GSM operators seek more frequency for 3G rollout

In a move that would delay the rollout of WiMax operations, the GSM operators in the country are seeking allocation of the 2.5-2.69 GHz frequencies for extension of their 3G operations. This is against the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT's) intentions of reserving the band for WiMax operations in the country.

The operators, through their association, the Cellular Operators Association of India, have moved the telecom ministry seeking allocation of the frequency.

COAI Director General TV Ramachandran told Business Standard: "We believe that 2.5-2.6 GHz of spectrum has been harmonised and identified by World Radio Communications (WRC) as the natural extension for 3G operations. Moreover, the present allocation of 2.1 GHz for GSM operations is not sufficient."

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has also earmarked this frequency as the extension band for terrestrial IMT-2000/3G systems (3G operations).

The compatibility issues on the frequency have not been resolved and the DoT should not permit WiMax operations on 2.5-2.69 MHz, until these are sorted out, the operators demanded.

The COAI has also written a letter to the telecom commission, stating that the DoT's national proposal should not be considered until the findings of the ITU on compatibility and interference for WiMax operations are available.

The COAI is believed to have written that even if the 2.1 GHz band is made fully available, it will not be sufficient to meet India's IMT 2000/3G spectrum requirements.

The spectrum in the IMT 2000 core band of 2.1 GHz is exhausted or is not adequate to meet the requirements of the operators in the country.

When asked whether this would delay the rollout of WiMax operations, Ramachandran said that WiMax operators were being allocated 3.4-3.6 GHz according to existing global practices. The spectrum is also being allocated in select places and WiMax is successfully running on it.

The association was also of the opinion that the 3.4-3.6 GHz band would be the band where the scale of economies and customer benefits could best realised for WiMax operations.