3G CDMA Auction - DoT seeks intervention from Defense dept.

[kesav 127]

Raja seeks Antony’s help to secure defence airwaves for 3G-CDMA auctions

NEW DELHI: Telecom minister A Raja has sought defence minister AK Antony’s intervention to ensure that the armed forces vacate airwaves to enable the government to carry out 3G auctions for CDMA players.

This comes as the defence forces had recently rejected the telecom department’s demand to release third generation (3G) spectrum for CDMA operators, thereby ending the possibility of the government carrying out the auction of these airwaves.

Reliance Communications (RCOM), Tata Teleservices and Sistema Shyam offer mobile services on the CDMA platform. The recently-concluded 3G auctions, which enable telcos to offer high-end services such as ultra-fast internet, interactive gaming and videoconferencing on mobiles, were held in the 2.1-GHz frequency band. GSM operators migrate to this band for offering 3G services. The government garnered over `67,000 crore from the 3G airwaves auction. Telecom companies are slated to bring 3G services on the GSM platform, beginning this month.

Mr Raja has told his counterpart in the defence ministry that the 1,900-MHz band could not be given for defence use as it represents the only growth path for CDMA operators to deploy 3G services. “Your kind intervention in the matter is required,” Mr Raja’s communication to the defence minister added.

CDMA companies can offer 3G services in three frequency bands — 450 MHz, 800 MHz and 1,900 MHz. They currently offer services on the 800 MHz band, which has been largely exhausted, ruling out the possibility of using these airwaves for the auction.

The telecom minister has also raised objections to reserving airwaves for the armed forces in the 1,427-1,500-MHz band, stating that allocation for the defence forces in these frequencies should be considered on a case-to-case basis.

“The frequency band of 1,427-1,500 MHz stands assigned to PSUs, state government, All India Radio for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint networks. Future technologies are also likely to be developed for commercial applications as work is in progress at ITU level and India cannot remain isolated from such development. Hence, it is desirable to exclude this band from (the) defence band,” Mr Raja added in his communication, that was reviewed by ET.

Mr Raja has also asked Mr Antony to ensure that the defence forces keep their commitment on releasing 10 MHz of 2G spectrum, the frequencies on which all mobile services are delivered currently. As per an MoU that both the ministries had entered into last year, the defence was slated to release 10 MHz of 2G spectrum in phases, based on the progress of the alternate communication network that BSNL and MTNL are jointly building for the forces. DoT has sought immediate release on the ground that 90% work of the alternate fibre backbone has been completed.

These developments come even as the communications ministry favours having an independent regulator for wireless radio spectrum with overarching powers, including the right to regulate airwaves in the hands of the armed forces. This move will almost certainly invite the ire of the armed forces which will be loath to cede oversight of the crucial resource. ET had first reported last week that Mr Raja was batting for an independent telecom regulator.

source :: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/telecom/Raja-seeks-Antonys-help-to-secure-defence-airwaves-for-3G-auctions/articleshow/6849233.cms

IMHO, A.K.Antony is a non-performing asset in the current Govt.

He never showed any courage in dealing with armed forces. He just parrots whatever is said by Armed Forces Chiefs without applying any mind to it.

His adamant attitude and inflexibility has really caused havoc in our telecommunication growth.

Let us hope at least this time he'll show some maturity and magnanimity which we associate to his age & seniority in the Govt.

Not releasing the spectrum which were earmarked in NFAP and ITU for commercial telecommunication for more than 3 years is unjustifiable.

[Karthik R 246]

AK Antony was once pursued and asked by a newspaper on what he plans to do with the then-rampant corruption in the defense department. He had then assumed the office. His well intended innocent reply might shock you, ''I will streamline the corruption'' What do you expect him to do when this proposal comes up to him?? Also Vodafone is now lobbying to see to it that dual technology players - Rel and Tata, are not allotted anymore spectrum giving insane propositions like using 1800mhz for CDMA!

[retro182 1]

Does this mean than a GSM 3G Auction will take place for CDMA players?

[kesav 127]

No. It's CDMA 3G auction for all players.

[kesav 127]

Let us hope that our Kapil Sibal does not loose focus on this key issue due to chaos happening in DoT now...........

Let us hope Kapil Sibal has wit to tame A.K. Antony, immovable property of the govt.

[gmkarthikeyhan 2]

No. It's CDMA 3G auction for all players.

How it is possible for all players for CDMA 3G auction...?

So is that all players gonna start CDMA service????

[kesav 127]

The choice exist for all players. Airtel can also win CDMA 3G auction and can start CDMA 3G operation.

But as we know only CDMA players will be interested in exercising the option.

[Karthik R 246]

Do you think that Reliance and Tata are looking forward to the auction of CDMA 3G waves? After the hole that the GSM 3G counterparts dug on their pockets? I think that now only MTS is a serious contender for CDMA upliftment and development.

[kesav 127]

Ever growing list in this page makes me think otherwise.

[santhoshavanoor 7]

Why Indian authorities are not looking future requirements of Telecom Spectrum availability?