Gsm Players Plan To Use Existing Spectrum For 3g

[Arun 795]

The Hindu Business Line

Thursday, Apr 23, 2009

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.

[Honest 836]

Thats some good news my dear friends. Hope Gsm players too start 3G services soon, in the benefit of subscriber.

[savramesh 37]

thats a good news for customers.. lets see who can give a good tariff plan..

[ravi_patent 28]

on one hand they are crying abt not having enough spectrum and now they r ready to launch services which need dedicated spectrum.by doing so they will be weakening their own case in front of courts and govt abt the lack of spectrum

[savramesh 37]

will this move lead to network congestion ?

[ravi_patent 28]

^

who cares? TRAI has no powers..sell sims dirt cheap to acquire spectrum and use it for data services of HIGH end customers.perfect business strategy given the way govt is dragging its feet on 3g spectrum and the looming threat of TATA and RELIANCE

Edited April 23, 2009 by ravi_patent

[me_saket 73]

i think rcom his having excess spectrum due to CEP, so they can go for 3g on GSM, they will be first who will take advantage of this scheme

[pasumark 51]

Only the new players have excess spectrum. All old players like Airtel, Vodofone, etc even donot have spectrum to give voice service, I dont know how they r going to launch these?

[kshah 452]

I believe for precise assessment of spectrum crunch / requirement, all life time connections need to be converted to 6 months validity. Then after 6 months user can extend it to another one year upon payment. I am sure teledensity then will drop to 50%

Vodafone is one of the most miser company as far as investments are concern, hence their services are pathetic. They have been successful in creating premium brand image.