The government plans to defer the auction of mobile phone spectrum in the 900 MHz band with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) finally veering around to the defence ministry's view that refarming of these premium airwaves would hit the communication network of the armed forces.
The wireless adviser in DoT has told representatives of the defence ministry that "though Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has recommended refarming of 900 MHz band, there are no plans of DoT to immediately adopt it", according to the minutes of the inter-ministerial meeting held in September.
Representatives of the defence forces have also conveyed that the proposed move to allow wider use of 800 MHz by GSM operators "is not agreeable as it will infringe on the defence band". Currently, this band is used only by CDMA players.
A DoT official said that the defence ministry fears that any change in the current set-up in 900 MHz or 800 MHz band would cause trouble in its communications network.
"They have asked for more time from us so that they can adjust their network accordingly," a telecom ministry official said.
The official explained that refarming or auctioning of 900 MHz or changing the natural composition of 800 MHz spectrum band for GSM could affect the communication network of the armed forces.
As there is no demand for 800 MHz band from CDMA operators, Trai has recommended that this band should also be offered to GSM players. This would increase competition and result in a higher price in the auction. However, owing to the protest by CDMA operators such as Russia's SSTL, the Centre is avoiding the issue and wants the next government to take a call.
The wireless adviser in DoT has told representatives of the defence ministry that "though Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has recommended refarming of 900 MHz band, there are no plans of DoT to immediately adopt it", according to the minutes of the inter-ministerial meeting held in September.
Representatives of the defence forces have also conveyed that the proposed move to allow wider use of 800 MHz by GSM operators "is not agreeable as it will infringe on the defence band". Currently, this band is used only by CDMA players.
A DoT official said that the defence ministry fears that any change in the current set-up in 900 MHz or 800 MHz band would cause trouble in its communications network.
"They have asked for more time from us so that they can adjust their network accordingly," a telecom ministry official said.
The official explained that refarming or auctioning of 900 MHz or changing the natural composition of 800 MHz spectrum band for GSM could affect the communication network of the armed forces.
As there is no demand for 800 MHz band from CDMA operators, Trai has recommended that this band should also be offered to GSM players. This would increase competition and result in a higher price in the auction. However, owing to the protest by CDMA operators such as Russia's SSTL, the Centre is avoiding the issue and wants the next government to take a call.
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