, American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Washington DC, pointed out that the benefits of auctions were in the shape of transparency, fairness, ensuring the involvement of serious market participants, price discovery and was less costly than generally perceived.

The regulator also said entry fees for new mobile licensees in all the circles should be raised as there is good growth potential in the telecom sector.

He said it would not be financially viable for new entrants to offer these services as compared to operators who have laid out their infrastructure all across the country.

The 3G services support faster downloads and more data transmission, enabling operators to provide high-end services and broadband.

Misra said to maintain a level playing field among the 2G operators, TRAI had not recommended auction of 2G spectrum.

Misra said he was hopeful that the government would soon accept TRAI's recommendations on auctioning of spectrum.

TRAI in its recommendations on 3G services last year had favoured auctioning of spectrum. It had proposed a base price of Rs 1,400 crore for a national 3G license.

MY TAKE:

serves everyone right except GSM robbers ?

1.Now we will soon come to know who has more financial muscle power to bid for Pan india license and roll out affordable services.

2.All oF us know there is a big churn in GSM operators.I can say wIth some certianity that its Airtel which loses out the maximum users month on month basis.Its not surprising that GSm companies had opposed this move while CDMA operators welcomed it.

Finally,

No amount of litigation from COAI can prevent Reliace from getting Pan India GSM spectrum.We would soon have double treat from Reliance, CDMA and GSM in each circle.That should serve the GSM ROBBERS right.I wish TATA also get GSM spectrum wish cowul further make GSM robbers red!

[coolrajiv 1]

Good to hear that MNP will now be implemented asap

[HetalDP 947]

Fantastic!

Waiting for MNP and 3G

and both was Declared in Priority List.

I said before in my Post that Once the Reliance will get GSM Spectrum MNP will be Reality.

[shashank 8]

Great News.Really :clap1: :clap1: :clap1: :clap1: :clap1: :clap1: :clap1: :clap1:

[Sadikk 301]

I am happy now , KSHAH ji listening ??

[GSV13 0]

Finally i'll be able to drop idea without changing number

[Arun 795]

COAI blasts govt policy on 3G, number portability; AUSPI hails

The Hindu - Monday, November 12, 2007

New Delhi: Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the lobby of GSM mobile players, on Monday alleged the government was favouring a particular CDMA operator wanting to start GSM services by allowing mobile users to switch their service provider while retaining their number.

"Mobile number portability was being introduced to benefit a select operator desirous of entering the GSM segment and thereafter poaching on the subscribers of existing GSM players," COAI Director General T V Ramachandran said.

Although the statement did not mention the name of the "select operator", Anil Ambani-led CDMA player Reliance Communications has announced mega plans to start GSM services.

In contrast, CDMA players' association AUSPI lauded the new policy and said this would benefit customers.

Ramachandran said number portability should also cover fixed line operators. There was a need for increased competition in the fixed line segment where 90 per cent of subscribers are with one operator (state-run BSNL).

COAI also opposed the policy for third generation (3G) services, saying the government was trying to create a monopoly while allowing only a limited number of players.

"The Government policy suffers from serious legal infirmities as it violates Section 11 of the TRAI Act, as it did not refer regulator's recommendation back to it for reconsideration," Ramachandran said in a statement.

He said the 3G policy is at direct variation with telecom regulator TRAI's report, which had recommended that 3G spectrum be given only to existing operators.

"It was bizarre that the government was proposing as many as 8-9 operators in every service area in the case of 2G, while seeking to introduce a near monopoly market/regime in 3G," Ramachandran added.

GSM operators to face real competition in metros: Anil Ambani

2007-11-12 20:37:14 - MoneyControl.com

Commenting on the mobile number portability, Anil Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Communications said that, for the first time in four metros, GSM operations will face real competition, reports CNBC-TV18.

He added that this is a forward-looking intiative and is pro-competition, pro-consumer and above all pro-choice.

He welcomed DoT’s announcement to introduce mobile number portability. He said, “This is a forward-looking initiative. It is pro-competition, pro-consumer and above all pro-choice. For the first time in the four metros, GSM operators will face real competition.”

[ashoksoft 83]

Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Nirvana 4]

Finally i'll be able to drop idea without changing number

good Idea !

[Arun 795]

Official report regarding Number Portability as released by The Press Information Bureau of India:

Keeping in view the interest of consumers, the Department has decided to introduce mobile number portability in the four metro cities i.e. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Chennai in the initial phase. This will provide the customer the facility to retain the same number while switching over from one operator to another within the same service area.

· This facility is likely to be available to the mobile subscribers by the fourth quarter of 2008.

· All UASLs/CMSPs will implement the Mobile Number Portability.

· Mobile operators, through neutral third party, shall establish logically centralized database. The cost of the data base shall be borne proportionately by each operator.

· Mobile operators shall adopt Central Clearing House, preferably electronic processing approach, for processing porting requests. Cost of such Clearing House shall be borne by all operators. The neutral third party will administer such Clearing House.

· Customer shall approach the recipient operator for porting his number.

· The method of tariff transparency will be decided by TRAI after due consultations and also considering the cost aspects of different solutions.

· TRAI will issue various relevant regulations in this regard.

· The upgradation of their network shall be borne by the operators. Common setup costs such as Number Portability Administration Centre(NPAC), Clearing House etc, shall be borne by the operators based on the subscriber market share.

· Introduction of MNP in A circle will be reviewed in April 2008.

Guidelines for 3G Services:

Ø The 3G (3rd generation) mobile telecommunications is the generic name for the next generation of mobile networks that will combine wireless mobile technology with high data rate transmission capabilities. The 3G networks will be capable of providing higher data rates and will also be capable of supporting a variety of services such as high- resolution video and multi media services in addition to voice, fax and conventional data services.

Ø 3G spectrum will be permitted in the 2.1 GHz band.

Ø The 3G licences would be granted through a controlled, simultaneous ascending e-auction, by a specialised agency to ensure transparency in the selection process.

Ø Besides the initial, one time spectrum charge, it has been decided that the successful service provider would pay additional spectrum charge of 0.5 % of their total Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), as the recurring annual spectrum charge. This additional revenue share is proposed to be 1% of AGR after 3 years from the date of spectrum assignment.

Ø The roll out requirements, including rural roll-out, as well as stiff penalties for non compliance of the same has been stipulated.

Ø Mergers will not be allowed during the initial five years. No trading/ reselling of spectrum is allowed.

Ø The CDMA spectrum in 800 MHz band for EV-DO applications would be treated separately from 2.1 GHz spectrum. If the CDMA based service provider(s) ask for the EV-DO carrier of 2 x 1.25 MHz, they would have to pay an amount proportionate to the highest bid for spectrum in 2.1 GHz band.

[kshah 452]

Me, hetal and Sadik always believed that once reliance gears for GSM means portability of number and also 3G. Now real war will begine. Reliance will surely offer cheaper voice over CDMA and premium 3G + high end user will be attracted on GSM. Also portability of number means most reliance customers will remain with reliance (also tata) and many GSM users will switch to reliance.

Yeah sadik, now I think I will have too look for good GSM handset. Iphone is one of the option but unfortunately it do not support call recording.

[KumaarShah 143]

Hope and pray to all gods that ADA eventually develops better muscle financially, as well as as politically to push through his ambitious plans to start GSM services. There will be numerous hurdles before this dream turns into reality.It is a very good move on ADAs part to have directly written a letter to the PM detailing about the GSM gangsters' shenanigans. The GSM gangsters will definitely use every trick in the book to prevent RCOM from realising its dreams.

And as RCOM subscribers, we will eventually have the best of both CDMA and GSM. Eagerly waiting for this to happen. At long last, we will enjoy the fruits of our patience.

If at all RCOM is successful in its efforts, it will create eventually a very big monopoly or maybe a duopoly. In that eventuality, subscribers may suffer.

MNP introduction is a little tricky with one report saying it will be introduced by this year-end and yet another report says by 4th quarter of 2008!!! Which date is correct? AFAIK, the GSM gangsters will try every dirty trick to stall MNP as they have done successfully in the not so recent past. Yet another problem MNP introduction may create - ONNET calling and SMS packs may cease to exist. One will not be able to find out if a 92/94/97/98/99 series number belongs to RCOM network or vice versa and take advantage of free calling/SMS'ing. Maybe some solution will eventually have to be worked out.

Once again the telecom industry will display some crackers. It had become so boring. Now the real fireworks will begin and lets see who wins the war now.

Edited November 13, 2007 by KumaarShah

[srikanth_kv 3]

wow...

hurray !!!!

[KumaarShah 143]

GSM players have no right to challenge dual technology: DoT

Press Trust of India

13 Nov, 2007, 1802 hrs IST

NEW DELHI: The government on Tuesday submitted before sectoral tribunal TDSAT that its decision to allow dual technology is a matter of policy decision and cellular operators have no right to challenge it.

"It is submitted that it is a matter of policy decision which has been taken in the larger public interest and having regard to the interest of consumers who would be benefited by the increased competition," the Department of Telecom (DoT) said in an affidavit filed through Solicitor General Of India, Goolam E Vahanvati.

"The petitioners has no right to oppose or challenge this policy decision," the affidavit said.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the representative body of existing GSM players, challenging the decision to allow dual technology in the sectoral tribunal accused the government of favouring a particular CDMA operator to enter GSM arena and also questioned the manner in which it was done.

Clarifying its stand over the spectrum allocation and permitting dual technology, the government said that it would give priority to the pending applications of the various players in 23 circles.

"Such applications pertain to all the existing 23 service areas. These application would be decided on the basis of the norms that would be finalised after the receipt of the committee report," said the DoT in its 8-page affidavit filed by its Assistant Director.

It also cleared that its second priority for allocation would be to the UAS licences issued in 2006.

"The second category pertains to UAS licence issued in the month of December 2006, who have not been alloted initial start up spectrum ... the effective date of these licences vary from December 5, 2006 to December 14, 2006," it said, adding that this category would get the start up spectrum after the first category is dealt with.

On the use of dual technology the government said, "thereafter, the companies to which 'in principle approval' to use GSM technology under the existing UASL, has been issued on October 18, 2007 would be considered for grant of start up spectrum."

The government also said the COAI is giving wrong impression that the parties who have made payment, thereunder would get priority over the existing operators over request for additional spectrum.

"Such an impression is not correct," said DoT to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.

Yesterday, during the proceedings, the TDSAT Chairman Justice Arun Kumar had directed the government to file an affidavit within 24 hours having all facts and developments pertaining to spectrum allocation.

The tribunal has listed the matter on December 12, for next hearing, while giving a go ahead to the committee constituted by DoT for allocation.

Link Courtesy: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

Look who fears genuine competition in telecom

13 Nov, 2007, 0500 hrs IST, Anil Kumar

The existing GSM operators are enjoying spectrum of up to 2x10 MHz in excess of cumulative maximum limit of 4.5 MHz for metros and 4.4 MHz for circles set under their original contracts. It was increased to 6.2 MHz in 2004. Most of them have got licences and spectrum without any payment of ‘entry fees’.

In 1999, they secured substantial financial benefit from the government under ‘migration package’. They delayed MTNL’s GSM services by three years through litigation.

They even objected to the launch of WLL-Limited Mobile service of MTNL. They have not taken even a single initiative to reduce tariffs and instead cartelised and hiked tariffs. They never favoured bidding for spectrum allocation.

They had expected that whatever spectrum is vacated by defence ministry would be entirely allocated to its members for expansions. In fact, in their July 6 response to Trai they had advocated preferential treatment for themselves. Airtel and Vodafone had demanded spectrum as high as 2x22.5 MHz for expanding their existing 2G networks alone.

These propagandists, represented by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), are now strategically engaged in maligning government policy so that the allocation of spectrum being vacated by ministry of defence is delayed. They have been spreading canards that the government will lose Rs 50,000 crore in case it does not invite fresh bidding for ‘entry fees’ for allocation of spectrum.

Trai’s recommendations of August 28 came as a shock to them. Trai not only corrected the anomaly in the existing spectrum allocation criteria but also recommended cross-technology spectrum allocation. Later, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), an independent organisation under the department of telecommunications (DoT), further tightened the criteria. Both, TEC and Trai reports have shown that the existing operators have excess spectrum.

That being the case, the available spectrum can be given to all those existing licensees who are waiting for initial tranche of spectrum, including Reliance and Tata, who have applied for additional spectrum in GSM band.

Predictably, COAI is upset. Well strategised plans of spectrum hoarding by its members have gone awry. COAI has recently moved TDSAT challenging the new spectrum allocation criteria of the government.

Legally, COAI is on a weak footing to take on DoT’s decision on permitting cross-technology spectrum allocation for licences, which are already technology neutral. Advocacy of preferential treatment in terms of spectrum allocation for existing players places it in a precarious condition as this would mean inclusion of Reliance and Tatas as well, which it does not want.

COAI has now built-up an argument of spectrum allocation through fresh bidding which is aimed at thwarting competition. It has launched a campaign that allocation of spectrum without fresh bidding for ‘entry fees’ would mean loss of up to Rs 50,000 crore.

This is an absurd figure. In June 2001, the licence of Delhi was awarded for an entry fee of Rs 170.70 crore through bidding, but with teledensity in Delhi now touching 97%, the chances of getting better ‘entry fees’ is very remote.

Similarly, in June 2001, when pan-India licences were awarded for Rs 1,568.57 crore through bidding, at that time the teledensity was at about 3.5% and there was less of competition. With a teledensity of near 22% and more number of active operators, the chances of getting better ‘entry fees’ is unlikely.

In any case, the focus of the policymakers should be on faster rollouts, which will ensure much higher level of revenue in the form of licence fees and taxes. Teledensity will shoot up from the present level of about 22% to over 50% in three years. Of course, there will be efficient utilisation of spectrum in the shortest possible time.

Realty check on spectrum congestion

Is there congestion due to spectrum shortage throughout India? The answer is ‘No’. Only a small number of pockets in Delhi and Mumbai face congestion due to spectrum, e.g., in Delhi there may be only three such pockets — Nehru Place, Rajendra Place and CP. Trai and TEC have suggested technical solutions to deal with such congestion without earmarking additional spectrum for such pockets.

New spectrum allocation criteria

The old subscriber-linked spectrum allocation policy was flawed, as it allocated higher quantum of spectrum for areas which have lesser population density. For example, Orissa has a population density 283 times lower than Kolkata, but for both the places, the spectrum allocation criteria was the same.

Cross technology spectrum allocation

Can an operator be condemned with his initial choice of technology for all times to come? The answer is ‘No’. In any case DoT needs to give spectrum to the existing CDMA players, and under a technology neutral licence it should not matter to the government if further allocation is in the GSM or CDMA band, as long as the operator uses the allocated spectrum efficiently. COAI expects that CDMA players seeking further spectrum in GSM band should obtain a new licence, which is nothing but an absurd thinking.

Anti-competitive behaviour

Tariff reductions have always been initiated by either PSU operators (MTNL & BSNL) or CDMA operators (Reliance & Tata). Reliance’s ‘monsoon hungama’ on July 1, 2003, under which phones were provided for Rs 501, forced GSM operators to slash tariffs. Similarly, the lifetime scheme was triggered by Tata’s ‘Non-Stop Mobile’ scheme initiative in October 2005 under which free incoming calls were provided for two years without recharge. MTNL has made Delhi-Mumbai calls local and BSNL ushered in all-India calling at Rupee One.

We are yet to see any consumer-friendly initiatives from GSM operators. On the contrary, they have hiked tariff by 20% to 32.5% matching each others’ tariff. The cartelisation is evident from the fact that on the same date i.e., August 16, 2007, all the three private GSM operators of Delhi (Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea) informed Trai about the hike which was effected by them from the same date i.e., August 13, 2007. This hike is making them richer by Rs 300 crore every month.

(The author is a commentator on telecom)

Link Courtesy: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

[coolrajiv 1]

MNP will come around September 2008 not before that .. well better late than never i guess..

waiting eagerly for MNP & 3G now

[kesav 127]

A clear look over the 3G spectrum policy as announced by our telecom minister has raised serious doubts over the transperncy in auctioning process.

History::

Due to lack of vision in the minds of policy makers we've commited a huge mistake in 2G spectrum policy which can never be corrected due to legacy and litigations.

1) Non auction of spectrum -- This has caused deep loss in the exchequer of the govrnment and we're still unable to utilize the full market value of the spectrum

2) Not issuing license after spectrum allocation.

3) Not promoting spectrum efficient technologies

These 3 historic mistakes has to be rectified in the 3G spectrum policy.

Now::

Now we've very good oppurtunity not to commit same mistakes again.

Auctioning and Issuing license only to winners::

The potential bidders should be issued green cards after the all the required clearances are met in accordance with licensing terms.

Like NotWorth clearance, FDI clearnace, security clearnce(for foreign operators) etc.,

Only greencard holders should be allowed to participate in the auction.

The winners should immediately be licensed and should be asked to submit the bidded amount and license fee within stipulated time period. If any one of the bidders is unable to submit the amount then least failed bidder should be given the chance.

Promoting spectrum efficient technologies::

The CDMA spectrum in 800 MHz band for EV-DO applications would be treated separately from 2.1 GHz spectrum. If the CDMA based service provider(s) ask for the EV-DO carrier of 2 x 1.25 MHz, they would have to pay an amount proportionate to the highest bid for spectrum in 2.1 GHz band.

The above statement is clear violation of technology neutral approach.

How can someone on earth can eqaute 2*1.25 MHz to 10MHz spectrum?

Fixing market value of some other slot of spectrum to someother slot is totally irrational.

I could understand the concern here....It would unduly favour CDMA operators but that is technology's superiority after all.

Why punish a technology for being scalable? (2G & 3G on the same 800 MHz)

Why are we afraid of exposing the frequency band(2*1.25 MHz on 800MHz) for auction to determine market value?

If you're so concerned about incumbent operators(CDMA) vs green field operators(CDMA EvDO) then don't allow 800 MHz for 3G.

Just allow 1.9GHz for EVDO with inital allotment of 10 MHz similar to other 2 technologies.

If we're auctioning 2.1 GHz spectrum then 2*1.25 MHz spectrum earmarked for 3G should also be auctioned.

No where in earth would someone apply market value of one spice(cardamom) to another spice(chilly) just because they fall under the same category of spices.

In another major decision, the Government has decided to auction spectrum for Wi-Max services in the 2.5 Ghz band. Three operators would be given 10 Mhz each based on an ascending e-auction. The base price would be 25 per cent of the amount quoted by the highest bidder for 3G spectrum.

This implies that 2.5 Ghz band will be auctioned only after 2.1 GHz spectrum auction is over.

This is again not in the spirit of technology neutral approach.

Just in order to calculate the base price of this spectrum we're assiging some other's market value.

I propose to have all 3 technology spectrums' (1.9 Ghz, 2.1 GHz and 2.5 GHz) auctions starting at the very same second.

Once there's inactivity in any of the auctions for stipulated time then that auction has to be closed irrespective of other auctions.

This would help in providing serious beleiver's of technolgy their wanted spectrum.

Example ::

Operator X (less fortune) --> wants wimax(superior in that technology)

Operator Y (more fortune) --> wants HSDPA

If the auctions happens for HSPDA and WiMAX in succession it could lead to following situation

Y may loose the HSDPA due to tougher competition but can win wimax auction due to his financial muscle(although he's not beleiver of the technology) which in turn throws real serious wimax operator X out of the race.

If the auctions starts parallely then there would be chance that wimax bid may close early and hence X has chance to get the spectrum.

All the operators should be allowed to participate in any of the auctions. Rollout obligation and market share criteria(for discouraging monopoly) should be so strict that it would discourage operator from using more than 2 technologies.

Edited November 14, 2007 by kesav

[@ksh@T 20]

but every one will have to pay a fee for retaining number . . .they will sure create a cartel . . .lets c

[KumaarShah 143]

^^^

It was stipulated earlier that whoever wishes to retain their number and wants to switch operators, can do so by paying a fee of Rs 200, AFAIK. But then, if he again wants to switch operators, does he have to keep paying the fee?

IMHO, MNP will be scuttled once again as the GSM gangsters will definitely feel the heat, unbearable. And the time frame for implementation is far too long - by end 2008. Too, too long for comfort.

[milind2517 1]

Eagerly waiting to use my RIM no on GSM hanset.

Hope so this works out fast...!!!

Edited November 14, 2007 by milind2517

[@ksh@T 20]

Number portability will increase margins: Mittal

NEW DELHI: Chennai may miss mobile number portability (MNP) next year. While telecom minister A Raja has announced that MNP will be implemented in all the four metros — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Chennai — next year, sector regulator Trai which has been entrusted with the task of laying guidelines for the rollout is confronted with a unique roadblock.

Unlike the other three metros, Chennai is no longer a separate telecom circle following its merger with the Tamil Nadu circle last year, and it will therefore not be possible to implement MNP in just one city within a circle. Trai will present this position to the government within the next couple of days.

“This is a technological challenge. It may not be feasible to isolate Chennai from the rest of the circle,” explained a Trai source.

Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal on Wednesday told reporters that his company was prepared for MNP on a national basis, and added that its implementation would not impact margins, but may attract more subscribers from smaller telcos and also CDMA players switching to Airtel.

“It (MNP) will not affect our margins. We are hopeful that margins will increase as Bharti’s network would attract high value customers from CDMA networks,” Mr Mittal told the media on the sidelines of the CII Knowledge Summit.

Mr Mittal also added that MNP should be introduced in all circles, and not just the four metros. The logic being, “Competition in telcom circles outside the four metros is not so intense and therefore the need to implement MNP in these areas is more urgent,” he added.

[kesav 127]

ITU World Radiocommunication Conference concludes after four weeks.

International treaty sets future course for wireless.

Geneva, 16 November 2007 — The World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC-07) concluded its deliberations with the adoption of an international treaty to meet the global demand for radio-frequency spectrum.

Over 2800 delegates representing 164 Member States and 104 Observers attended the four-week Conference, marked by intense negotiations on the future of wireless communications. Rapid technological developments and growth in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector have fuelled the demand for spectrum.

The international treaty, known as Radio Regulations governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits were revised and updated by WRC-07 to achieve the global connectivity goals of the 21st Century.

Dr Hamadoun Touré, Secretary-General of ITU, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the Conference. "WRC-07 represents a major landmark for the future growth of the ICT industry, and everyone will benefit from the digital dividend that will emerge as a result of this Conference," he said.

"There is a convergence of the needs of developing countries and developed countries to reduce the digital divide and this is the main success of this WRC-07 conference," said Mr François Rancy, Chairman of WRC-07. "The Regional Groups fully collaborated to produce the spectrum identification for IMT — the concept that embraces advanced broadband mobile technology for use on a global basis."

WRC-07 addressed some 30 agenda items related to almost all terrestrial and space radio services and applications. These included future generations of mobile telephony, aeronautical telemetry and telecommand systems, satellite services including meteorological applications, maritime distress and safety signals, digital broadcasting, and the use of radio in the prediction and detection of natural disasters.

Key WRC-07 highlights:

International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)

Globally harmonized spectrum identified for use by International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) represents an important step in the worldwide development of IMT systems:

450−470 MHz band

698−862 MHz band in Region 2 and nine countries of Region 3

790−862 MHz band in Regions 1 and 3

2.3−2.4 GHz band

3.4−3.6 GHz band (no global allocation, but accepted by many countries)

Maritime procedures

WRC-07 successfully reviewed international regulations related to the maritime mobile service, bringing them in line with current maritime communications technology, including distress and safety transmissions within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Aeronautical services

Aimed at aeronautical security and modernization of civil aviation telecommunication systems:

Upgrade radiolocation service to primary allocation status in the bands 9000−9200 MHz and 9300−9500 MHz

allocate additional spectrum for aeronautical telecommand and high bit-rate aeronautical telemetry

add new allocations for the aeronautical mobile ® service

Earth-exploration satellite service (EESS)

WRC-07 extended existing primary frequency allocations for EESS, facilitating research and exploration of Earth resources and environmental elements. This was linked to furthering the development of science services. EESS are global assets that provide key services to monitor the planet as well as to predict and monitor natural disasters, meteorology and climate change.

WRC-07 also approved proposals concerning the use and further development of satellite systems using highly inclined orbits, high altitude platforms, as well as the compatibility and sharing between different space and terrestrial services.

Worldwide Plan for fixed-satellite service (FSS)

WRC-07 revised the technical and regulatory provisions for fixed-satellite service in the 800 MHz bandwidth used in different regions under varying climatic conditions for applications such as communications, TV, internet, etc. The revised Plan, based on the latest technological achievements, improves effectiveness of the Plan and facilitates access to the spectrum for FSS systems.

Emergency and disaster relief

WRC-07 advocated the development of spectrum management guidelines for radiocommunication in emergency and disaster relief as well as the identification and maintenance of available frequencies for use in the very early stages of humanitarian assistance intervention in the aftermath of disaster. ITU will develop a database for frequency management in disaster situations.

WRC-07 calls for enhancement of radio services

Enhancement of the international spectrum regulatory framework

Spectrum harmonization for use by terrestrial electronic news gathering (ENG)

Short Range Radio Devices, including devices using ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies, radio-frequency identification devices (RFID), and other similar applications that generate and use radio frequencies locally.

source :: http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2007/36.html

The key release which is specific to 3G spectrum is allocation of 450 MHz globally as IMT frequency band.

So in effect DoT is now forced to auction 450 MHz for 3G on the same date when 2.1 GHz, 2.5 GHz and possibly 1.9 GHz is auctioned.

450MHz is very and very important spectrum due its small capex required to establish completely new operation. It would certainly help green field operators of 3G.

Now DoT should not hide its head under the sand like ostrich. It has to clearly explain to parliament and to public why it cann't auction all the bands of IMT spectrum parallely.

[Arun 795]

3G spectrum services in six to nine months: TRAI

IRIS - 16 November 2007

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has said that advanced 3G spectrum services would be launched within the next 6-9 months in the country.

"The launch of the 3G spectrum services would also decongest the mobile telephone networks, which presently run on 2G spectrum," TRAI chairperson Nripendra Mishra said talking to UNI here this afternoon.

Speaking on the mobile number portability announced recently by the Telecom Ministry to be introduced next year, Mr Mishra said it would entail an investment of around Rs 900 crore for the telecom companies to upgrade their infrastructure to offer the service.

"A National Directory Inquiry would be set up to offer number portability, which would facilitate mobile phone consumers to switch their cell numbers between different operators," he explained.

Mr Mishra was here to address the Lucknow Management Association (LMA) Convention 2007 on 'Making of a Modern & Prosperous State -- Challenges & Strategies'.

The TRAI chief said India has the lowest mobile phone tariffs in the world, which was an outcome of competition and not regulation or government control.

Replying to a question, Mr Mishra admitted to the rivalry between the GSM and CDMA lobby over the issue of spectrum allocation, but noted that slowly convergence of technology was taking place.

"The CDMA operators including Reliance and Tata are also planning to launch GSM operations, subject to allocation of additional spectrum," he added.

Mr Mishra further said about six million mobile phone consumers had registered with the national Do Not Call (DNC) registry so far, out of the almost 225 million telecom subscribers in the country.

[kshah 452]

2100 Mhz means WCDMA. Means just 384 kbps (Sorry for some rimwebians for whom even GPRS is 3G ) . I think CDMA will still rule.

I am confused, wants to switch over to GSM but data speed scares me to switch over. May be same with many RIMWEB users.

Read this few pages so it clears that what should we have in future. GSM or CDMA?

http://www.novatelwireless.com/technology/umts-gprs.html

http://www.nokia.co.in/A4534107 (Read about data transfer speed atleast)

Edited November 18, 2007 by kshah

[Ramchi 0]

By the time we get 3G services, world would have moved to WiMax and we get all the sundry handsets at higher price ranges.

All these man made "drama" between CDMA Vs Trai Vs COAI Vs Dot Vs Government seems ONLY to delay 3G deployment by citing these as reasons.

None of the operators have balls indulging in xxpensive 3G rollout.

I am not sure whether 3G evolution has to happen to reach WiMAx/4Gen standards or is it possible to move to 4.5G or WiMax standards straightaway from present standards in India?

Incompetent government, corrupt Dot, clueless Trai will have to be guided by Mittals, Tatas, Ambanis whose only aim is to remain in the top 5 billionaires of the world!!!