ISP body seeks price push for wireless broadband

The Internet Service Providers' Association of India (ISPAI) is seeking a differential pricing structure for spectrum other than that used for GSM and CDMA services.

The association is seeking differential pricing for spectrum that could be used for wireless broadband, IP-based voice and data usage, and WiMax connectivity, especially for semi-urban and rural areas.

"We are seeking a differential pricing policy for spectrum for low average revenue per user (ARPU) and low-subscriber-density areas as it is necessary for development of these regions," ISPAI Secretary Deepak Maheshwari told Business Standard today.

ISPAI, which had submitted its suggestions in reply to a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) consultancy paper on spectrum, was looking at different pricing points for various frequencies starting from 1.8 GHz, 2.5 Ghz, 2.7 Ghz, 3.3 Ghz, 5.7 Ghz, 10.5 Ghz and 24.5 Ghz, among others.

The tariff should be based on the per capita income of the city as this would help untangle the concentration of spectrum-based voice and data usage in cities, Maheshwari said.

The association is hopeful that the regulator will consider the recommendations while formulating the spectrum policy. It is also hopeful that the government will also favour the proposal and enable it to become a regulation.

ISPAI is looking at popularising WiMax, mainly on the 3.3G frequency. It will also be looking at standardisation of WiMax, that is, creating a WiMax profile and certifying it.

ISPAI is also open to setting up a mesh-based network connecting various modes, including WiFi and WiMax, for faster and reliable connectivity.