The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today released a consultation paper on the fourth generation (4G) mobile services, which will usher in the next era of high speed wireless services.
Releasing the paper, the Trai said, "As third generation (3G) systems are being deployed in India, many operators in the developed countries are focusing on deploying further advanced system networks, called IMT-Advanced, to cater to the growing requirement of data, speed and content delivery."
International Mobile Telecommunications - Advanced (IMT-Advanced) systems are 4G mobile technologies that include improved performance capabilities that go beyond those of IMT-2000 (3G).
According to the International Telecommunication Union, the apex global body for telecom related subjects, the targeted peak data transfer speed for IMT-Advance technology will be up to 100 Megabit per second for high mobility and 1 Gigabit per second for low mobility.
At least 40 MHz is required for successful operation of 4G technology.
On February 10, 2010, Trai had issued a pre-consultation paper on this subject for seeking stakeholder comments.
Key issues raised in the consultation paper are suitable spectrum bands, block size of spectrum to be auctioned, maximum spectrum permitted to bidder, eligibility criteria for bidding, roll out obligations, spectrum usage charges, quality of service parameters, security issues, among others.
Last date for written comments on this consultation paper is September 20 and September 27 for counter-comments.
