Dual Mode Devices To Drive Growth Of Wimax In India

[savramesh 37]

Economic Times

3 May 2009, 1249 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: Mobile handsets offering both 3G (for voice) and WiMax (highspeed wireless broadband access) services are likely to gain popularity with the Indian telecom operators and give a fillip to WiMax services in the country.

The dual mode devices which combine both the technology - 3G and WiMax - would help the operators in the country to offer the services in a cost effective manner once the spectrum for the services is auctioned by the government post the elections, WiMax Forum Chairman (India chapter) C S Rao said.

"In India once the spectrum is auctioned, the operators are likely to go for 3G spectrum for voice services as the existing spectrum is saturated and to support the next 200 million subscribers they have to use the third generation spectrum," he said.

However, for data services like video streaming and downloading WiMax could be used, as the technology is more efficient for data download and other applications, he said.

Globally, Samsung has already started manufacturing such devices.

However, Rao cautioned that the government should reduce the import duty, currently about 15 per cent, on such devices so that they become cost effective.

The price points for the devices can range from $50 to $150, whereas a 3G device could cost around $200.

The e-governance project of the government is also another factor which is likely to boost WiMax services in the country.

"Lack of fixed line infrastructure makes WiMax technology an attractive proposition as it can be deployed easily and relatively inexpensively," he added.

The cost of setting a WiMax base station is around 14,000 dollars against 35,000 dollars for setting up 3G base stations. WiMax and 3G spectrum auctions are expected to held once the new government resolves issues with regard to reserve price.

Rao said that he expects the auction to take place within two months of the new government coming to power. "Notwithstanding which political party comes to power they are likely to settle the issue within two months," Rao said.

WiMax or the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunication technology that provides wireless transmission of data without cables and even while on the move.